Cynthia Latcham

Cynthia Latcham is the Executive Director at Anawim Housing, a nonprofit which focuses on implementing Permanent Supportive Housing programs using evidence based principles of Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Trauma Informed Care. Cynthia also founded and is Executive Director of Full Circle Recovery Community Centers located in Des Moines, Council Bluffs and Sioux City, Iowa. A Recovery Community Center (RCC) is an independent nonprofit organization led by representatives of local communities in recovery that provides peer-based recovery support services, public education, and policy advocacy. Full Circle RCC is not a treatment center; but offers emotional, informational and practical supports for individuals and families affected by substance use. As part of her work at Anawim Housing, Cynthia has leveraged her expertise in Permanent Supportive Housing to advance policy discussions with the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Health Initiative for People Who Inject Drugs, and served on the leadership team for the Community Visioning and Plan program focusing on strategies for addressing and ending homelessness in Polk County. Born in Barrington, Illinois, Cynthia is a passionate believer in reducing barriers to services, whether that be housing, employment or behavioral health services. Anawim Housing programs and Full Circle RCC is designed to meet people where they are at in their recovery and to partner with them as they move at their own pace towards their vision of a happy and healthy life. She is especially proud of the team of committed and talented professionals she works with on a daily basis. Prior to her work with Anawim Cynthia was a private business owner and a Child Protective social worker. She graduated from University of Iowa with a degree in Social Work and received a graduate degree from Drake University in Public Administration.