Ms. Highline, the founder and Executive Director of the Joseph Center, had a vision over 8 years ago to provide a day shelter for moms with small children who had become homeless, regardless of the reason. She saw how they suffered in the summer heat and winter cold and was determined to find a place for these families. She and her team found a place that needed much work, and they were proud to open the Joseph Center on September 8, 2016, for homeless single parents of babies and toddlers. Through this she provided a safe haven for homeless children to be warm and fed, with a place to nap and play. Moms were able to search for jobs, make calls, and receive emotional support. However, they were forced to move a year later, and even that location proved temporary. Through much prayer and overcoming great odds, Mona persevered. A generous family funded the entire purchase of a large building which has been the permanent home for the Joseph Center for over 3 years.
The Joseph Center has provided day shelter and meals to hundreds of families. Her dedicated staff and volunteers have added programs to helping families work towards self-sufficiency such as helping to get into a rental home. The Joseph Center is now thriving successfully with many wonderful donors, supporters, volunteers, and staff who believe and assist in carrying out the mission that the Joseph Center sincerely and deeply upholds and that is to “provide hope, establish stability, encourage resourcefulness, and confer a sense of belonging to the greater community”. Her courageous work to improve the world one vulnerable child at a time has earned Ms. Highline the Kiwanis 2022 Citizen of the Year award.