Matt Eldridge, the former senior vice president of IslandWood, will be taking a new seat as the interim executive director of Helpline House.

Eldridge is no stranger to interim leadership, having previously served as interim executive director at Salish Sea Expeditions. Eldridge will serve as executive director until the nonprofit can find a long-term replacement for the outgoing executive director Joanne Tews.

Tews will be departing the position in order to move closer to her family in the Midwest.

“I love the work that Helpline House does, and there has never been a more important time for organizations like Helpline House to help our neighbors through life challenges that can affect us all,” Tews said. “Helpline House is well positioned to meet these needs and adapt to the changing needs of our community.”

Board president Paulette Peterson praised Tews for her work as executive director.

“Joanne has been a great advocate for the families and individuals who utilize Helpline House’s critical services, and a strong representative of the organization,” Peterson said.

Originally founded as Fishline, Helpline House provides a range of social services to Bainbridge Island residents.

For more information on the search for a new executive director, visit helpline house.org.