'LifeWorks CEO champions youth homelessness. Now what?'

Susan McDowell's Impactful Career at LifeWorks: Uplifting the Marginalized

Susan McDowell, a stalwart of liberal values in conservative Texas, is leaving a profound legacy as she steps down from her 26-year tenure as the leader of LifeWorks, an Austin-based nonprofit dedicated to tackling youth homelessness. Her journey is filled with uplifting encounters and affirmations of the impact of her work.

"On any given night, we're serving well over 200 youth with housing or shelter in Austin, where the alternative would likely be sleeping somewhere not fit for human habitation. And it's more than just providing a roof over their heads; we're offering mental health support, case management, advocacy, and pathways to education and employment. I'm humbled to have been a part of these youths' journeys." -- Susan McDowell

During her time at LifeWorks, McDowell has had numerous unexpected run-ins with former clients, offering her glimpses of their improved lives. One such encounter occurred while jogging with her sister, leading to a discovery that reaffirmed the positive impact of LifeWorks.

As McDowell transitions, she reflects on the organization's holistic approach to addressing homelessness. It's not just about putting up buildings; it's about rebuilding lives and families. McDowell cites a University of Chicago study that interviewed homeless youth in Travis County, revealing that the issue often stems from family disruption at a young age, frequently through the foster care system.

"Many of us expect to hear about their first time sleeping rough or couch surfing, but it's more often about family disruption at a young age." -- Susan McDowell

LifeWorks goes beyond providing housing; it offers mental health support, case management, and advocacy. The organization also collaborates with other nonprofits to secure apartments for clients across the city.

McDowell passes the torch to Liz Schoenfeld, who has been pivotal in leveraging data to enhance LifeWorks' impact. LifeWorks will soon begin construction on "The Works III," a 120-unit apartment complex providing stable housing for youth, adding to their existing inventory of "The Works I" and "The Works II."

However, McDowell is clear: building structures is necessary but not sufficient. LifeWorks focuses on upstream solutions, like diversion programs and partnerships with the foster care and juvenile justice systems, to disrupt the cycles that lead to homelessness.

"We're exploring innovative partnerships and solutions to look upstream and disrupt the cycles that lead to homelessness." -- Liz Schoenfeld

The Travis County Transformation Project is one such example, offering counseling and temporary housing to teens who might otherwise be funneled into the juvenile justice system.

Susan McDowell's career embodies the values of progressive empathy and action. Her work with LifeWorks and now with the Sooch Foundation showcases a relentless dedication to uplifting those marginalized by society, fostering not just structures but a stronger, more inclusive community.