Sheryl Stephens – President and Co-Founder

 Sheryl volunteers as President for Our City Cares. Focusing on development, vision, and programs. She worked from home while raising her kids and enjoyed volunteering in school and service groups. She served in the women’s leadership and teaching team in her church. Last ten years she and her husband Joe owned and operated senior care facilities.  She brought her experience in business, volunteerism, and her community connections together to unite for OCC’s first Signs of Hope Campaign. The loss of a son by suicide in 2016 drives her passion to make a positive impact against this tragedy. After selling their businesses the Stephens relocated to Arizona in February 2022. Recently completed Speaker Speak Up Certification Course as well as one on one coaching with Carol Kent.  Sheryl speaks publically on the mission and the cause of OCC raising funds for the cause. She is a talented storyteller and public speaker who brings authenticity, impact, and humor to a difficult topic.

Joe Stephens – Co-Founder and Secretary

Joe was in engineering and sales for most of his career. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering. 2012 he changed his career to start a business with his wife, Sheryl.  In 2021 they sold their business, retired, and relocated to Arizona. Joe has volunteered his business skills and business background bringing needed help to the launching of OCC as a non-profit. Joe also volunteers for GriefShare ministries and helps lead a grief support group at the local church he and Sheryl attend. The loss of his 25-year-old son, Jon, by suicide in 2016 drives his passion for the work of OCC. Helping other families in grief with the same kind of support he received when he was healing brings him joy and purpose in his new season of retirement.

Kevin Gibson – Board Member

Kevin retired from Procter & Gamble after 32 years of service, as a sales executive. Kevin brings his extensive experience in corporate business to the OCC team, helping us navigate the next season of growth. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. His business, service, and sales background are a welcome addition to our leadership team. Kevin has served on the board of advisors for two local churches as well as the Director of Financial Ministries in the same two churches.  He connects to the cause because he lost a young friend and brother-in-Christ to suicide.

Ben Stokes – Board Member

Ben is the Founder and President of a company specializing in the development and operation of heart & vascular surgical centers. He has a bachelor’s degree in international business management and has served as an Apollo Teaching Fellow at the Lally School of Business, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in Troy New York; and a Faculty Lecturer of Healthcare Economics for the International Heart Rhythm Society. He has also served on several church boards and special committees. Ben desires to use his business experience in helping advance the mission of faith-based and community-focused non-profits. He connects to the cause of OCC because his family has witnessed the tragic loss of several acquaintances. He brings timely experience to the next phase of growth for OCC.

Dan Stephens – Board Member

  Dan is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Founder, and President of Restored Life Counseling, a nonprofit Christian counseling and research center in Peoria, Arizona. Dan has a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, bringing the mental health perspective to the work of OCC. He brought his interest in digital marketing skills to the start-up phase of OCC. Lost his brother to suicide.

Skylar Stephens – Board Member

Formerly a Program Manager at Gateway Branch, Oregon Department of Human Services. Skylar has a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies. She brought 15 years of social work and government agency experience to the start-up and development of OCC. She recently made the decision to stay home with her three children and oversee their education. Lost a brother-in-law to suicide.

Our City Cares is currently working to expand our board and is specifically looking for skills in legal, accounting, and pastoral if you are interested please contact Sheryl@ourcitycares.org