10/17/2025
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Bettina Meade
Nominated by Khelsey Smith, Director of Housing & Homelessness Services
"In a gentle way, you can shake the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
As someone who shies away from the spotlight, Bettina Meade is a quiet force at the YWCA. As a Coordinated Entry Housing Navigator, Bettina has made a lasting impact on the survivors she serves.
“In the short time I’ve supervised her, I’ve seen Bettina go above and beyond for every survivor she serves,” said Khelsey Smith, Director of Housing & Homelessness Services. “She’s always in the community, helping with housing, encouraging goal setting, and showing up exactly when she’s needed.”
Bettina joined the YWCA team in March 2024. As a housing navigator, “I connect people to housing resources, teach tenancy skills, and work with landlords to secure housing for displaced individuals & families,” said Bettina.
With quiet confidence and a tremendous work ethic, Bettina’s upbringing played a critical role in shaping the kind and caring person she is today.
“I don't care what my birth certificate says, I am 110% Jamaican,” Bettina said with a laugh. Speaking of her home life growing up, Bettina added, “Our home has always been open to anyone who needed help. It was never weird to come home from school to find 2-3 strangers who just needed a place to stay until they got back on their feet.”
“Bettina lives by the YWCA mission by empowering the individuals and families she supports to take back their lives with confidence and hope,” said Khelsey. “She helps survivors create safety and stability, builds their independence, and treats every person with fairness, dignity, and respect.”
Prior to working at the YWCA, Bettina worked as a College and Career Transition Advisor at the Young Parents Program in Downtown Springfield. "I really like helping people," said Bettina. While calling her answer, “very generic”—she said she came to the YWCA because helping people, “honestly it is what fills my cup.”
Bettina asserts that Coordinated Entry is successful because of the whole team. “It's a team effort,” she said.
Khelsey added, “Every time I’ve interacted with someone on Bettina’s caseload, I hear the same thing, pure praise. Survivors consistently rave about her professionalism and her ability to make things happen. One participant even told me, ‘Bettina helped change my life for the better.’”
She continued, “Bettina brings compassion and calmness, plus a deep knowledge of the program. She brings positive energy, a strong work ethic, and a constant smile. I have complete confidence in her. She doesn’t just get the job done; she sets the standard.”
“Thank you, Bettina, for making my transition into this role so much smoother,” concluded Khelsey. “Your support has meant a lot to me and I’m truly grateful. Keep on shining and being the amazing person that you are.”
