5 Ways The Lighthouse Sheakley Center Is Redefining Youth Homelessness In Cincinnati (2025 Update)
The Lighthouse Sheakley Center for Youth stands as a critical lifeline for young adults facing homelessness in the Greater Cincinnati area, and as of December 2025, the organization is undergoing a significant leadership transition that signals a new era for its crucial mission. The center, a flagship initiative of Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, is not just a temporary shelter; it is a comprehensive hub designed to transition young people from the instability of the streets to permanent, self-sufficient housing. By focusing on a holistic model that combines emergency shelter with long-term supportive services, the Sheakley Center is actively redefining the approach to youth homelessness.
This deep dive into the Sheakley Center’s operations and recent updates, current as of late 2025, reveals why it remains a nationally recognized model for providing dignity and stability to a vulnerable population. The center’s success is built on a foundation of personalized care, strategic partnerships, and a clear, measurable goal: to end youth homelessness, not just manage it.
Executive Leadership at Lighthouse Youth & Family Services (2025 Transition)
The operational success and strategic direction of the Lighthouse Sheakley Center for Youth are guided by the leadership of its parent organization, Lighthouse Youth & Family Services (LYFS). A major leadership transition took place in late 2025, marking a significant moment in the nonprofit's history.
Paul Haffner (Retiring President & CEO)
- Role: President and Chief Executive Officer (Retiring).
- Tenure: Led the Cincinnati nonprofit since 2016.
- Key Achievement: Instrumental in creating and implementing various programs aimed at ending youth homelessness, including the development and expansion of the Sheakley Center.
- Retirement Date: Scheduled to retire on December 31, 2025, after years of dedicated service to the organization’s mission.
George Guy (New President & CEO)
- Role: Incoming President and Chief Executive Officer.
- Effective Date: Assumed the role effective December 1, 2025.
- Significance: His appointment is expected to usher in a new chapter of growth and innovation for Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, ensuring the continuation of vital programs like the Sheakley Center.
Key Executive Team Members
- Thuy Kolik: Vice President & CFO/Chief Administrative Officer.
- Cathy Goold: Vice President / Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
- Doug Bierer: Chair of the Lighthouse Youth & Family Services Board.
The Sheakley Center Model: More Than Just a Bed
The Lighthouse Sheakley Center for Youth, located at 2314 Iowa Avenue in Cincinnati, is named in honor of major supporters Larry and Rhonda Sheakley and is the cornerstone of Lighthouse’s homeless youth services continuum. It specifically targets young adults aged 18 to 24 who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness and are motivated to achieve stable housing.
1. Emergency Shelter and Resource Center
The facility provides immediate relief and a safe haven. The center is equipped with 36 shelter bedrooms to offer emergency accommodations for those who have nowhere else to go. Within the building, the Resource Center serves as a drop-in safe place, offering services not only to the residents but also to homeless teenagers and young adults in the community, providing a crucial entry point to long-term support.
2. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
A key differentiator of the Sheakley Center is its integration of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). The center includes 39 apartments, a critical component that allows young people to transition directly from emergency shelter to affordable, stable homes, all within the same supportive environment. This initiative is a partnership with organizations like Fairfield Homes, Inc., focusing on a permanent solution rather than a revolving door of temporary fixes for youth homelessness.
3. Integrated Social and Clinical Services
Every young person at the Sheakley Center receives personalized care and unconditional support. The social services provided are intensive and comprehensive, addressing the root causes of homelessness. These services include mental health therapy, substance abuse counseling, job readiness training, educational support, and financial literacy programs. The goal is to equip residents with the skills and confidence necessary for long-term independence and responsibility.
The Latest Impact: Key Outcomes and Innovative Programs
The Sheakley Center’s model continues to yield impressive results, demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing the complex challenges of youth homelessness in Cincinnati. The latest data available underscores the center's vital role in the community.
4. Measurable Success in Ending Homelessness
The center’s focus on permanent housing is reflected in its outcomes. According to a United Way update, a significant 75% of youth who completed the program did not return to homelessness, a powerful indicator of the program's long-term success. Furthermore, in Fiscal Year 2024, the center provided shelter and services to 306 young adults, showcasing the high demand and critical need for its resources.
5. Innovative Legal and Educational Partnerships
To remove systemic barriers to employment and stable housing, the Sheakley Center hosts innovative partnerships. One notable program is the "Expungement Blitz" sessions, held in collaboration with the Hamilton County Juvenile Court. These sessions allow young adults to address and clear minor juvenile records, which often pose significant obstacles to securing jobs and housing, thus providing a true clean slate for their future. This proactive approach helps residents move past their history and focus on their potential.
The Future of Youth Services in Cincinnati
With the transition to new President and CEO George Guy in December 2025, Lighthouse Youth & Family Services is poised to expand its reach and continue its mission to advance the dignity and well-being of children, youths, and families in need. The Sheakley Center's successful integration of emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and comprehensive social services remains the blueprint for tackling youth homelessness. The center's ongoing success stories, often highlighted in the Lighthouse newsletter, serve as powerful testaments to the impact of community support and dedicated frontline volunteers. Through continuous innovation and strong community partnerships, the Lighthouse Sheakley Center for Youth is not just housing the homeless—it is building futures.
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