Chantal Smith was hired in June 2006 for the position of 2-1-1 Racine Information and Referral Specialist. In October of 2007, Chantal started working as Youth Shelter Relief Staff in addition to the 2-1-1 position to fulfill field hours for her internship at Gateway Technical College.  On May 20th, 2008, Chantal graduated from Gateway Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Human Services.  She began working as the new 2-1-1 Racine Gang Crime Hotline Operator the very next day.  In the fall of 2008, Chantal will be starting classes with Upper Iowa University in order to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services.  Chantal is very active and loves to dance.  She taught step aerobics for two years at the YMCA in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and today is an enthusiastic member and advocate of Jazzercise, Inc. Chantal can be reached at csmith@211racine.info.

For the past six years Damian has been involved with the positive development of at-risk youth and fragile families, four years of the six being with the Gang / Crime Diversion Task Force. Damian’s extensive knowledge of fragile families, gangs, drugs, independent living, and overall street-life, came when he ran the streets of Chicago’s West-side for twenty-five years. In 1992 Damian acquired his B. A. Degree in Elementary / Special Education. On October 5, 2005 Damian presented at his first National Conference on Gang Trends and Awareness to the Arkansas Coalition of Juvenile Justice. On October 20, 2005, Damian was the Dinner Keynote Address Speaker at The Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services Conference. Damian has been awarded the Public Service Award from the City of Racine, WI Police Department, and a Certificate of Congratulation Citizen Award from Senator Plache and the State of Wisconsin. He also has an Certificate of Recognition from the Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee for his outstanding presentation. Damian is a very proud member of the South Gate Lodge #6 Free & Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated. Damian is a member of the Midwest Gang Investigators Association, and has completed and is certificated in several trainings to enhance his skills helping to build a brighter and prosperous community. Damian Dolley is committed to the positive development of every community. Damian’s favorite quote is, “The most you can ever do is the best you can, so do it”. Damian can be reached at ddolley@safehavenofracine.org.

“I believe that a beautiful smile has the power to brighten a person’s day and that’s how I make it, by smiling.”  Melissa Robinson was hired in September 2006 as a 211 operator and in May 2007 Melissa took leave to work as a YMCA Lifeguard at a youth camp in Westwood, CA.  She was re-hired in September 2007 as a Youth Shelter Relief staff and in January 2008 she was promoted to the Youth Shelter Program Coordinator position, which she currently holds.  In May 2007 Melissa graduated Dean’s List with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from University of Wisconsin- Parkside.  Melissa’s previous work as an Infant/ Toddler teacher for 2 ˝ years played a key factor in her career focus on working with youth.  Melissa plans to pursue a graduate certificate in Non-Profit Management at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee with The Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management.  In her spare time she enjoys reading and exercising. Melissa can be reached at mrobinson@safehavenofracine.org.