Rachel Bleecker joined Lutheran Social Services of New York in April of 2007 and accepted the role as Executive Director for Residential Services in January of 2021. As the Executive Director, Ms. Bleecker is responsible for the development, operation, and delivery of services in our 6 residential programs located in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Throughout these sites, approximately 500 individuals are served on a daily basis as we strive to help each of our participants to reach their full potential. In late 2022, Ms. Bleecker helped to expand the residential portfolio to include Shelter Services. Ms. Bleecker currently oversees these programs, which include 3 emergency shelters, providing housing and social service support to 277 asylum-seeking, newcomer families. Also, in 2023, LSSNY, under Ms. Bleecker’s leadership, were selected for and assumed the responsibility for the operation of a city-owned shelter, serving 75 homeless families in the Bronx. With these new programs, our reach has grown to include approximately 2,000 individuals served daily throughout residential and shelter services. Ms. Bleecker is a compassionate leader who is committed to LSSNY's mission of dismantling the causes and effects of persistent poverty and social injustice. Her hard work and dedication are evident in her continued honors and awards throughout her career. Ms. Bleecker graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Pre-professional Sociology from the State University of New York College at Oneonta in 1999. Even back then, she was on the Sociological Honor Society and was awarded Outstanding Performance in an Internship at her graduation. In 2004, Ms. Bleecker graduated with a Master of Social Work degree from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, where she also served as President of the Student Government Association. She is a licensed NYS Social Worker and has been involved in many important projects and has participated in several speaking engagements with our funders. Ms. Bleecker prides herself in cultivating leadership in others, fostering creativity and innovation amongst her team of thought leaders, celebrating success, and employing a strength-based approach with both participants and staff as well as building strong relationships with individuals, families, and leaders. Ms. Bleecker worked for 7 years prior to joining LSSNY at SCO Family of Services, serving children and youth in their Office of Mental Health programs, including Family Based Treatment and their Residential Treatment Facility.