Except for the Executive Director, the Working Men’s Program is run by Peer Support Specialists. These are men who have “been there and done that” … been in prison, been addicted, been homeless … who have 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 administered by our Executive Team, with additional oversight provided by the Board of Directors.
Bruce Heagstedt
Executive DirectorBruce@hbdenver.org(720) 486-4647Bruce 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) 832-0447Known for his ability to inspire and motivate, Georgie very ably and energetically leads our Men’s Program, ensuring each participant receives 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) 809-0150Bernard Bender has a passion for people experiencing homelessness, and has been working to help homeless individuals since 2017. After relocating to Denver from North Carolina, he became a staff member at the former New Genesis Men’s Shelter. Today at Heartbeat Denver Working Men’s Program, he is 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.” He works hard to ensure those who are underserved have a voice and receive the services they need with dignity and respect, and loves to help give people tools for a new beginning.
Joe Osborne
Director of Finance and Maintenancejoe@hbdenver.org720-309-3865Joe’s multi-faceted responsibilities include: collecting/processing resident fees and vendor vouchers; monthly billing; generating weekly/monthly financial statements; and keeping vendor contracts updated. With a background in construction, including licenses as a Fire Sprinkler Fitter (1999-2012), and Journeyman Plumber (2013-2021), he shoulders the load for building maintenance. Joe is dedicated to ensuring the financial stability and efficiency of Heartbeat Denver, supporting its mission to help men transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.
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 seven supervisors. They manage the shelter 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also have a talented kitchen staff providing a hot meal every day at 6pm. In addition to this paid staff, Heartbeat Denver utilizes volunteer team leaders who help supervisors manage the day-to-day shelter environment.
Supervisors
Our shelter is managed by Peer Support Specialists who have “been there and done that.” A supervisor is on duty at all times: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 52 weeks/year, with three 8-hour shifts/day, 8 to 4; 4 to 12; and 12 to 8.
Team Leaders
Team leaders are men who live in the shelter and are ready for more responsibility. These men volunteer to assist the supervisors in managing each shift’s responsibilities. As a benefit of volunteering, they have a more private space in the team leader room, a separate room adjoining the main bunk area.
Kitchen Staff
We have a main chef responsible for the kitchen, preparing one balanced, hot meal a day. In coordination with the chef’s assistant, a number of volunteers help with kitchen duties as needed.