Right Where I Need To Be

So my life these past couple of months have been unexpectedly, a little crazy. In May when I graduated from WKU, I wrote a post about the next chapter in my life. I had it all figured out. Yeah, about that-- Recently I was reminded that no matter how organized, planned, and OCD I am, I can't control the future, just prepare for it. I knew eventually I wanted to start a career in teaching, or in the non-profit sector, or in our local government, just wasn't sure what or when, just sometime in the future.  But what I did know and do know is that I was created to be involved and to make a positive difference in my community, some way, somehow. Initially it started with me volunteering, then by advocating, and eventually starting my own non-profit that encouraged and gave others the information and resources as to how they can give back as well. But from there, I wasn't sure what was next. Meanwhile, until I figured that out, I would continue my career in the mortgage business because I did enjoy it and it provided financial stability, which is important as a single mom.

 Flash forward 5 months later... I was forced to re-evaluate that decision. And because of that, I've had to figure out--Where do I belong?  What do I do now? 

Those are difficult questions for anyone to have to figure out the answer to and even more difficult being a single parent. I pride myself on being independent, financially and emotionally stable, and just 'having it all together' for the sake of myself, and for my son. But all of a sudden, I didn't feel like any of that.

 <<<Hindsight, what I thought was one of those difficult bumps in the road we all dread, turned out to be the kick in the butt I needed to finally start doing what I was created to do. 

During this time of 're-evaluating' where I was supposed to go from here, an unexpected opportunity presented itself to me. A non-profit that I've had a connection with for some time was seeking to fill a new position. And the more I learned about this non-profit, the more I became interested. The organization's goals/beliefs/mission is exactly what I am passionate about, and very similar to that of my non-profit, Hands Filled With Heart, just on a much larger scale. And more importantly, the timing was perfect. 

After several weeks of conversations, interviews, talking to others, and praying about it, I'm excited to say  I am officially the Resource Development and Financial Stability Coordinator for United Way of Central Kentucky.

So a little bit about United Way of Central Kentucky--

The UWCK's vision is that each individual in our community is self sufficient in the areas of health, education, and  financial stability-- building blocks for a good quality of life for all.

They don't provide direct service to individuals who need help. They are essentially a fundraiser, a resource, and more recently, a conversation starter. You'll see what I mean shortly.

So how do they do this? In the past, they would just raise money and fund over 20 agencies and 31 programs in our area. These include Springhaven, Feeding America, CASA, Hardin County Schools, Elizabethtown Independent Schools, etc. You can see a whole list here: http://www.unitedwayck.org/Funded_Agencies.php  .The focus of most of these organizations is to meet the basic immediate unmet needs of individuals in our community. Example, Feeding America has the Back Pack Program that provides food to children in our community every weekend who might not otherwise receive any food until they are back in school. 

Something that United Way of Central Kentucky has observed over the years is that this need is getting bigger and it's caused them to shift their focus a bit. Yes, it's important to provide this immediate basic support to these organizations for these individuals but what's the end game? How do we get these people back on their feet to become self-sufficient? 

It's like the old proverb says-- Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

That's the focus now-- Keep raising the money to distribute to the over 20 agencies and 31 programs in our area to provide basic needs to those who need it now but also start getting these agencies to starting thinking about and start implementing programs for the long term and how to end this cycle of poverty and get these people back on their feet.

Speaking of poverty, 1 in 6 people and 1 in 4 children in Hardin, Grayson, Breckinridge, Meade, and LaRue counties are living in poverty. Our goal at United Way of Central Kentucky is to cut that in half.

How are we doing this? By working with education professionals such as Nannette Johnston with Hardin County Schools, and working with financial experts, and health professionals and using their knowledge and brainstorming ideas on how to reach our goal. United Way of Central Kentucky doesn't have the knowledge or ability alone to end poverty. It's a community effort. We are just getting the conversation started and connecting those together who can. And already, great things are happening. 

(click on the picture for more info)

So that's where I'm going and if you can't tell, I'm pretty pumped about it. I have no doubt that this is where I belong. You'll be hearing more about this in the days to come so stay tuned. :)

And of course I have to mention---Think Before You Donate-- Myth Buster

It's that time of year when the "Think Before You Donate" picture starts floating around Facebook. United Way is one of those 'they' are trying to detour you from. Just like anything you see on the internet, do your research. All United Ways are independent so this is what I can tell you about the United Way of Central Kentucky-- They are doing some amazing things. Furthermore, the money raised at United Way is NOT being spent frivolously. Every dollar donated is strategically given to different programs and non-profits that benefit individuals who need it in our community. We have a very small staff (4 full time and 2 VISTAs), and I assure you, no one is making 'the big bucks'. One of the sacrifices I had to make by taking this job is taking a major MAJOR decrease in salary than what I've been used to in the private sector.  As a matter of fact, I'll also continue to work at my family's bowling alley a couple of nights/weekends as well just so I don't stress financially. Why would I ever willingly choose to work 2 jobs? Just like most people who work for a non-profit--  you do it for your passion in that field, not for the money. My passion is in giving back and improving the life of others so never would I be a part of an organization who didn't have that same passion. Having a job I truly love and believe in is worth that sacrifice to me. Even our office is what you would think about when you think about a non-profit-- a grass roots, hole in the wall office. There are only two very small offices and a small open area with a conference table. Everyone kind of just gets in where they fit in. It's nothing nice or fancy, it's very humbling. And I love it.