Give the gift of hope from harm and homelessness.

Doorways Welcomes New President and CEO

The Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that we have appointed Diana Ortiz, M.Ed., LPC (pronouns she/her/hers) as Doorways’ President and CEO.

Many of you may remember Diana (pronounced “Dee-AHna”) from the nine years she spent here previously as a key leader of Doorways’ client services, including our domestic and sexual violence programs, homeless services, children’s services, and supportive housing. With nearly 20 years of experience in the field, Diana is a passionate leader and advocate who has dedicated her entire career to working for the wellbeing and safety of children, youth, and underserved populations.

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We are thrilled to welcome Diana back to Doorways as our next leader. We are eternally grateful to Maureen Devine-Ahl, who has served as our interim president and CEO for most of 2020, for successfully leading the agency through a truly unprecedented time in preparation for this next chapter.

Diana will officially rejoin the Doorways team later this month, and she looks forward to connecting and reconnecting with you!

“Every inch of who I am is committed to Doorways’ mission,” Diana says. As for the future of the organization, Diana envisions Doorways as a leading nonprofit that sets a standard, provides best practices, and has new and creative ways to work with a community that thrives. “I am committed to continue working with underserved communities and leading the next generation of advocates and social services professionals while making systemic changes in our local community to improve the safety and well-being of our neighbors.”

Thank you for your dedication to Doorways and your ongoing support of our mission. We look forward to partnering with you in and beyond this New Year!

With thanks and appreciation,

Carmen Oviedo, Doorways Board President

Christy Cole, Doorways Emeritus Board and CEO Selection Committee Chair

Doorways in the News

The Washington Post

What it’s like to learn online from inside a homeless shelter

"Not long after Liby checked into Doorways, the pandemic cost her a job waiting tables at a restaurant in downtown D.C.," Hannah Natanson reported in The Washington Post. "Then her son began learning online, and Liby's efforts to find new employment came to a complete halt." Read their story and learn what it's like to learn online from inside a homeless shelter.

Drive-Thru Deeds

Have more at home than you need? Swing by our office on Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to drop off items you may have "extra" of at home.

This week, please contact Jami Fancher at (703) 504-9289 [email protected] for donation drop-off instructions.

This week's items:

Cleaning supplies (spray, wipes, soap, etc.)
Hand sanitizer
Paper towels

Can't make it to our HQ? Give through our Amazon Wish List at bit.ly/DoorwaysUrgentNeeds.

Thank you for keeping our shelters stocked with critical supplies!

Do you need support? Do you know someone else who might? Call Doorways to speak with an advocate now.

24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline:

703-237-0881