THE DALLES — Last week, the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) announced the hiring of Leslie Naramore as its interim executive director. Naramore joins MCCAC after more than 11 years working with its counterpart, Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP).
She fills the role that was opened when former MCCAC Executive Director Kenny LaPoint announced he would step down on Jan. 21. MCCAC Deputy Director Kelli Horvath temporarily filled the position until Naramore was hired.
Naramore’s return to work has been about stability and finding her flow.
“I’m in my first week so I’m not sure that I have a vision yet,” she told Columbia Gorge News. “MCCAC has seen a tremendous amount of growth recently and I want to be sure that they’re able to sustain that.”
Frigid temperatures and snowfall graced her first few days at the helm. Naramore and the MCCAC staff made the decision to activate the Emergency Shelter at the Gloria Center. The shelter opened Feb. 10 and was available 24 hours a day to anyone who needed warm shelter, food, water and first aid.
“MCCAC has had a huge impact on the lives of people who were experiencing houselessness here in the Gorge. I think their biggest impact is how they’ve stepped up to meet the needs for emergency shelter, particularly in extreme weather events,” Naramore said. “As I’m getting to know staff and hearing the stories, I’m amazed at the stories that they have to tell. We have people who have gone through the shelter and housing programs and are now volunteering at the agency and I can’t think of a better testament to the work than that.”
This summer, Naramore resigned from her lead position at WAGAP, she and her family had planned a move to Portugal. Unfortunately, the move was called off in October after Portugal changed their immigration laws and tax code, she said, adding that the immigration offices were on strike for a period of time, complicating their move.
“It was kind of the perfect storm,” Naramore said.
Knowing she was looking for work again in the United States, MCCAC reached out to her.
“I had worked closely with staff in the past as MCCAC and WAGAP worked together on the formation of the Houseless Collaborative, so there was a familiarity there,” Naramore said.
She will serve in the position through July and plans to apply for the permanent position when it becomes available.
“I am so thankful for my time at WAGAP and to the team there who continues to do amazing work. It feels like a gift that I get to jump back into the nonprofit world here in the Gorge, even temporarily, and I’m very excited to see the next chapter unfold at MCCAC,” Naramore said.
MCCAC serves Hood River, Sherman and Wasco counties to help vulnerable populations in the Gorge. They provide access to food and clean water, assist those struggling to find stable housing and offers shelter during severe winter weather. The Gloria Center is a multi-agency social service that aids low-income individuals and families find the resources they need. To learn more about the Gloria Center and how MCCAC, visit www.mccac.com.
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