Building with Purpose: Jane Odegard's story with Interim is one of service, compassion, and community.
Inspired by the example of her grandmother, Jane entered social work with a philosophy grounded in empathy and presence. At Interim, the work of healing and housing spans generations, and the torch of leadership is passed not in ceremony, but in service. As one leader reflects on her decades of service and growth, others step forward with the energy and innovation to carry that legacy into the future.
“When one of our Bridge House residents looked me in the eye and said, ‘I have my dignity back,’ I knew we were doing something more than simply housing and treatment.”
That moment, just weeks into her arrival at Bridge House, crystallized the mission of helping individuals heal that has driven Jane for more than two decades at Interim, Inc. From her very first day responding to a newspaper ad for a counseling position at MCHOME to becoming Program Coordinator at Shelter Cove, Jane’s path has been one of connection, curiosity, and a steadfast belief in the power of community.
A Legacy of Compassion
Inspired by her grandmother, a social worker who spent 52 years volunteering to visit shut-ins in Boston in the 1930s, Jane entered social work with a simple philosophy: show up. One day, while working in Salinas and checking in with a group of kids dealing with truancy and other challenges, the group was asked, “Why are you here?”—a question that Jane had to answer as well. In that moment, she recognized it was her grandmother who had inspired her path.
Even after tragedy struck, when her grandmother unfortunately succumbed to injuries inflicted by a group of young teenagers, she held fast to her guiding words, “Don’t blame them; they don’t know what they did.”
The empathy demonstrated by her grandmother now underpins every program Jane has led. Sitting in that room, with a group of teenagers, she finally understood why she was there and what brought her to this profession.
Building Together
Over time, Jane’s leadership has woven together strategy and advocacy, shaping programs with both care and community focus. Her journey has taken her from Program Coordinator at Shelter Cove, to Program Director at Bridge House, to Deputy Director of Interim, and today she serves as Clinical Services and Program Development Officer, where she blends strategic oversight supervising Interim’s psychiatric and nursing services. She is also our 504 Coordinator, fielding housing appeals and ensuring each client’s voice is heard. Along the way, her collaborative spirit shaped initiatives like our commercial insurance project and nonviolent communication training across residential sites.
Why She Stays
Jane credits Interim’s culture of mutual support… brainstorming together, sharing challenges, and celebrating wins… for sustaining her passion. And the stories keep coming: a young client regaining school attendance, a client moving into permanent housing, colleagues stepping up with fresh ideas. That human connection is what fuels her every morning.
“I’ve never come close to burning out, because here we work as teams, not individuals.”
Looking Ahead
Her vision for Interim’s future is as relational as her past, enriching recovery through community and belonging. In the next 25 years, Jane hopes Interim continues weaving clinical care with community life by expanding peer-led social programs, job training workshops, and neighborhood gatherings where clients and staff forge lifelong friendships. “We must always remember recovery isn’t just treatment, it’s belonging.”
Carrying the Mission: Kevin Gast's Story
“One day I’m at Sun Rose celebrating a new apartment; the next I’m in King City mapping out our outreach route. There is no ‘typical’ day—and that’s exactly why I love it.”
Like Jane, Kevin’s journey with Interim began with answering a job posting—an opportunity that evolved into more than just a career. From supporting program expansions to designing spaces with clients in mind, his work alongside Jane on projects like Sun Rose Apartments reflects a shared commitment to inclusive, client-informed care.
Kevin recalls Jane’s leadership during several major initiatives—including the launch of the Wellness and Recovery Academy, Shelter Cove renovations, and the expansion of in-house psychiatric services. “What I appreciated,” he shares, “was Jane’s insistence on hearing from clients and staff at every level. Even if your idea wasn’t used, you always felt heard.”
Their collaboration continued during the planning and development of Sun Rose Apartments, where client voices once again shaped how the space would serve both transitional and permanent housing needs. “Jane brings people together—staff, clients, leadership—to create programs that people truly want to be part of,” Kevin says.
Kevin Gast has built a career and life rooted in service across Monterey County, stretching from Castroville through Salinas and down to South County, as well as coastal areas including Monterey and Carmel. After earning degrees in psychology and sociology from Northwest Missouri State University, he guided court involved teens in Iowa for six and a half years, helped tornado survivors rebuild their lives as a natural history counselor, and then followed his passion west to California with his wife.
A Journey of Growth
Since 2012, Kevin has worn nearly every hat at Interim: Group Coordinator for Shelter Cove/Sandy Shores, Assistant Program Director and eventually Acting Program Director for Shelter Cove. He then became Program Director at MCHOME and currently also serves as Program Director for Interim’s countywide Housing Navigator program. Through his work, he appreciates the vast support that MCHOME provides across its interconnected mini-programs. He has overseen 21 units at Moon Gate Plaza, the Shelter Plus Care program, and other supportive housing sites stretching from Castroville to Monterey. For Kevin, no two days are the same. He moves between connecting with community members, overseeing MCHOME’s homeless outreach services and residential clients, and local organizations. The variety excites him and challenges him in the best way.
People First, Always
That scope of work would be unsustainable without one core value guiding his approach: people come first—both clients and staff.
“One of the things I think sets Interim apart from other organizations, if you look at our staff or go to staff events, you’ll see we have former clients who now work for our agency. And they’re not in symbolic roles; they’re doing the good work, contributing, and enriching our organization.”
Kevin lights up when speaking about those who’ve come full circle. He also champions weekly one-on-one supervision, uninterrupted lunch breaks, and self-care because caring for staff is the best way to care for clients.
Strength in Scope
That focus on people doesn’t mean the work is easy.
Juggling six separate grants, multiple offices, and sprawling data systems would overwhelm many, but Kevin sees it as a testament to Interim’s reach.
“Yes, it’s challenging. But every new apartment filled, every grant report submitted on time, edges us closer to our dream: homes for everyone who needs them.”
A Surprise Honor
His ability to stay grounded in purpose while managing complexity hasn’t gone unnoticed. Among colleagues, Kevin is known not just for what he does—but for how he leads: with steadiness, humility, and heart. This spring, Kevin received Interim’s Compassionate Service Award.
“I had no idea I was going to win, but when I got there, I had suspicions because they seated me front and center,” he laughs. It was a moment of gratitude for the people he works alongside every day and a quiet affirmation of the leadership he continues to offer.
Join Their Stories
Together, Kevin and Jane represent two chapters in a shared story of service, rooted in presence, partnership, and purpose. If these journeys resonate, we invite you to:
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