Success Stories
Back
July 1, 2007
When I went to my first fund raising workshop and listened to Jean
Long speak, I got so many good ideas from her comments – and had no
idea how much influence she would have on the future of my
non-profit organization.
After that encounter, Jean continued to send me websites and ideas
about how my group could grow. I had never written a grant proposal
before, and she guided me through a tough project for a first-timer
– one that everyone said we had no chance for success. We actually
were awarded the grant and went on to establish a full-time Program
Director position as a result. That enabled us to do great things in
our community and make our name known in regional animal welfare
circles. As a result, we’ve won more grants.
But Jean’s impact did not stop there. Over the next year she guided
me to several different workshops and seminars. When I was ready to
throw up my hands in despair over volunteer conflicts, she helped me
find ways to turn my woes into assets. When our financial ground
seemed shaky, she gave me ideas where I could seek funding. Best of
all, she listened, and while she never told me what I should do, she
encouraged me and we kept trying. She’s the best coach a team could
hope for. Her knowledge is exceeded only by her patience and
insights.
We are now entering our third year of the project Jean helped me
launch in 2005. Kitty City, an education and adoption and resource
center for animals, has participated in class rooms and scout troops
in three counties. Our reputation is growing all over the state.
Without Jean’s encouragement in 2005, I doubt that we’d be more than
a local rescue group.
It’s nice to know that as new hurdles and growing pains arise, I can
contact Jean for creative solutions. Whenever I’m contacted by a new
animal organization for advice, my first tip is that they should
consult Jean for expert guidance on how to build a successful
nonprofit group. It worked for me!
Sincerely,
Patsy Beeker
President
Cabarrus
CARES/ Kitty City