Our Staff

Our staff is committed to serving guests of MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary with respect.
Currently we have 17 part-time staff. We hire people with lived experience, Many of our staff are former guests of MBHS who have faced the hardships of living in poverty and being housing and food insecure.

Adekola Adedapo, Performing Arts Coordinator

Adekola has been a friend of MBHS since the beginning, expanding our musical and cultural perspective. In November 2022 she began her position as Performing Arts Coordinator. One of her roles is scheduling performances for our outdoor pavilion.

Adekola began performing at the age of four and has done it all: ballet, musical theatre, writing and producing children's shows, mentoring, teaching, and performing to thousands at a time. She served as the Multicultural Program Coordinator at Alverno College. Her long and diverse work history also includes community building and literary services in Milwaukee.

Adekola's contributions no doubt help reverse the despair trauma, violence, fear, and depression that many of our guests live with. She enhances how we are building community and hope in the heart of the 53206 zip code.

Karen Dubis, Executive Associate

Karen Dubis’ experience as a lieutenant with the Milwaukee Police Department (retired 2015) made her acutely aware of homelessness in Milwaukee, which led her to volunteer with MBHS.

In 2018 Karen became Vice President on the MBHS Board of Directors. “When I come to the sanctuary, I always feel welcome,” she said. She added that the sanctuary forms a community of people who are better together, and have a deep respect for one another and the mission. Sister MacCanon said that Karen has “Wisdom derived from living a compassion-driven life.”

Aaron Cook, Center Associate

Aaron recently transitioned from volunteer to employee.

“Aaron has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and trustworthiness as a volunteer,” said Sister MacCanon Brown.

Staff and volunteers who work with Aaron note that he is always eager to be helpful and is unfailingly kind to guests, staff, and volunteers.

“It’s a good feeling,” said Aaron, who himself has overcome homelessness. “I look forward to being here many more years. The Sanctuary has connected me with so many people and the needs they need met. And that’s what we’re doing—trying to help them with their needs.”

Katie Doss, Lead Program Coordinator

Katie is a dedicated long-time volunteer who began her staff position of Lead Program Coordinator on March 1st. She provides awareness, education and prevention activities. This is work that comes directly from the heart; Katie’s granddaughter was hospitalized at age four for having high levels of lead in her blood and still suffers the effects.

Katie has a successful employment background in the business sector. Because of her genuine concern regarding lead contamination she has developed excellent advocacy skills and is a very good spokesperson.

Katie said she feels good to be a part of the mission of the Homeless Sanctuary, in part because she can relate to our guests. “As a single mother, I’ve seen what it’s like to struggle and to make ends meet the best ways you can,” she said.

Jahmes Finlayson, Cultural Coordinator

Jahmes Finlayson, noted performing artist, musician, teacher, Reiki practitioner, and community activist, is the MBHS Cultural Coordinator #1.

“MBHS is Love in Action!” Jahmes said. “They feed, clothe, inspire, and uplift folks on a regular basis. And all the while putting a song of hope in their hearts. How could I not want to help?”

For five years Jahmes has been enriching us with his storytelling and music. By providing drum circles, he has brought healing and unity to the Sanctuary family,” Sister MacCanon said. "The people we serve are 97% African descent. It is very fitting that he creates a celebration of the giftedness of African legacy and culture. He adds to the spirit of unity as our organization grows."

Carol Knox, Registration Desk Coordinator

Carol says that her involvement at the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary gives her the opportunity to “be the light in dark places." She is a pastor at her church and believes that she has a “shepherd’s heart,” finding it critical to help those in need.

Carol has been volunteering at the Doorway Ministry since 2019, and she recently become a part-time staff member. She enjoys getting to know the guests. “I make a point to learn their names. If you do not have anything else, you still have your name,” Carol says. She added that people who bring dedication and commitment to a cause like helping the homeless "could be the change needed in struggling communities."

