New Board Member

by NewsBeat

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. is pleased to announce the inception of our newest Board Member, Ms. Benita DeFrank. Ms. DeFrank, Housing Manager for the City of Pomona has worked in the field of housing and human services for over 20 years. Her area of specialty is providing permanent supportive housing for persons with disabilities, in particular persons living with mental illness.

When Ms. DeFrank, not a stranger to B.R.I.D.G.E.S., was asked why she was interested in joining B.R.I.D.G.E.S.’ Board, she expressibly said, “This agency created the foundation for my career and I would like the opportunity to give back”. Ms. DeFrank started her career with B.R.I.D.G.E.S. in 1984 as a night counselor. From that modest start, she achieved leadership status with Braswell Enterprises as the Director of First Step Housing, and later served in the capacity of Project Director for Services Center for Independent Living (SCIL). In 2000 Ms. DeFrank embarked on a new challenge, joining the City of Pomona and achieved high regard in her position of Homeless Services Coordinator. Today, Ms. DeFrank serves as the City of Pomona’s Housing Manager.

Ms. DeFrank has been a committed community leader in the San Gabriel Valley area for about 20 years. Her notable list of collaborative achievements include:

• LA County 10 year Plan to End Homelessness 2002-2006
• UnitedWay Family Matters Committee 2003-2004
• LA/Orange County Collaborative HMIS 2001-2005
• Chair, East San Gabriel Valley Homeless Consortium 1998-2004
• Chair, Pomona Continuum of Care Coalition 1998-2002
• Member, Tri-City Mental Health Advisory Board 1996-2004
• Board Member, California for Mental Health Education and Research, Inc. 1992-2000

Ms. DeFrank brings to B.R.I.D.G.E.S. a wealth of knowledge, community resources, and enthusiasm for success. B.R.I.D.G.E.S. is proud to welcome Benita DeFrank to the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. team!