Except for the Executive Director, The Program is run by Peer Support Specialists. Men who have “been there and done that”….been in prison, been addicted, been homeless…..but have now turned their lives around and are giving back to help those in need of support and guidance.

Leadership

The overall management of the organization is provided by our Executive Team and additional oversight is provided by the board of Directors.

Bruce Heagstedt

Executive DirectorBruce@hbdenver.org(720) 486-4647

Bruce has over 30 years of executive management experience and an MBA from the University of Chicago. A member of Central Presbyterian Church, Bruce took over as Executive Director in 2023 as an unpaid volunteer.

Jorge “Georgie” Villarreal (CPSS)

Program DirectorGeorgie@hbdenver.org(303) 832-0447

Known for his ability to inspire and motivate, we are proud to have him lead our Men’s Program, ensuring that every participant recieves the support and resources they need to succeed. Balancing work and home life, he is also a devoted single parent.

Bernard Bender

Chief of Operationsbernard@hbdenver.org(720) 809-0150

Bernard Bender has a passion for people experiencing homeless and has been working to help homeless individuals since 2017. After Relocationg to Denver from North Carolina, he became an Staff Member at the Formerly New Genesis Men Shelter. Today at Heartbeat Denver Working Mens Program he is the Chief Operating Officer. Bernard says, “working with and assisting people experiencing homelessness in different capacities and at all levels of the field has been an eye-opening, humbling, and extremely rewarding opportunity.” Bernard works hard to ensure those who are underserved have a voice and receive the services they need with dignity and resspect.Bernard loves to help give people the tools they need for a new beginning. Heartbeat Denver Provides Bernard with a place to fulfill his passionate purpose and we are grateful he is part of the Heartbeat Denver Working Mens Program family.

Joe Osborne

Director of Finance and Maintance

Board of Directors

  • Chris Wineman – Board Chair
  • Louise Westfall – Vice Chair
  • Lynne Brown – Treasurer
  • Charis Smith
  • Jeniffer Garner

Advisory Board

  • Doug Rubingh – Marketing
  • Ryan Lally – Finance
  • Kevin O’Shaughnessy – Legal
  • Marcus Weaver – Homelessness
  • Marcie LaPorte – Housing
  • Sara Hanlon – Programs

Program Staff

We employ a team of 7 Supervisors who manage the shelter 24 hours a day 365 days a year. We also have a kitchen staff that provides a hot meal every day at 6 pm. In addition to our paid staff we have volunteer team leaders who assist the supervisors in managing the environment.

Supervisors

Our Shelter is managed by peer support specialists who have been there and done that. A Supervisor is on duty at all time 24 hours a day and 7 days a week 52 weeks a year. We have 3 eight hour shift a day. 8 to 4 ; 4 to 12 and 12 to 8

Team Leaders

Men who live in the shelter and are ready for more responsibility. These men volunteer to assist the Supervisors in managing the shift responsibilities. For volunteering they have a more private space in the Team leader room out of the main bunk area.

Kitchen Staff

We have a main Chef responsible for the kitchen and preparing one Hot meal a day. He has an assistant and a number of volunteers as needed to assist him in his duties.