Carla Houser, Executive Director of RYSE
On behalf of the RYSE Board of Directors, I am very pleased to announce that Carla Houser has been named the new Executive Director of RYSE. Carla most recently served as program manager for the Youth Outreach Drop In Center (YO! House) and Teen clinic, operated jointly by Waikiki Health and Hale Kipa. Her experience is uniquely suited to lead this organization. With more than 20 years of experience working with young people, Carla brings a strong mix of strategic vision, familiarity with the Oahu homeless youth community, and passion for the mission and the youth we serve.
The board could not be more excited about this announcement. We believe Carla’s impressive background with program development, as well as her background in social work and education give her a unique perspective to support RYSE in its continuing success in transforming the lives of youth trapped in homelessness.
As Executive Director, Carla will oversee the ongoing development of the RYSE strategic plan and will work closely with the board and executive committee on its execution. She will also lead the RYSE staff and volunteers in providing services to at-risk youth at its Windward access center and on the streets of Oahu.
Carla started in her new role on September 1st, 2017, and is thrilled to be joining a strong team dedicated to providing prevention and intervention services to youth at risk.
“I am overjoyed to lead this agency and a team of service providers and community members that understand the intricacies of working with this population,” Carla said. “I look forward to growing the tremendous partnerships we’ve established and leading the charge to better coordinate the array of medical and social services to serve these awesome kids and put them on a path to a brighter future.”
Carla’s passion for our mission ensures she will be integral in driving forward the vision that all of Hawaii’s youth have safe housing, supportive relationships, and the opportunity for self-sufficiency and success.
Sincerely,
Jane Anderson, Acting President
