Casa Youth Shelter welcomes new Executive Director Robin Sinclair

The following information was released by Casa Youth Shelter.

Casa Youth Shelter is pleased to announce the arrival of new Executive Director Robin Sinclair. Ms. Sinclair fills the position vacated by Luciann Maulhardt who retires after 25 years as executive director. Ms. Sinclair brings over 15 years of experience working in the field of human services, specifically with youth education and leadership development.

“Casa Youth Shelter’s Board of Directors was unanimous in their decision. Not only does she bring wisdom rooted in direct experience working with disadvantaged youth, she also brings compassion and a deep understanding of the importance of providing a safe, nurturing environment for our kids,” said Michael McCrary, former Los Alamitos Police Chief and President of Casa Youth Shelter’s Board of Directors.

Ms. Sinclair officially assumes her post on July 1, 2012, as Ms. Maulhardt welcomes her new role in the organization as a member of the Board of Directors. Ms. Maulhardt is also Director Emeritus and will continue to liaison with Casa Youth Shelter’s donor community, including overseeing the 34th Anniversary Commander’s Ball, the shelter’s annual black-tie dinner and auction fundraiser on September 29, 2012.

“It has been my great privilege to lead Casa Youth Shelter for over two decades and my sincere honor to embrace Robin Sinclair as our new executive director. Myldred Jones would have been so happy to see how much we’ve accomplished and she’ll be prouder still with Robin at the helm,” said Ms. Maulhardt.

Casa Youth Shelter is a Los Alamitos institution, founded in 1978 by the late Myldred E. Jones, a retired lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy. At the age of 69, Ms. Jones sold her home and spent the proceeds to fulfill her lifelong dream to create a safe haven for troubled youth.

Every year, the shelter provides about 200 youth with emergency shelter. Youth also receive counseling at the shelter. Last year, residents received an average of over 35 hours of crisis counseling.

With over 10,800 youth served since 1978, Casa Youth Shelter has been recognized by the White House, the state, as well as locally, receiving a commendation from the City of Los Alamitos at a special presentation last month, delivered by Mayor Troy Edgar and Councilman Ken Stephens.

“I am humbled by the love and support that Luciann has shown me and am so very honored to continue the work that Myldred started and that Luciann built upon. I look forward to the community’s sustained support in providing a safe haven for homeless, abused and abandoned youth,” said Ms. Sinclair.

Casa Youth Shelter is located at 10911 Reagan Street in Los Alamitos. For more information about Casa Youth Shelter’s programs and services, please visit www.casayouthshelter.org or call 562-594-6825.