Born in England, living in Southern California, and working toward world change—we’d like to introduce Elizabeth Reid, the CEO and Founder of Immanuel House.
After a successful career in sales, Reid transitioned to giving back to the community. Her advocacy was greater than the simple task of donating money to an existing service; Elizabeth wanted to ensure that specific parties received attention and help in their journey to wholeness. For Reid, the change was simple: “Service is a transferable skill… Whether it’s sales or drug treatment, people always need help.” Reid attended Riverside Community College, Orange Coast College, and school in England, attributing her mother with the life mentorship that led her to Immanuel House.
“My Mom came from forty years in the medical field; the last twenty in mental health, which is a powerful partnership—that’s why she was a board member. Our fundamental aim is to serve adults with a mental challenge and dual diagnosis.” Reid started with her own home. After giving up personal living space for those less fortunate, she increased her strategic plan. She created Immanuel Sobriety, a community-based residential service provider aiding low-income persons in the western part of Riverside County.
To receive donations for more space, supplies, and services and reach her goals for Immanuel Sobriety, she completed non-profit status in November 2007. As of 2015, Outpatient care will be available to Immanuel House guests. “Due to the population of people we serve, accomplishments look a lot different for us [compared to] mainstream America. We affect change each time we keep someone out of custody by registering them in school, assisting them with the SSI/SDI processes, helping them prepare for and find employment, etc.”
Immanuel House has eight locations throughout Riverside, Perris, Moreno Valley, serving dozens of residents, with an outpatient clinic & substance abuse residential facility that opened in the Fall of 2017. Immanuel House has taken part in Toys for Tots campaigns each Christmas, Thanksgiving feedings, Business Expos, and other community partnerships and events. Reid is also a Board Member of the Moreno Valley Citywide Coalition, whose goal is to bring Moreno Valley non-profits together for the common good, giving more opportunities to serve the community. With her growing team of staff and volunteers, Immanuel House’s success has increased. Immanuel House has housing, supplemental services, outpatient care, and now access to higher learning. Reid plans to expand the program to all fifty states.
“Immanuel House continues to thrive because of community partnership.” Plans for more strategic partnerships with federal, state, and local organizations will ensure that Immanuel House continues to “transform lives from the hurts of humanity.”