April marks 7 years for me as Executive Director here at Benjamin's House…WOW!
When I began here we were just 4 years old as a nonprofit and still fairly “new” in the community. We had 7 employees and a budget of approximately $250,000.
As we often say when we look back...where did the time go? While it seems like I just started a few short years ago, I know where my time has gone…
My time has been spent understanding poverty and the many facets that contribute to a person’s life choices and ultimately their homelessness.
My time has been spent learning about trauma and how people are fragile and can be so damaged that it takes a lot of work to pick up the pieces and start over.
My time has been spent seeing mothers reunified with their children, seeing a young man receive his one-year sobriety pin, and seeing a family find a home that is safe and warm.
My time has been spent learning how to lead a team of devoted employees who are committed to helping make a difference in so many lives.
My time has been spent getting to know the people of our community and that we have some of the most generous and kind people living amongst us.
My time has been spent working with a dedicated board of directors who volunteer their time to make sure that we are following our mission and growing to meet the needs of all those we serve.
My time has been spent doing fundraisers and events to help raise awareness of our organization and bring our community together for a cause.
My time has been spent seeing success and failure. Having good days and bad. Wanting to give up and never wanting to fail.
Today we have had our doors open for 11 years. We have grown to a staff of 11 employees and our budget has gone up to $500,000 with added programs and additional assistance.
I am humbled by what we, the board, my staff, the community, and myself, have built and I am so proud to be a part of this amazing organization creating kindness in our community!