Tiffany Pearl is stepping into her new role as executive director of OASIS with a clear priority: making sure more people in the community understand the full scope of local services available to victims of domestic violence.
Pearl officially assumed the position this week after serving as interim executive director since December. She said the appointment came on the same day as her 11-year anniversary with the organization, where she first began as a social work intern while attending Western Kentucky University.
“I want to ensure that our community knows about the important work that OASIS does,” Pearl said. “We want to make sure we are out there as much as possible, taking care of survivors, providing education, and just doing the best we can to get our name out there.”
Pearl’s journey with OASIS spans more than a decade and includes nearly every level of the organization. After starting as an intern, she was hired as a counselor and advocate, later advancing to lead counselor, residential director, interim director, and assistant director.
“I’ve had quite a few titles at OASIS over the past 11 years, but I love what I do,” she said. “I always knew that I wanted to be in a leadership position, and I just thought about this decision and prayed about this decision and thought that this was the right step for me.”
She applied for the interim executive director role, which was approved by the organization’s board, and was later selected as the permanent executive director.
OASIS leaders said Pearl’s experience and dedication made her a natural choice to lead the organization forward.
“Tiffany is no stranger to our mission,” the organization said in post on Facebook. “With a wealth of knowledge about the organization, a passion for working with people, and strong leadership skills, Tiffany is poised to guide us into a bright future.”
While OASIS is widely known for its emergency shelter, Pearl said the organization offers a much broader range of services to support survivors.
She said that at any given time, OASIS houses up to 54 women and children. In addition, the organization provides a 24-hour crisis line, housing assistance, financial support, counseling, and outreach through its diversion and advocacy teams.
“We serve about 1,500 victims of domestic violence in a year’s time,” Pearl said. “That’s through both shelter and non-residential services. We may assist 500-700 of those with hygiene products, diapers, or even gas assistance — whatever the need may be.”
Those services are supported through a combination of grants and community contributions, with Pearl emphasizing the importance of ongoing fundraising and donations.
The organization has also seen significant changes in recent years, including a move from its longtime location of roughly 30 years to a new facility designed to better serve families.
OASIS now offers a non-congregate shelter model, allowing families to stay in private units rather than shared living spaces.
“When a victim comes in, they are in their own space with their own bathroom and kitchen,” Pearl said. “It’s more of a home environment. It’s been wonderful.”
Pearl said the facility includes 12 non-congregate units and five emergency shelter units, along with three newly added handicapped-accessible units completed within the past year.
As she begins her tenure as executive director, Pearl said her focus will remain on strengthening services while ensuring more people know help is available.
“We just want to let the community know that we are here, we’re available 24/7, and we’re here to serve victims,” she said.
OASIS operates a 24-hour crisis line at 270-685-0260 and can also be contacted through its website and social media platforms.
