I then began to think…would I be able to meet the commitment? I am the type of person who never wants to do anything half way, so I wanted to be sure that I could really give it my all. Lastly, I pondered on what attributes I could bring to the board if they decided to accept me. It wasn’t long before I found myself responding to that Facebook message saying, "Yes, just tell me what I need to do.”  

Over the next few months, I received a very warm and personal introduction to STH. I attended a “Coffee and Conversation” and was given a tour of the facility. I even dropped by one day and had lunch with the staff. I knew the organization did great work, but after chatting with some the clients, that’s when I began to pray that I would be appointed to the board. I had to be a part of the solution! Since being officially appointed to the board in August, I have rolled up my sleeves and gotten busy. As Director of Communications for the City of Gary, it is part of my job to coordinate charitable efforts and share these opportunities with city employees. We now have a monthly toiletry/food drive at City Hall where employees can bring in items all month and then they are delivered to STH at the end of the month. Then we start collecting all over again! I have also joined the Social Media sub-committee so that I can assist with crafting messages about the great work taking place at STH. Facebook and Twitter are some of the most powerful and instant tools that help get the word out, and I know it will certainly raise awareness of STH. Also, it is my goal to host a Womenade event in the upcoming months.

So often there is a focus on the negative aspects of my fair city of Gary, and I work hard each day to tell the great stories while dispelling the myths. STH represents one of those great stories, and I am proud to say this facility is in my hometown. My participation on this board has reminded me that it is my duty to give back to my community and to others as much as possible. It is an honor and a blessing to serve alongside such passionate and dedicated individuals, and I look forward to the phenomenal, life changing moments we will make together in support of Sojourner Truth House.