Odessa M. Thomas
Odessa M. Thomas is a dedicated Residential Case Manager with The Doe Fund in Brooklyn, New York, where she supports residents in an all-male shelter-based training program. Her work includes overseeing sobriety through random drug testing, coordinating rehabilitation referrals, and managing vocational training tracks in areas such as culinary, construction, and security. Odessa also leads community outreach through initiatives like the Community Improvement Project, helping residents prepare for employment and reintegration into society.
With roughly 25 years of experience in social service, Odessa’s career spans youth alternative-to-incarceration programs, emergency response volunteering with the American Red Cross and FEMA, and various outreach roles. She combines compassion with firm boundaries, emphasizing dignity, respect, and accountability, and is known for building rapport with clients and tailoring support to their individual needs. Her early experiences witnessing the impact of substance abuse in her community inspired her lifelong commitment to service.
Odessa holds a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and is currently studying Psychology with a minor in Addiction at Southern New Hampshire University. Alongside her professional work, she volunteers extensively, helping individuals navigate crises and advocating for vulnerable populations. Despite managing epilepsy, Odessa remains committed to her work and personal growth, driven by a passion to empower others and make meaningful change in the lives of those she serves.
• OSHA 10-Hour
• Metropolitan College of New York- M.A.
• Emergency Management Institute
• Metropolitan College of New York- A.A.
• Metropolitan College of New York- B.A.
• Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery
• The Resource Training Center
• Mason Tenders' Training Fund NYC
• American Red Cross
• Habitat for Humanity New York City
• US Cool Roofs, LLC Specializing in Reflective Cool Roof Coatings
• New York Cares
• Youth Enrichment Services
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong dedication to service, early and ongoing volunteerism, and staying persistent in work that aligns with my purpose and values.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my uncle: always present yourself as more than your body, and command respect through your conduct and the position you hold.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to never limit yourself—maintain your professionalism, demand respect in male-dominated spaces, and embrace opportunities, learning from each attempt rather than waiting for permission.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are supporting residents with addictions when in-house rehab isn’t available, tailoring interventions to diverse needs, and balancing high-demand work with personal health. Opportunities lie in expanding vocational training programs and creating rapport-driven pathways out of homelessness or into alternatives to incarceration.