John Betts, who is a five-year BronxWorks employee, is thrilled to begin his new role as Residence Director at the BronxWorks Jerome Avenue Men's Shelter (JAMS). Prior to his current position, John worked in various roles at the BronxWorks Living Room location in Hunts Point.

John grew up in Findlay, Ohio and attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where he studied theater. John moved to New York City to pursue a career in the arts when he began volunteering for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. John led workshops at local high schools for students on how to respond to signs of suicide and, in doing so, found his true passion: serving community members.

John went on to receive a Master's Degree at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. He came to BronxWorks as an intern at The Living Room and enjoyed working directly with program participants. After John received his Master's in Social Work (LSMW), his roles included Mental Health and Substance Abuse Clinical Coordinator, and Program Director.

One of John's most rewarding career experiences was working with other staff members at The Living Room to provide assistance to a homeless woman from the U.K. After she received psychiatric treatment and other critical services, she was able to reconnect with her family overseas and eventually return home.

John is grateful to BronxWorks for the career opportunities he has received within the Agency's Adult Homeless Services Department. 

"BronxWorks offers a full continuum of care for the homeless... from outreach, to drop-in and transitional housing, to shelters and supportive housing," John said. "The Agency is dedicated to serving Bronx residents and makes decisions based on community needs," he added.

John is looking forward to continuing to serve the community's homeless population as Residence Director at JAMS. When he is not working, John still enjoys seeing theater and playing with his dogs. He lives in Brooklyn.