Harbor House
Collaborative
Lyn Harwell, Executive Director
Although I was born on a farm in Greentown, Ohio, I’ve always thought of New Orleans as my home. I was able to achieve one of my dreams and live in NOLA for 8 years! I spent many years in the restaurant industry as an owner and multi-unit operator, opening restaurants across the country, including Olive Garden, Ground Round, Planet Hollywood and La Madeline. I also worked for fellow Chef, Emeril Lagasse at his restaurant Delmonico in New Orleans, before hurricane Katrina, considered one of the top five restaurants in the USA. In 2003, I moved to Colorado Springs from New Orleans and operated Texas T-Bone on South Academy.
Since 2004, I volunteered and then worked at Springs Rescue Mission. The first year I volunteered in the kitchen teaching cooking classes as I am also a chef. In 2005, God changed the direction of my life, I left the restaurant industry and I was hired as the Men’s Recovery Program Coordinator and Counselor. I recently left SRM as their Chief Operations Officer.
I recently read a report that stated; Trauma is the connective tissue that links homelessness, substance abuse and mental illness together. I believe that is true.
My philosophy and principles are simple. I borrowed and adapted them long ago from former Notre Dame Football coach Lou Holtz: “Do the right thing. Do it for the right reasons. Do your best. Treat others like you would like to be treated. Be fair.” In the last few years, I have also added, “Believe anything is possible!”
I believe in carrying your own weather! I like to think that life is a result of your own responses, not your conditions, chose your response to any condition. I was greatly affected by the words of Martin Luther King Jr. and JFK when I was a kid.
I believe in miracles! I do not believe that weapons, violence and spilt blood are viable solutions to our world’s problems today. I love our country and I have immense respect and I am humbled by those who serve and have served our country. I am thankful and appreciate those who have protected and defended my freedom for so long. I am a fan of Jeffersonian democracy and capitalism.
Margaret Mead said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world, indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” I believe that about us at Harbor House Collaborative!
Even though we may not always agree, I believe we should take care of each other!
I attended Ohio State University, School of Business and the Culinary Institute of America, (I also served a three year private Chef’s Apprenticeship at the Athletic Club of Columbus, Ohio). I attended The Center for Creative Leadership, Greensboro NC and The Center for Executive Leadership, University of Florida. I received additional leadership training at American Management Association, Atlanta GA. I studied at the Rocky Mountain Center of Education and Training, College of Pastoral Education and Psychotherapy to learn how to better supervise those that counselors and caregivers. I have a doctorate in life from “The School of Hard Knocks”
I am a voracious reader and I love the writing of Henri Nouwen (I can relate to the wounded healer) and I also believe in being “present” for those you work with and serve. I also like Bridges Out of Poverty written by Ruby Payne. I love rock and roll, classical music and I am a huge Bob Dylan fan.
719-473-5557
