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Director:Member
Thelma Vaughan is a human services professional, survivor, and Alliance, Ohio resident dedicated to walking alongside individuals as they navigate healing, recovery, and personal transformation. Holding an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and working as a caseworker, Thelma combines formal training with the deep, unshakeable empathy that can only come from lived experience. Having overcome homelessness, domestic violence, and rape trauma—and celebrating seven years of sobriety from alcohol—she brings a rare, authentic perspective to advocacy and community support.
As a devoted wife, mother, and active member of her local community, Thelma understands firsthand what it takes to rebuild a life from the ground up while supporting a family through challenging seasons. She approaches every challenge with resilience, candor, and practical problem-solving, grounded in the belief that broken pieces still have immense value and purpose.
Authentic Lived Experience and Long-Term Recovery: With seven years of sobriety from alcohol and personal experience overcoming homelessness, domestic violence, and rape trauma, Thelma brings genuine insight into the barriers survivors and individuals in recovery face—ensuring board decisions are rooted in real human impact, dignity, and hope.
Frontline Casework and Criminal Justice Foundation: Combining her Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice with hands-on casework experience, she understands systemic gaps, resource navigation, and how to connect vulnerable individuals with practical, sustainable support.
Proven Community Engagement: Deeply rooted in Northeast Ohio, Thelma actively shows up for her community in Alliance, bringing local connections, collaborative energy, and a strong commitment to outreach and peer support.
Resilient, Practical Leadership: Balancing a career in human services with raising a large household has honed her ability to manage priorities, coordinate logistics, and lead with patience, accountability, and heart.