Michael Kowske, Purchasing Agent

Mike met Sister MacCanon approximately 10 years ago and was immediately moved by what he described as her “zest for life.” A few years later he saw a newspaper article about the opening of the MBHS, recognized Sister MacCanon, and knew that he wanted to be part of this work.

Mike makes things happen. He has secured big discounts on food for our Doorway Ministry, box fans, and space heaters to distribute to our guests, and he was instrumental in getting the donations of our sheltering tent and the team that installed it.

Mike is Milwaukee born and bred. Along with his dedication to serving the people in the 53206 area code, Mike brings rich business experience to this position. He was involved in the trucking industry for 35 years, and he studied business at Marquette University.

Sarah Lipo, Interim Administrative Assistant

Sarah graduated from Marquette University in May 2021 with a degree in Journalism, Social Welfare, and Justice, and a minor in Political Science. She has been involved with the sanctuary since 2018, and loves the family it provides to those who find it. She hopes MBHS can continue to offer a beacon of light for those experiencing homelessness or those trying to get back on their feet in Milwaukee.

Cory Moore, Food Manager

Corey Moore still lives on the Northside of Milwaukee where he grew up. Two years ago he connected with MBHS. He became a volunteer, and because of his work ethic is now a part-time staff member for the Doorway Ministry,

Corey knows that many young men in the 53206 neighborhood need role models, and he works hard to be one. He takes his leadership role seriously and says a big part of that is being honest and dependable in the work he does every day. He wants every guest to know that it is okay to “come as they are" with any struggles and challenges they have. They will find support, just as he did. Corey's goal is to make sure every guest feels accepted and respected.

Jill Newton Moore, Communication & Social Media Specialist

Jill began volunteering with MBHS in 2015, doing crafts with guests on Fantastic Fridays. When the pandemic hit, she joined the Doorway Ministry, distributing food and hygiene products. She also began creating content for the MBHS website, Facebook page, presentations, and other organizational materials. In 2021 she became a part-time employee.

"Over the years, I've watched trust and support and friendships form among guests, which strengthens the community," she said. "MBHS isn't just about the goods we distribute; we are about bringing people together. And I know I have been transformed through this experience. My faith in people has grown tremendously."

Susan Neidorfler, Data Base, Coordinator

Susan Neidorfler is the Part-Time Database Specialist for MBHS. She has been with the Sanctuary since the end of 2015 after 20 years of office experience in a Milwaukee manufacturing company. Susan does all of the record keeping, including financial and in-kind donations and acknowledging donor gifts.

Working with MBHS, I am aware of all the wonderful, generous people who work at making the world a more equitable place," Susan said. "I know if each person can do their best at the job they are given, no matter what it is, pride and success will follow."

Dale Wilborn, Security Associate

Dale joined our staff as a part-time Security Associate and has a key role at the Welcome Center. A dedicated volunteer for over a year, Dale lives very close to the sanctuary. His previous jobs have been in restaurants, custodial, and metal recycling. Dale loves being part of Sanctuary family.

“I think this [MBHS] is super,” he said. “It’s given me a real nice opportunity to do the things I like to do. I’m looking forward to having a lot of fun and taking care of business. The Sanctuary is one of the biggest impacts I’ve seen in the neighborhood in a long time. It’s been beneficial in so many ways. I’ve been here almost 55 years and have never seen anything like it.”

Raymond Woods, Center Associate

Raymond Woods has been with MBHS for a long time, first as a volunteer, and now employed part-time as a Center Associate. Woods is a role model as a person who has overcome chronic homelessness. His performance as a genuinely dedicated MBHS volunteer has earned the respect of many people and he is an effective peacemaker. Raymond shone during his interview with Carole Meekins on January 24, 2021, when he shared his near-death experience sleeping in a dumpster.

Woods is inspired by Sister MacCanon's determination to help the less fortunate.

"One of the things that we say here is that the sanctuary is a place to be become and belong", he says. "And so I say it back to my heart because it can speak to everyone., When I come here, I always feel like I belong and I can always be more than I am today."