Jenna Perez Named Executive Director of The Dwelling Place
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, Minn. – Following an extensive search and interview process, Jenna Perez was selected by the Board of Directors to be the next Executive Director of The Dwelling Place. Jenna will formally assume the role in October 2023.
Perez served as the Director of Programs at The Dwelling Place since 2022. She graduated from North Central University with a degree in Intercultural Studies and Theology. Perez was a missionary in Venezuela facilitating a children's home, sheltering an average of 80 children fleeing abuse or neglect. She moved back to the United States and worked for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota for nine years, ending her tenure as the Senior Program Manager before joining The Dwelling Place.
“I want to see us continue to do the incredible work we are doing! We have the strategic plan for the next three years already mapped out, and I cannot wait to step into this role and work on getting the strategic goals realized,” said Perez. “This is the Lord’s ministry, and He will continue to provide the resources, volunteers, and miracles in our women and children that we get to see every day at TDP. I truly believe our best years are yet to come!”
"Jenna is a collaborator, motivated to create systems that allow people to do what they do best, and cares about people," said Alexandra Bartolic, Chair of the Board of Directors. "She is a problem solver and can bring a vision to reality and help everyone see their role in the process."
Perez met her husband, Jose, while serving in Venezuela, and they now have three children. Together, they planted a bilingual Spanish/English church to reach the Hispanics in Columbia Heights, and Jose continues to serve as the lead pastor. Perez enjoys family bike rides, going on walks, having friends over, and game nights.
Perez follows LeNae (Williamson) Paulsrud, who led The Dwelling Place since 2020 and announced her intentions to step down from the position in July 2023. Paulsrud will serve as an advisor throughout the transition.
The Dwelling Place is a Christ-centered ministry providing healing and hope to victims of domestic abuse through supportive services and a safe, transitional place to call home. For more information, visit tdpmn.org.
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