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April 4, 2023After 13 years of dedicated service and founding Sister José Women’s Center, CEO Jean Fedigan, has transitioned into the newly created role of Chief Mission Officer. While volunteering on soup patrol, Jean noticed that there was not an emergency shelter for women and rallied the community to change this reality. She has worked to provide nutritious meals, clean clothes, and safe spaces for women who are unhoused. We are deeply grateful to Jean for founding the center and advocacy for a more just world.
“I am excited to have Nicola Hartmann lead our team at the center as CEO," said Jean Fedigan. "This change will allow me to be more present in the community to serve the poorest among us. I look forward to sharing our work and programs with all.”
During Jean’s leadership, the center grew to a staff of 30. The center can accommodate 42 overnight guests and 70 women who come in off the streets for day services. Jean’s vision and commitment to the greater Tucson area has impacted countless lives, all done with love, grace, and the ability to see the best in others.
“As Jean begins the next exciting chapter of her life, we are all delighted that she will remain involved as Chief Mission Officer and are excited for Nicola Hartmann’s leadership as the new CEO. Change is never easy, but I am confident that we are in good hands and that our community will continue to support Sister José’s and those we serve," said Shelley Watson, Chair of the Board of Directors and Senior Vice President/COO Southern Arizona Leadership Council.
Nicola Hartmann has been named as Sister José’s second CEO in the organization’s history. Nicola joined the center 19 months ago as Chief Operations Officer and has served women with love, has built trusting relationships, and is stepping into the role with a deep understanding of how to serve the most vulnerable in the community.
“I have been fortunate to work with Jean and the team of volunteers and staff for more than a year and a half," said Nicola Hartmann. "I look forward to continuing Jean’s legacy as a center of love where unhoused women are treated with dignity, respect, and kindness. No one should have to sleep on the streets. Working to end homelessness is challenging, but we can make this happen together.”
Sister José’s Legacy of Love, an annual event held in April, will explore the center’s history and celebrate Jean. If you would like to make a gift in honor of Jean’s commitment to women who are unhoused, please visit https://www.srjosewomensshelter.org/donate/. Please contact Emily Bridson at [email protected] and (520) 332-2713 for more information.About Sister José Women’s Center
Founded in 2009 by Jean Fedigan, Sister José’s is dedicated to the care and nurture of women who are unhoused in a welcoming and safe environment. We are a community built upon the values of compassion, dignity, and respect. For many of our guests, we are home. Our offerings include: emergency shelter, meals, clothing, showers, day programs, and a pet-friendly environment. For more information or to tour our facility, please contact Emily Bridson at [email protected] and (520) 909-3905.
Facebook: @sisterjose
Twitter: @jose_women
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Website: www.sisterjose.org