Abby Hoover
Managing Editor

Benilde Hall, a transitional housing and substance use disorder treatment center, announced its new Executive Director, Erin Fraser, last week. 

Benilde Hall, located at 3220 E. 23rd Street, has been providing transitional housing and substance use disorder treatment to indigent homeless men since 1993. Over the years, more than 5,000 men have received housing and treatment through the organization.

Fraser first encountered Benilde Hall in 2011, when she crossed paths with the late Kent Jewell, a former Executive Director of Benilde Hall at Kansas City Kansas Community College, where she was a student.

Benilde Hall’s mission is to provide wrap-around services for treating substance use, mental health, and homelessness so that individuals may return to the community as responsible, employed, and permanently housed contributing members of society.

Fraser’s ascent to Executive Director recognizes her effectiveness as a collaborative leader and her client-centered counseling approach, the organization’s announcement said.

Her personal experience with substance use disorder and incarceration has provided inspiration and guidance for countless individuals on their own journeys to recovery. She is the first woman to lead the organization.

“Erin is a bright, inclusive, and energetic leader whose professional knowledge and experiences position her well to lead the Benilde Hall team in its service to their clients and Kansas City’s housing and recovery partner,” said Mark Mullinix, Board Chair of Benilde Hall. “Her contributions have been profound, and we have every reason to believe they will continue.”

Erin earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Park University. In September 2019, she assumed the role of Clinical Director at Benilde Hall. At present, Erin is pursuing her Doctor of Social Work at Simmons College, further exemplifying her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

“It is with honor and excitement that I accept this opportunity as Benilde Hall’s Executive Director. I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by the Board of Directors. I am eager to contribute my skills, experience, and dedication to Benilde Hall’s continued success and growth,” Fraser said.

For Fraser, the journey from intern to Executive Director represents more than just a professional accomplishment; it is a sterling example of hope, resilience, and the power of personal transformation.