Sisu Youth announces new executive director

Sisu Youth, a youth shelter in Oklahoma City, announced Lindsay Cates as the new Executive Director, beginning March 11.

Cates has worked with underserved populations and youth for the last 15 years as the Program Director at ReMerge and has significant experience in program development surrounding mental health, trauma, and substance abuse. 

According to Sisu, Cates background and passion for working with innovative, supportive programs to remove barriers and improve outcomes establishes her as a strong advocate for our youth.

“I believe in the work and values of Sisu,” said Cates. “I have a vision that when young people are seen, valued and given the tools and support they need, they can change their lives and can help change the cycles of incarceration, poverty, and trauma from which they came, making lasting change in their community.

“I am excited to use my skills of program direction, staff leadership, advocacy and passion for empowering youth to benefit the mission of Sisu.”

Sisu Youth began offering shelter seven nights a week in April 2018. The organization has experienced major growth in the last year and felt the need to hire an executive director to lead the way for development and service expansion for homeless and at-risk youth in our community. 

“Now that we have established the programming and the level of need, we are poised to take the organization to the next level,” said Heather Johnson, Sisu board president. “We are confident that Lindsay is the right person to move Sisu forward.”

The Gayly. 2/25/2019 @ 8:33 a.m. CST.