Dennine Smith joined Coordinated Assistance Ministries in November of 2019. The Virginia native earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services Counseling from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia and later earned a Master of Public Health degree from Liberty University located in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Dennine’s work experiences include case management in both the public and private sectors. She has worked with families and individuals making eligibility determinations for government programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. In addition, she has worked as a case manager at the Indiana Department of Child Services’ Child Abuse Hotline and has worked with families who have had involvement with the Department of Child Services assisting them with finding community resources to stabilize the family.
Prior to accepting her current role with CAM, Dennine worked at the Indiana State Department of Health as the Adolescent Health Administrator. This role involved managing grants, partnering with other youth serving professionals and organizations to implement initiatives, engaging in quality improvement projects and collaborating with other divisions at Indiana State Department of Health to explore strategies for addressing public health needs.
Given Dennine’s background in case management and public health, CAM enables her to utilize skills and knowledge that she has gained from both experiences. Healthy People 2020 defines social determinants of health as “Conditions in the environments in which people live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.” When individuals face homelessness or unstable housing, their quality of life outcomes are impacted negatively and so housing is a public health concern.
Mrs. Smith has engaged in training on topics including mental health, health equity, cultural competency, leadership, and addiction. She is passionate about examining systems and their impact on marginalized populations as well as creating opportunities to empower and equip individuals and families to transform their lives.
Faith is central in Dennine’s life. She believes in the power of prayer. She enjoys serving as a Sunday School teacher, participating in a missionary group, and serving as coordinator for a bi-annual women’s conference at her church. She treasures time with family and friends, enjoys traveling, cheering for the Indiana Pacers, and spending time enjoying the scenery at local parks.
Dennine currently serves on the Healthy Families Advisory Board, the Prevent Child Abuse Howard County Church Committee, the Minority Health Alliance of Howard County Board, and the Jackson Street Commons Advisory Board. Throughout her career, she has received recognition for her leadership and service in the communities in which she has lived. In December 2023 she received the Jefferson Award for Multiplying Good for her work as executive director of CAM. This award is also known as the “Nobel Prize for Public Service,” the Jefferson Awards recognize ordinary people who do extraordinary things.
We anticipate building upon the history of CAM as we look towards our future.
