Joli Guenther, MSSW, LCSW

Joli Guenther, MSSW, LCSW, Executive Director, Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services has served young people and families through over twenty years of work in Runaway and Homeless Youth Services at the state and Federal levels. She was extensively involved in the community organization and planning under the Wisconsin Balance of State’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project, funded in 2021 as the largest rural YHDP initiative to that date, bringing together 17 local coalitions and communities under a comprehensive community plan including Kinship, Systems Navigation, and Rapid Rehousing to meet the needs of RHY. She administers multiple Federal projects to provide shelter and outreach services to youth and young adults in small urban centers and rural communities throughout Wisconsin. Joli organizes a statewide membership to support better implementation and interpretation of existing legislation; and leads legislative efforts to support youth rights and services, including improving responses for youth survivors of trafficking and exploitation and increasing access to safe, age appropriate shelter, medical, and health care. Joli is an active member of the National Network’s Policy Advisory Committee; the National Safe Place Advisory Board and Board of Directors; and Youth Collaboratory’s, Runaway and Homeless Youth Action for Impact Team.