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How Lee Williams Turned Adversity Into a Career in Workforce Development and Leadership
Who is Lee Williams?
Lee Williams is a workforce leadership and development strategist, educator, and career advancement professional who helps individuals build successful careers and leadership skills. As a Career Support and Advancement Navigator at Seven Hills Foundation, he helps lead the Clinical and Leadership Pathways Program, supporting employees as they pursue career growth and professional development.
Before coming to the United States, Lee worked as an engineer in Jamaica. After fleeing anti-LGBTQ persecution, he rebuilt his life and career while remaining committed to helping others achieve their goals.
In addition to his work at Seven Hills Foundation, Lee teaches organizational leadership at Nichols College, operates a workforce development and organizational strategy consulting business, and is pursuing a doctorate in Leadership and Innovation at Purdue Global.
Motivations?
Drawing from his own experiences overcoming adversity, Lee is passionate about workforce development, leadership education, and human rights advocacy. Despite the challenges of starting over in a new country and being separated from loved ones, he finds purpose in helping others navigate career and personal challenges with resilience and confidence.
Future goals?
Lee hopes to expand his work as a professor, researcher, and organizational consultant, using his expertise in leadership, workforce development, and innovation to help individuals and organizations succeed.
How Running for Clean Water Plus Is Improving Lives in Sierra Leone
What is Running for Clean Water Plus (R4CW+)?
Running for Clean Water Plus (R4CW+) is a volunteer-driven initiative that has spent more than 15 years supporting communities in Sierra Leone through access to clean water, education, health care, and infrastructure development.
Founded by New World United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church Garland in 2011, the organization partnered with Seven Hills Global Outreach in 2013. Buckingham United Methodist Church joined the effort in 2014, helping expand the program's reach and impact.
How has R4CW+ helped communities in Sierra Leone?
Inspired by Sierra Leone native Willie Kamara's request to fund a water well in his village, R4CW+ has raised more than $220,000 to support community development projects. These efforts include:
- Clean water wells and sanitation facilities
- Schools and educational programs
- Medical clinics and health care services
- Food assistance initiatives
- Solar-powered lighting systems
According to Dr. David A. Jordan, President Emeritus of Seven Hills Foundation and founder of Seven Hills Global Outreach, these combined efforts have helped reduce mortality among children under age 5 by 85% in supported communities.
What impact has the program had on education?
Schools supported by R4CW+ provide students with education, school uniforms, and daily meals. A newly established secondary school now serves approximately 250 students, creating expanded learning opportunities and long-term economic growth.
During a 2024 visit to Sierra Leone, volunteers Nancy and Grover Sherlin witnessed these results firsthand, including the dedication of a school they helped fund. The 2025 fundraising race generated nearly $20,000 to complete classrooms, equip a science laboratory, and install solar power at the secondary school.
Why is R4CW+ successful?
The initiative's long-term success comes from sustained volunteer support and collaboration among multiple congregations, demonstrating how community partnerships can create lasting opportunities for families around the world.
Learn more about the work of Seven Hills Global Outreach and Running for Clean Water Plus.
Helen Cohen Recognized as Outstanding Homemaker of the Year
Who is Helen Cohen?
Helen Cohen, a caregiver with Seven Hills Home Care Services, was recently recognized as an Outstanding Homemaker of the Year by Empowering Support for Wellness and Aging (ESWA).
Why was Helen Cohen honored?
Helen received this recognition for her dedication to providing compassionate, high-quality home care services that help individuals maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Her professionalism, reliability, and commitment to supporting individuals and families exemplify the critical role home care professionals play in helping older adults and people with disabilities remain safely in their communities.
What does this award mean?
The Outstanding Homemaker of the Year recognition highlights the positive impact caregivers have on the lives of the people they serve and celebrates excellence in home and community-based care.
Seven Hills Home Care Services proudly congratulates Helen on this well-deserved achievement and thanks her for the difference she makes every day.
Seven Hills Halloween Celebrations Bring Creativity and Community Together
How did Seven Hills celebrate Halloween?
Seven Hills programs and locations embraced the Halloween spirit with creative costumes, festive decorations, and community celebrations that brought employees and individuals together across the organization.
From pirates and ghosts to ghouls and other imaginative characters, participants showcased their creativity while enjoying seasonal activities and building connections with one another.
Why are events like Halloween celebrations important?
Organization-wide events help strengthen community, encourage engagement, and create meaningful opportunities for social interaction and fun. These celebrations reflect the creativity, enthusiasm, and sense of belonging that make Seven Hills a vibrant community.
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Fax: 508.849.3888
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