WHO WE ARE
The Isabella County Restoration House (ICRH) has grown out of a concern for the underlying causes of homelessness. While the ICRH, its community partners, and the guests work toward eliminating those causes, we realize the need is immediate and urgent for individuals who need shelter. Our short-term goal is to provide a safe, warm place for those in our community who need shelter for as many winter nights as possible.
In three years of providing emergency shelter, the ICRH has experienced exponential growth in guests from an average of 9 guests per night in the inaugural season of 2012-2013, to 25 guests in 2016-2017. There is clear evidence that homelessness in Isabella County is real and the need for emergency shelter is on the rise.
RYAN GRIFFUS
Executive DirectorRyan Griffus is the Executive Director of the ICRH. Ryan served as a child welfare worker (CPS, Foster Care, CPS Supervisor) for the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for 10 years. He also served for two years as a child welfare worker for the Anishnaabeg Child & Family Services Department of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Ryan attended Central Michigan University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Psychology. He earned a Master’s Degree in Management from Davenport University. He is also certified in Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy. Ryan is passionate about ensuring the safety, well-being, dignity and respect of ALL of Isabella County citizens. Ryan enjoys collaborating with many incredible and compassionate community partners to end homelessness in Isabella County.
989-854-0183
SHERRY PULVERENTE
Volunteer CoordinatorCommunity minded. Compassionately driven. Sherry has roots in Mt. Pleasant that go back several generations. Owner and creator of the Keep Local 989 movement and the Director of Advertising & Photography of The TAB Magazine, she has a deep connection to our local community and strives to make a positive impact. Sherry is not afraid to dive in head first to get the community excited and involved in helping, giving and loving their local, small town.
Sherry is married and together, she and her husband have 4 children. She enjoys photography, traveling (especially to the UP) and adores her rescue animals.
CRAIG TORGERSON
Shelter CoordinatorCraig grew up at Lake Isabella, Michigan and graduated from Chippewa Hills High School in 2003. Immanuel Lutheran was where he was baptized and confirmed. Craig is a Central Michigan University grad. He has degrees in Organizational Communication and Leadership. He and his wife, Claire, were married in 2010 in Memphis, TN. They have four children; Enoch, Elijah, Elisabet (they call her Grace) and Ethan. They moved back to Lake Isabella in June of 2015. Craig began working at Immanuel Lutheran at the end of August, 2016.
SAMANTHA CAMPBELL
Shelter CoordinatorSamantha is a wife and mother of three. Currently Samantha is working on both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Human Service. Samantha is formerly a deacon with Mt. Pleasant Community Church. She is currently serving as a board member for the Christian Counseling Center in Mt. Pleasant. Samantha has worked as a volunteer, helping when the ICRH makes its way to the doors of Community Church. She has a heart to serve, and to help educate the community with hopes to end homelessness in Isabella and surrounding counties.
CRYSTAL OLSON
Shelter Coordinator
JESSIE BLACK
InternOriginally from Milford, Connecticut, Jessie is a senior at Central Michigan University. She is pursuing Bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in substance abuse and completing the 400-hour social work field practicum at Isabella County Restoration House. Jessie has volunteered with the organization for the last two seasons—this will be her 3rd season with ICRH.
THE BOARD
Katherine Anderson
Norma Bailey
Deborah Clark
Ben Evers
Jim Hageman
Dana Hendershot
Joyce Henricks
Kristen Kendrick
Angelina Maney
Peggy Martin
Kim McBride
Kelly Murphy
Terrie Zitzelsberger
