
Our Team
OUR HISTORY
The Desens House is the realization of a ten-year vision to break the generational cycle of addiction. Rooted in our commitment to spiritual and community service, we offer lasting hope and transformation. This home stands as a tangible commitment to freeing individuals from spiritual bondage and providing a path to recovery in Oswego.
The Desens House is named to honor the Desens family, who founded Elim Grace Church.
This incredible family—thanks to their personal prayer, amazing resilience, and true generosity—started what we know today as Elim Grace Church with just a small group of friends. They intentionally chose to pour into others, one life at a time. Because of that choice, the church has grown into the huge, grace-filled resource it is now! Our House, which we named after them with such affection, is the living proof of their legacy, serving as a dedicated place for healing and transformation for everyone in our community struggling with addiction.
The Desens House stands as a daily reminder of the importance of listening, loving, and serving others, one life at a time.

OUR BOARD
The strength of The Desens House is rooted in the passion and expertise of our volunteer Board of Directors. This committed group is far more than a governing body; they are the strategic backbone that sustains our mission to break the generational cycle of addiction.
Our board members bring a rich variety of professional backgrounds, including finance, counseling, non-profit management, ministry leadership, and recovery advocacy. This diverse skill set ensures that every decision—from financial oversight to program development—is approached with wisdom, accountability, and depth. United by a profound dedication to our faith-based mission, their collective passion for effective nonprofit leadership ensures The Desens House remains stable, financially sound, and fiercely focused on providing lasting hope and transformation for the women and community we serve.

OUR TEAM
The Desens House team and staff are the heartbeat of our organization. We are a small but mighty group of individuals deeply committed to the mission of restoration. Every staff member, volunteer, and Sober Living Companion is dedicated to walking alongside women in recovery, providing consistent presence, guidance, and accountability. Our focus is not just on oversight, but on championing each woman toward a healthier, sustained future built on hope and dignity. We are partners in their journey, offering the daily support necessary to break the generational cycle of addiction.

Christine “Dean” Wright, Executive Director

Alicia Vann, Associate Director

Amy Champlin, Recovery Advocate

