Jeff Eberhard Takes Position as Mental Health Program Manager — April 5, 2022

We are so excited for Jeff Eberhard to transition into a new role with Clare Housing as the first ever Mental Health Program Manager!

According to Executive Director, Phoebe Trepp, “This newly created position will lead mental health and wellness services across all Clare Housing programs. This position will provide trauma-informed, clinical insight and consultation to social service, nursing and direct care staff who support clients with challenging behavioral and mental health needs.”

Can you tell us what initially attracted you to working with Clare Housing?

I have been in the Social Work field for more than two decades, working in a variety of settings including skilled nursing facilities, mental health settings, and with folks who have been homeless or unstably housed.  I have also been a supporter of Clare Housing for many years.  When the opportunity to join the team at Clare first became available, I was really excited to bring my diverse work history and experiences to an organization that I was excited to support!  Clare’s history of providing support to people living with HIV and who have overcome the challenges unique to homelessness has demonstrated many positive outcomes and I felt a strong desire to be a part of this organization.

Tell us a bit about your history with Clare Housing and how you expect this experience to inform your NEW role.

As the Supportive Services Manager at Clare Midtown, I have been an integral part of a wonderfully vibrant community; the largest of the programs in Clare Housing!  We all know that the Clare communities have been impacted significantly these past two years. Being a part of a team of people at Clare during this time has been a highlight of my Social Work career; and these years have also highlighted the critical need for more robust mental health services.  I am looking forward to being able to support all of the Clare programs and communities as we provide the necessary elements of the pillars of Clare Housing’s model: Housing First and Harm Reduction.

When I look back at how Midtown was impacted by the events throughout the city of Minneapolis after George Floyd was murdered and the comments that I (and others) made about resiliency, I am left thinking about the emphasis that Social Workers place on not only recognizing peoples’ strengths and resiliency, but also challenging the system that leaves folks so trampled by injustice that they have no option BUT to be resilient.  I look forward to forging connections with folks to recognize and find ways to heal, while also advocating on a broader scale to address stigma, systemic racism (and other “-isms”) and finding new ways to support our Clare communities.

What personal values are looking forward to bringing to this new role?

My journey into Social Work comes from a place of Justice.  I started out pursuing ordained ministry and was always drawn to the notion of a calling to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly” with others. (My own interpretation after many years!)  I most value the people with whom I work; the stories they share, their lived experiences always impact me.  I love listening to folks’ stories as a way of developing a relationship with them.  This in turn can bring about healing.  I am a gentle person with a big heart, and I am a fierce advocate for our communities!

Tell us a fun or surprising fact about you, or about what you like to do in your free time!

When I am not working, my husband and I are excited to begin traveling together again, exploring places where we have never been before.  I am also a singing member with the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus!