Fifth Street Renaissance/SARA Center

Penny’s been nominated for Not-For-Profit Executive Director Of The Year for The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce!! Go Penny Powell! We love you!! ❤️

And rounding out our Not-For-Profit Executive Director Nominees of the year for The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is Penny Powell who runs Fifth Street Renaissance/SARA Center. This woman has dedicated her life to her mission, acts as a boots-on-the-ground director and lovingly puts in 70-hour work weeks to improve the health outreach programs, providing housing and removing barriers to deliver a real pathway to stability for those facing homelessness, crisis and instability in our community. "I have always been drawn to work that meets people where they are, especially those who have been overlooked, underserved or left behind by systems that were meant to help them. This opportunity was more than a career path. It was a chance to build the kinds of programs and supports that were not available to me in my own teen years."

She is an incredible woman to speak to. Penny is a problem-solver and a fixer who sees beautiful opportunities to grow services and takes action to make them happen. When she stepped into this role 24 years ago, there were only 2 programs running and 2 staff members. Today, they are a team of 36 people with 7 properties, 14 buildings and 24 programs up and running to help change lives. She aims to deliver lasting impact each and every day ensuring families have the supports they need. Penny has created a culture that prioritizes dignity for those she serves while working through complex and ever-changing needs. 5th Street Renaissance has moved men, women and children from homelessness into permanent housing and that means they have a door to close, a safe place to call home and a chance to move forward in life.

Penny, you astound and amaze me, and I truly loved learning from you with our time together. What a powerhouse, and I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to pull you out a bit from behind the scenes. Thank you for allowing me to tell your incredible story. Cheering you on!

We’re Hiring!

Are you passionate about helping others and ready for a career that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding? We’re looking to fill a Case Manager position in the RRH (Rapid Re-Housing) and PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) fields!

This is your opportunity to be part of meaningful work that helps individuals and families move from homelessness to stable housing and long-term success. Case managers play a vital role in guiding clients, connecting them to resources, and supporting their journey toward independence.

* Full-time
* Benefits included
* Purpose-driven work that changes lives

If you’re organized, compassionate, and ready to make a difference every single day, we want to hear from you!

We’ll be holding open interviews Tuesday May 5th and Wednesday May 6th at Spring Street Veterans Renaissance, 209 West Scarritt in Springfield from 4pm to 7pm! Please bring your resume and three business references! We’d love to meet you!

We’d like to take a moment and express our love and appreciation for Debbie Williams, our current Treasurer. Debbie has been on the Fifth Street Renaissance Board since 2000. She has served as a past Secretary and President, and has served in State and City government for 27 years. We were so proud to see her recognized with a Heart of Gold Volunteer award at the Good as Gold Springfield Volunteer Awards last night! Congratulations, Debbie! You deserve it!! ❤️