Dennis Barton, Speakers Bureau Coordinator

Dennis came to the Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing after graduating from the 26th class of the Educational Outreach Program at Catholic Charities in 2002. Since that time he has been a member of IAHH's Speakers' Bureau and has served as the coordinator of the Bureau since 2007. Dennis was elected to IAHH's Board of Directors in 2004. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board and sits on the executive and outreach committees. Dennis is a member and Deacon at Middle Collegiate Church and serves on the Consistory of the Collegiate Dutch Reformed Church of New York City.

Lisa Sperber

Lisa graduated in 2007 from Catholic Charities, Educational Outreach Program. Lisa is enrolled in the Easter Seals Program and is working with the senior community on various art projects. She is also very active at All Angels Church, where she is a leader at their newly opened café.

Anthony Assent

Anthony is a recent graduate of Catholic Charities Educational Outreach Program. “This program put life back into perspective for me and now I am following God’s plan. It is my time to give back what was so generously given to me." Anthony has devoted his career to social services and has worked closely with those suffering from HIV/AIDS, drug and alcohol dependency and the homeless community. Anthony is hoping to reignite his career in case management specializing in the youth population.

Jacqueline Smith

Jackie is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier Education Outreach Program. She is an active Interfaith Assembly speaker bureau member and enjoys sharing her story in hopes of inspiring others. Jackie has a beautiful voice and is often found singing her favorite childhood song “church in the valley, church in the valley, when I die church in the valley, my mother came to see me, my daddy came to see me." Jackie aspires to have a career in singing so that she can carry out her mom’s legacy. Jackie says, "I love my life and America and I want to do for America and for others. I am a giver and I have a whole lot more giving to do. I give my life to God and whatever he wants of me I will do."

Harold Davis

Harold is a recent graduate of the Panim el Panim Life Skills Empowerment Program. He was deeply impacted by the program and as a result is working toward his GED. Harold is a member of the Interfaith Assembly's Speaker Bureau and has shared his story at several schools. Harold looks forward to continue to share his story with as many youths as possible.

Showaye Selassie

Showaye is a graduate of Catholic Charities Educational Outreach Program. She has been an active volunteer at the Interfaith Assembly for over a year and will be the child care facilitator for Living Well, a Life Skills Empowerment Program to help women who have become homeless as a result of domestic violence. Showaye recently completed her Associate's degree in ophthalmic dispensing and is excited to begin her career at Target Optical.

Henry Gray

Henry is a graduate of the 19th class of St. Francis Xavier's Educational Outreach Program.

Jean Pannell

Jean is a recent graduate of the Panim el Panim Life Skills Empowerment Program. Panim el Panim inspired Jean to want to give back to her community and help those less fortunate. She has been volunteering at the Interfaith Assembly since her graduation and she is working toward her GED. Jean is an active member at All Angels Church, she is in the choir and is a leader at the Wellness Cafe. Jean also is a greeter and usher at All Angels and cooks their annual Christmas dinner: “I find my inspiration in helping other people”.

Wayne Harrison

Wayne is a graduate of Panim el Panim Life Skills Empowerment Program. He currently serves on the board of the Interfaith Assembly, is an active member of All Angels Church and is a leader at the “Wellness Group” for Our Place. Wayne ran in the April marathon to raise donations for church missions.

Edna Humphrey

Edna is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier's Educational Outreach Program. She volunteers at her Church, East 7 Baptist by preparing meals for the homeless, watching children and participating in clothes drives. During the week she volunteers at the Interfaith Assembly. Marc Greenberg, Director at the Interfaith Assembly said “Edna is the most reliable person in the world. Edna is an integral part of the Interfaith team and holds various responsibilities but it is her smile and strength that keeps us all in line."

John David Madison

John David Madison is a graduate of the Life Skills Empowerment Program. He is a devout husband and proud father of John David Madison, Jr.

Arnold Presha

Arnold is a graduate of Catholic Charities, Educational Outreach Program. He currently serves on the board of the Interfaith Assembly and is an active member of Graffiti Church. He belongs to Graffiti Men of God, a group that assists the youth and adult population in serving others and helping them find a way to serve their community. Arnold is working with the New York City Department of Health in their customer service department.

Lawrence Taylor ("LT")

Lawrence, or LT as his friends call him, graduated in 2009 from Catholic Charities, Educational Outreach Program. LT serves on the board for Midnight Run and was recently published in Reflection Magazine.

Akira Tsuchiya

Akira is a graduate of the Panim el Panim, Life Skills Empowerment Program. He was recently baptized at All Angels Church, and currently works at their Shelter “Pathway Sunday’s”. Akira, was a mentor for the Interfaith Assembly's, Panim el Panim Life Skills Empowerment Program for his friend Emilio.

Akira will be running in his second marathon next month to raise proceeds for Church Missions. Akira enjoys going to the Met and spending time with his friends. “I get my inspiration from Jesus Christ and my congregation of All Angels Church”. I live by the saying “A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open”.