Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend a reception to celebrate local non-profits with one of my coworkers, Katie. The event was put on by a foundation that provides grants to nonprofits to help them succeed. While this event was significantly different than my other experiences with the Dream Center, and it was a good transition into a week focused more on the developmental and administrative side of nonprofit work. Much of this week I spent in the office, which offered a sharp contrast with my hands-on experience at Summer is for Kids and Big Gross Adventure.
As an organization that is currently mobile in the building process, sometimes office work takes place in an office and sometimes in a coffee shop. Despite being disappointed about the loss of their original building, this upheaval has actually enabled the Dream Center to reach more people as they venture into the community even more than before. This week, seeing how nonprofits function from the inside has been eye-opening. Most of my work has been focused on a fundraiser coming up in September called Taste of West Nashville. I’ve had to step outside of my comfort zone as I’ve been asked to engage with potential silent auction sponsors and businesses. I felt this was a huge responsibility given to me and wanted to do it right. However, I’ve learned from my work this week that sometimes there is not just one right way. Much of the staff’s work requires learning as you go, because there is no way to truly prepare for the day to day challenges. I’ve discovered that success can be achieved through many different paths, and I’ve been learning to grow in this independence given to me.
However, I did engage with other ministries as well. I was able to see student ministry for the first time and interact with kids closer to my age, going through the same struggles as me, like deciding which path to follow after high school. Tuesday, we had the opportunity to visit the Air National Guard. This was an opportunity to see one of many paths possible after high school, because for many young people, four-year traditional university is not the best option for them. Katie has done a great job of presenting them with positive potential paths to consider, including the military. For many kids in these neighborhoods, it is not the question of “Where will you go to college?” but “Will you go to college?” Events likes these have helped me to realize the importance of choice and encouragement. I have been so blessed to have been presented with so many options after high school. However, many teenagers don’t know their options, which can lead to them making uninformed choices. The Dream Center is committed to walking alongside these teens so they make well informed decisions.
Lastly, on Friday, I helped Kelton run Fresh Friday, a weekly program that provides food from local grocery stores to those in need free of charge. This event has allowed me to interact more with adults and helped me to meet people of all ages in the community.
Ava's Turner Fellowship 