Trinity Center
Trinity Center is a faith-based organization conducting programs that improve the spiritual, mental, and physical well-being of the poor and homeless in inner-city Austin.
Trinity Center achieves its mission through
• volunteer opportunities that foster compassion, understanding, and acceptance of God’s people who are homeless and poor
• neighborly hospitality in a caring environment
• collaboration with similarly-focused agencies, faith-based organizations, service providers, and partner congregations
• the responsible use of space provided by St. David’s Episcopal Church
Some of the Team Players:
Mary Rychlik became the Executive Director of Trinity Center in February of 2006. Mary is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. She has worked in homeless services for ten years.
Mary provides support to the Board of Directors and focuses on program development and evaluation, community relations, community planning, personnel, and policies and procedures.
Mary enjoys cooking, reading, dancing, playing with her cats, and spending time with family and friends.
Brian Lofgren began serving as a volunteer with Trinity Center in August of 2005. He was hired as the Center Administrator in April of 2006. Brian earned a BS in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Houston—Clear Lake. His prior work experience is in Parks and Recreation Departments, coordinating athletics, aquatics and special events.
Brian serves as a liaison to St. David’s staff, and he focuses on finances, fund development, spiritual programming, and weekend programming.
Brian likes to spend time training for triathlons, barbecuing, teaching swimming lessons, and growing in his spirituality.
Melanie Behrends began working as the Program Coordinator in May 2007. Melanie is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a graduate of The University of Texas with a BS in Public Relations and an MSSW in Social Work. She has worked in the issue areas of homelessness, poverty, medical social work, and community relations.
Melanie focuses on operating the Center, delivering programs, coordinating and training volunteers, and collaborating with other community organizations.
Melanie enjoys going to see live music in Austin, spending time with her family and friends and dogs, running, and traveling.
Justin Schmidt is an AmeriCorps Member who began working at Trinity Center in September 2007. Justin attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he graduated with a degree in Business Management. Justin joined AmeriCorps in order to gain a greater life perspective and to help people who are homeless or in poverty. Justin moved to Texas from Wisconsin. He enjoys watching films, listening to music, spending time with friends and playing sports.
