WACOSA Executive Director Steve Howard Leaving

(KNSI) – WACOSA Executive Director Steve Howard is stepping down after 14 years at the organization, effective September 30th.

Howard took over the nonprofit in the midst of a crippling financial recession. He said his tenure started in lean times, but some opportunities presented themselves amidst the hardship. In 2010, the bowling alley next door closed and was bought by WACOSA. The move allowed the organization to relocate its administrative staff. The juggling helped give rise to the first ThriftWorks! store. Howard credits that with improving the visibility of WACOSA in the overall community.

“That was also a major milestone, not just building revenue for the organization but helping with people really knowing who we are and what we do.”

In the years since several more ThriftWorks! stores have opened and they have drawn praise, even winning awards, for their quality service.

Howard says his time at WACOSA caps 36 years of service work, inspired by his relationship with his brother. Howard originally set out to be a police officer, made a significant pivot, and has never looked back.

The group provides training and jobs to people with cognitive, mental health, or physical disabilities. The goal is to help them access community services that are taken for granted by most people.

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KNSI News Reporter Grant Dossetto contributed to this story.

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