A Message from the Board of Directors

Dear Pivotal Point Friends and Supporters,

It is with deep gratitude and a mix of emotions that the Pivotal Point Board of Directors announce the upcoming retirement of our Executive Director Melissa Frakes, effective September 2024.

Melissa has led our organization with unwavering dedication and compassion for Pivotal Point residents and staff. Under her leadership, Pivotal Point has transformed into an organization that offers hope and positively impacts the lives of countless individuals and families to overcome homelessness and pursue self-sufficiency.

In 2017, Melissa joined Hillcrest in St. Joseph, an organization that offers supportive services for those who are homeless or insecurely housed to achieve sustainable independence. Also in 2017, the St. Joseph branch of Hillcrest officially became Pivotal Point Transitional Housing, a process that had been planned and finalized by both organizations.

As executive director of Pivotal Point, Melissa led the expansion of services that included:

• Purchasing the 3008 Parkway A house, which houses offices and the Life Skills Center for Pivotal Point
• Improving the Adult Program and processes
• Purchasing the Graduate House in 2021 on Renick Street
• Overseeing the Youth Campaign in January 2022, which resulted in the groundbreaking of the Youth Transitional Home in September 2022
• Officially opening the Youth Transitional Home in August 2023
• More than tripling Pivotal Point Thrift Shoppe sales since 2018

Beyond those accomplishments, Melissa embodies the mission of Pivotal Point. Her commitment to the dignity and potential of every person experiencing homelessness—to be the hand up to those in need—has been a constant source of inspiration for our staff, volunteers, and the community at large. “What a blessing to work for this Christ-centered organization in a community that believes in second chances for those in generational poverty, addiction and abuse,” said Melissa. “It has been an honor to see radical transformation in the lives of our adults, and now teenagers.”

While we are saddened by Melissa's departure, we also celebrate her well-deserved retirement. We are confident the foundation built will ensure the continued success of Pivotal Point. In the coming weeks, we will announce a plan for a smooth transition and the search for our next Executive Director.

With heartfelt thanks,
The Board of Directors and Staff of Pivotal Point

For More Information

Please join our ministry in praying for the next person to fill this vital role in our organization. Pray that we are faithful and led by spiritual discernment as we begin this process.

We ask that you please share this request with your church families and congregations.

For more information regarding the Executive Director's position, please find the job description linked below. If you have any additional inquiries regarding the Executive Director position, or if you'd like to submit a resume or cover letter please forward your submissions to our search committee at: pivotalpointapply@gmail.com