About Us
Welcome Home Collaborative is a Christian-based, 501c3 nonprofit organization (tax ID #27-4503749), providing transitional housing and a life coach program for the homeless and working poor in the inner-city of Cincinnati.
As a neighborhood outreach organization, we are guided by the belief that every person is God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, as affirmed in Ephesians 2:10. With this truth at the heart of our mission, we believe all individuals are worthy of dignity, restoration, and a second chance.
Our Beliefs
At the heart of our program is a commitment to growing in Christlikeness, as stated in the first rule of participation:
I agree to develop and implement a Life Plan with my Life Coach(s) that makes me more like Jesus Christ.
We believe that true transformation—what Scripture calls sanctification—is the work of the Holy Spirit. As Philippians 1:6 affirms, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” While we provide structure and support, it is ultimately God who changes lives. We see ourselves simply as vessels—jars of clay—through which His grace flows.
Participants are invited to take an active role in this journey, experiencing God’s renewing power step by step. We also affirm that sanctification is distinct from salvation: we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ—not by our own efforts, but by His finished work.
Our History
For over 15 years, Welcome Home Collaborative has served the Cincinnati community by providing transitional housing and structured support to those in need. What began as a small effort has grown into a lasting presence, rooted in faith and built on years of compassionate service.
2010
Welcome Home Collaborative was founded on December 13, 2010 by WellSpring Church. It was originally founded as a Non-Profit Organization.
2012
In October 2012, Welcome Home Collaborative received its 501(c)3 category from the IRS.
2014
In August 2014, Pastor Suguitan agreed to take over the Welcome Home Collaborative as Executive Director after WellSpring announced plans to sunset the program.
Team Spotlight
Behind our mission is a team of passionate life coaches, community members, and board members. Read on to learn more about us.
Nicole is a proven leader with a distinguished background in service and advocacy. As a veteran, she understands the importance of leaving no one behind, and she has dedicated her career to supporting fellow veterans, vulnerable individuals, and economically disadvantaged families.
With extensive experience in risk mitigation, strategic planning, and organizational oversight, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge to this role. Her previous service as a board member has given her deep insight into the mission and vision of Welcome Home Collaborative, ensuring a seamless transition in leadership.
Nicole Dowdell, Executive Director
Henry ‘Hank’ Stephens serves as a board member and Life Coach Manager with Welcome Home Collaborative. Hank manages cases and consults with various social service agencies in Cincinnati to help provide compassionate and alternative solutions to the homeless, formerly incarcerated, and mentally challenged individuals. An avid musician, Hank uses his skills on the keyboard to connect and encourage everyone around him.
Hank Stephens, Life Coach Manager
I am a dedicated Life Coach at Welcome Home Collaborative in Cincinnati, where I’ve proudly served for the past three years. In this role, I walk alongside individuals and families facing homelessness, poverty, and housing instability—helping them rebuild their lives with dignity, purpose, and hope. With lived experience in both homelessness and addiction, and now walking in recovery, I know firsthand the power of second chances.
Erica Parks, Life Coach
Jennifer has been a life coach since 2019. As a licensed clinical therapist she is passionate about helping others help themselves. Jennifer has motivated others through volunteer work with organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Jennifer’s other passions include her family, health and wellness and the Cincinnati Bengals!
Jennifer Weaver, Life Coach
My roots run deep in the community I serve. I am passionate about connecting with people-whether it’s through housing support, outreach or offering a listening ear to someone navigating mental health or substance use challenges. I don’t just work in this field, I’ve lived it, walked it, and continue to grow with it.
Jamie Ayer, Life Coach
Steve Hatke
Office & Maintenance Manager
Bob Littman
Life Coach Consultant
Sara Bruns
Treasurer
Jill Byrd
Board Member
Rob Joy
Board Member
Todd Kuramoto
Board Member
Nancy Sones
Board Member
Alicia Suguitan
Board Member
Join Us in Changing Lives
Paid, Part-Time Positions Available
Life Coaches play a vital role in the transformative journey at Welcome Home. If you’re interested in learning more about what it means to serve in this role, click the link below, then contact us.
Our Partners
Special thanks to our incredible partners who extend our reach and amplify impact in the community.
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