Measuring the Impact of Long Term Change

Featuring David Rout

Executive Director of Homeward Alliance

David Rout worked for several years as a journalist after graduating with his Bachelor’s degree but soon became involved in social work through volunteering at the Sexual Assault Victim Advocates (SAVA) center in Fort Collins. This volunteer work was the driving force behind David’s decision to pursue a Masters of Social Work from Colorado State University. As a part of the degree program, David completed internships with Hand Up and Homeless Gear, programs that later developed into pieces of Homeward Alliance.

As Homeward Alliance was founded, David joined the team in 2012 as one of the organization’s first employees, becoming Executive Director in 2014. The Homeward Alliance exists to empower individuals and families who face homelessness to survive, move forward and thrive. They operate a continuum of programs and initiatives for families, adults, and seniors in the community, such as basic needs, housing-focused case management, behavioral health and employment services. Programs include Resource Navigation, Family Services, Distribution, Parole Re-Entry, Employment Services, Bike Repair, Mobile Laundry, the Homeless Management Information System, and the Housing 1st Initiative. Homeward Alliance operates the Murphy Center and Mason Place, locations for core human services, day shelters, health clinics, partner agencies, on-site case management, and residential services.

As the Executive Director of Homeward Alliance, David has led the organization to grow from a small grassroots organization to Northern Colorado’s leading agency addressing homelessness. David is a visionary leader dedicated to transforming bold ideas into impactful realities, driving innovation, and inspiring change. In addition to overseeing the organization’s programs and services, David works to advance best practices and systemic strategies aimed at making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.

David’s words of wisdom to other nonprofit leaders? “It takes a long time but I’ve seen system-level change happen, and that’s where my passion comes from - this cumulative effect of the work we’ve done as a community in the last 10 years, and I am able to look back and see where we are today.”

Leading with Purpose to Encourage Hope and Courage

Featuring Wendy lee

Executive Director of Turning Point Center for Youth and Family Development

Wendy Lee was born and raised in Dolores, Colorado, and moved to Fort Collins to attend college in 1990. She graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in adolescents and a Master's degree in Social Work. Wendy continues to be involved in the Colorado State University Psychology department, teaching in the Master’s in Addiction Counseling program. She is a mother of three daughters and wife to a fireman Battalion Chief.

Wendy is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and a licensed Addiction Counselor, starting her career at an adolescent residential treatment center. This experience, according to Wendy, “prepared me for what would become my greatest strength as a counselor-the ability to reach into a person’s heart and help them become the person they know they want to be and are capable of becoming. I take no credit for changing people. I simply help my clients find the courage to face the vulnerabilities about themselves… and then change from within for a lifetime.”

Wendy worked at the Turning Point Center for Youth and Family Development early in her career and returned 19 years later to an impactful role as Clinical Director. In April 2024, Wendy became the Executive Director. According to colleague Annie Lindgren, "Wendy handles challenges with grace and collaboration, and I am grateful to be part of the dream team coming together under her leadership."

Turning Point is a Fort Collins & Greeley Mental health nonprofit organization that fosters meaningful connections, growth, and wellness through personalized services for individuals, families, and communities impacted by trauma, mental health, and substance use challenges, through an adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, individual and family therapy, coaching and family services, and DUI and DWAI classes. 

What drives Wendy? “Many people want to change. It is my goal to help individuals and families break the cycle of suffering, and identify the obstacles that are blocking their journey to a happy and successful life. I help you find hope and courage so that you can do the rest.”