(WESTERVILLE, OH) Michele Layman and her husband, Steve Layman, were recently honored as “Haven Heroes” at the annual Fall Fling Benefit Auction at St. Vincent DePaul in Newark, OH. Layman is the current Vice President, Operations for Hattie Larlham’s Central Ohio programs. She is the past CEO of Hospice of Central Ohio. She started her work career as a nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital in Zanesville.

Operated by St. Vincent DePaul, Newark, The St. Vincent Haven is “a 50-bed emergency, program-based shelter for men 18 and older who are homeless. Services are geared to teach our residents life-skills as a foundation to future stability. Residents receive safe shelter, support, and advocacy. Assistance is provided to residents to help them find employment, improve educational skills, address mental health, physical health or substance abuse issues, and permanent housing.” Michele and Steve were founding members of the cook teams at The Haven and have been actively engaged in its programming since its 2009 inception.

In addition to her service and support of The Haven, Michele has been actively engaged with several community initiatives for many years. She is a past president of Newark Rotary and a past board member of the Weathervane Playhouse. Michele is the long-term co-chair of the Granville Turkey Trot, a charitable SK fun run/walk that has locally become a Thanksgiving morning tradition. The Turkey Trot raises about $100,000 annually for the Food Pantry Network. She also currently serves on the Vestry of St Luke's Church in Granville and is a member of the Licking Memorial Health Systems Development Board.

Michele’s work at Hattie Larlham provides invaluable opportunities to thrive for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. She is a key member of the executive team and her contributions to the organization’s success and growth are significant. “Michele’s involvement and deep connection to her community are something that we as an organization are very proud of. Hattie Larlham emphasizes the value found in improving the quality of life for others and her work within the greater Columbus community demonstrates those values well beyond her work for Hattie Larlham,” said Hattie Larlham CEO Stephen Colecchi.

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About Hattie Larlham

Hattie Larlham creates opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be active and valued members of their community. The Mantua-based nonprofit provides medical, residential, recreational and work-training services to over

1,500 Northeast and Central Ohio people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information, visit hattielarlham.org.