About URC
Staff
Dionne Lacey - Dowdy
Executive Director
Dionne Dowdy is the co-founder and Executive Director of the United Returning Citizens, or URC, a Youngstown-based nonprofit organization committed to transforming lives and rebuilding communities. Under her leadership, URC has supported more than 17,000 individuals across the Mahoning Valley - primarily those impacted by the justice system - as they navigate barriers to employment, housing, and personal development.
URC offers a wide range of services, including workforce training, job placement, financial literacy education, holistic mental health support, and resources for both transitional and permanent housing. Dionne's work is fueled by her deep belief in second chances and her commitment to uplifting the "1/3 not heard" - the many formerly incarcerated individuals excluded from the mainstream economy and society. Through URC, she helps restore dignity, provide opportunities, and build pathways toward self-sufficiency.
With over a decade of experience in reentry advocacy, Dionne has become a prominent voice in the region, recognized not only for her community impact but also for her leadership and mentorship.
She is actively involved in the community including the following: Former Board President for Community Legal Aid, a member of the YWCA Mahoning Valley and League of Women Voters, a graduate of Emerging Leaders Fellowship and Rockwood Leadership Institute, and was a keynote speaker at the 50th Anniversary Gala for Legal Services Corporation in Washington DC.
Along with her commitment to the community, they have recognized her in multiple ways since becoming the prominent voice everyone knows. She has received the Woman Warriors Award, Gem of the Valley Award, Compassion Over Cages Award, was named the 2024 Non-Profit Professional of the Year, and Vanguard of the Valley from the Raymond John Wean Foundation.
Kenneth Boone
Program Director
programmanager@unitedreturingcitizens.org
Kenneth Boone is a dedicated, community leader, and Navy veteran, proudly born and raised in Youngstown, OH. A graduate of South High School, he has spent his life giving back to his community through mentorship, advocacy, and service.
As a proud United States Navy veteran, Kenneth has served his fellow veterans as a mentor and coordinator at the Veterans Treatment Court, where he helped fellow veterans navigate the justice system and rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Youngstown State University (YSU), which has further strengthened his ability to support individuals and families through community-based work and veteran support services.
Kenneth is the founder of the Elijah Blueprint Mentoring Program, an initiative focused on guiding young men toward positive life choices and personal development. His commitment to youth mentorship is also evident in his volunteer work with the Kool Boyz Foundation, where he serves as both a board member and a mentor. He also mentors middle school boys at Youngstown Rayen Early College Middle School, offering guidance and support during critical formative years.
Above all, Kenneth is a devoted father to his daughter and a proud grandfather to his grandson. His life’s work reflects a deep commitment to service, mentorship, and strengthening the community he calls home.
Davida Dowdy
Executive Administrative Assistant
admin@unitedreturningcitizens.org
Davida Gibson-Dowdy, a proud native of Youngstown, Ohio, currently serves as the Executive Administrative Assistant at United Returning Citizens (URC). With a strong background in administrative support and human services, Davida plays a key role in ensuring the organization runs efficiently while staying aligned with its mission of empowering returning citizens and underserved individuals in the community.
Davida first joined URC in 2016, during its early stages of development, where she provided critical administrative support to the Executive Director. Her dedication and strong organizational skills helped lay the foundation for many of URC’s growing initiatives. After several impactful years with the organization, she pursued an opportunity in the mental health field, serving as a Program Manager at ViaQuest Day and Employment Services. There, she worked closely with adults with developmental disabilities, managing programs designed to foster independence, growth, and inclusion.
In her current role, she provides high-level administrative coordination, supports program execution, and helps ensure that the needs of both staff and clients are met with care and efficiency. Helping people has always been at the center of Davida’s professional journey. Whether working behind the scenes or directly with clients and staff, she approaches every task with compassion, integrity, and a genuine desire to uplift others. Her continued dedication to service makes her an essential part of the URC team and a valuable resource to the community the organization serves.
Rick Zeigler
Workforce & Marketing Specialist
workforce@unitedreturningcitizens.org
Rick is a passionate, community-driven professional who journey with United Returning Citizens (URC) began in the fall of 2023 while attending Youngstown State University. Through a YSU-connected internship at URC, he gained firsthand experience in empowering returning citizens - a pivotal opportunity that set the course for his career.
With his commitment, work ethic, and ability to build genuine connections quickly earned him a permanent position at URC. In his dual role as Workforce Specialist and Marketing Specialist, he helps returning citizens prepare for and secure meaningful employment while also telling URC's story to the community through impactful outreach and marketing campaigns.
As the first point of contact for new clients, Rick approaches every interaction with empathy, patience, and respect, ensuring each person feels welcomed and understood. His work bridges two essential areas - direct service and public awareness - making him a driving force in both the individual success stories and broader mission of URC.
His dedication leaves a lasting impression on every person he meets, helping to change lives and strengthen the community.
Nina Shutack
BSW, Grant Writer
reentry@unitedreturningcitizens.org
Nina Shutack, BSW is the on-site Social Worker and Grant Writer for United Returning Citizens, where she plays a vital role in client engagement and provides support across all areas of the organization. Nina brings a well-rounded and compassionate approach to her work, supporting participants on their path to self-sufficiency while contributing to the overall success of URC's programs and mission.
A 2022 Honors graduate of Youngstown State University, Nina earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and was inducted into both the National Society of Leadership and Success and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and community leadership. She joined URC as a social work intern during her final semester at YSU and officially became a member of the team in January of 2023.
In addition to her direct service work, Nina also serves as URC's Grant Writer, using her insight and communication skills to help secure essential funding for the organization's programs and initiatives. Her ability to convey the needs and impact of URC's work in writing has been critical in expanding services and sustaining resources for the community.
Nina believes in the power of hope, especially when individuals feel hopeless, and strives to meet each person where they are with empathy, respect, and determination. Her dedication to empowering others and fostering positive change makes her an important piece of URC's team.
Board Members
Dr. Alexis Smith, Co-Medical Director, Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center
Clare Puskarczyk, Ph.D., Consciousness Studies
Justin Froelich, Vice President, Tema Roofing Services
Kim Akins, Esquire
Fred Owens, Telecommunication Studies Professor, Youngstown State University
Dionne Dowdy-Lacey, Executive Director, United Returning Citizens
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