The Carying Place, a Cary-based nonprofit agency serving working homeless families with children, has named Pat Lykins as their new Executive Director. Lykins most recently served as the Director of Outreach at St. Francis United Methodist Church, Cary.

During her tenure at St. Francis, Lykins referred people who have needed help as well as those who had items, time and money to donate to The Carying Place. She has been a strong supporter of The Carying Place and believes it is one of the region’s “hidden jewels.”

“Coming to The Carying Place feels very much like the next step on my path,” said Lykins. “I enjoy helping people who are in need and living in desperate situations to turn their lives around. I look forward to the opportunity to intensively support the families and help to get them on a new path.”

Lykins has her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, with a concentration in administration. Her Bachelors Degree, also in Social Work and also from the University of Kentucky, is with a concentration on group work.

Prior work experience includes Executive Director for Robeson County Church and Community Center in Lumberton, NC, serving as a missionary in Argentina, Director of the YWCA of Wake County, Executive Director of Contact Durham, Executive Director of the Suspected child Abuse and Neglect Center in Dayton, OH and a clinical Social Worker in the area of child abuse and battered women in Battle Creek, MI.

For more information about The Carying Place, contact info@thecaryingplace.org, call 919-462-1800 or visit www.thecaryingplace.org.