by Kimberly Parker
At the beginning of each year, many people make New Year’s resolutions. It seems to be a time to reset; to think what another year could hold; or to simply want to be a better, healthier person.To be honest, I
am not a big one on resolutions. I seem to make them and then not keep them. I then feel horrible for not being able to achieve what I had set out to achieve.
Maybe one year, I will figure out a good way to succeed!
From an organizational standpoint, though, I am thinking about Central Outreach and Advocacy Center. This is a new year for the OAC so what will we set out to achieve in order to continue opening doors to overcome and prevent homelessness? A few thoughts come to my mind:
Fill our Supportive Services Coordinator position … We have been without a full-time staff member since late in July. I can’t thank my current team for the ways in which everyone has pitched in, taken on additional responsibilities, and helped make sure we got the work done. But, we are ready and we are hoping for the right person to step in and join an already good team!
Increase the number of guests who work in the Main Frame Resource Lab … When people are placed on the list to work with Sonja Hodges, Employment Specialist, we see strides being made toward securing employment. I hope to see more guests take advantage of this program because I believe it helps them with a new beginning in their journeys.
Increase the number of guests who receive clothing through Alison’s Boutique … I love to show up in the Boutique when Sonja or a volunteer take a guest back to “shop” for clothes to wear to an interview or a job. Oftentimes I tear up because they walk out there with shoulders back, head held high, and a smile on their face that was not there before entering the Boutique.
Secure additional volunteers to assist with intake … With a small team, we cannot serve the numbers of guests we serve without volunteers to help with the work. In 2024, we provided 9,632 different services to 3,571 unduplicated guests. We were able to achieve these numbers with our paid staff and 3,620 volunteer hours. These numbers are great, but we also had to turn away 715 guests when we simply didn’t have enough intake people to see all that showed up at our doors.
Continue carrying out our values who make us who we are … “We believe in meeting people where they are with patience and humility and treating each person with respect and dignity.” My team (staff, volunteers, and interns) do this well and I know that it makes a difference in the lives of those we serve! A New Year, A New Beginning … come volunteer or simply come and learn more about what we do! It’s truly a special place!