Stories

Written by Alyssa Wilson ~ University of Lynchburg Bonner Intern 

Every season, SHARE Greater Lynchburg hosts a networking mixer for its partners to come together and discuss certain projects, ideas and give the nonprofit leaders of Lynchburg a place to intentionally connect with one another. 

In the summer of 2021, SHARE hosted a mixer at the Academy Center of the Arts where many different focus areas were represented. Two of the most contrasting partners were put in a discussion group together. 

Part One: My sabbatical journey and the importance of perspective

Written by Alyssa Wilson, University of Lynchburg Bonner Intern 

The City of Lynchburg is a special home to the many people and places that it shares a deep, rich history with. This is especially true for Camp Kum-Ba-Yah, who has been serving children through summer camps and year-round programming for the last 71 years. 

Nonprofit Collaboration Feature:

The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation has had many great leaders since its inception in October of 1972. The Foundation has helped the community in countless ways under each person’s leadership. 

As the current President & CEO, Bill Bodine, steps out of his role at the Foundation and into retirement, Kathryn Yarzebinski is stepping in as the new President & CEO.

written by Alyssa Wilson, Universiry of Lynchburg Bonner Intern 

The mission of the National Center for Healthy Veterans is to “Return healthy veterans to America”. The Center addresses a multitude of health and wellness issues and provides ways for veterans to participate and benefit from the programs they serve. 

HumanKind has been serving the community of Lynchburg for nearly 120 years. During this time they have assisted community members with everything from mental healthcare to transportation and beyond. 

The month of May is National Foster Care Month and United Methodist Family Services is a leading nonprofit agency that strives to serve children and families through their foster care services. 

“Sustainable leadership isn’t about having full control of your organization. There is strength and utility in strategically letting go.” 

In my first post, I mentioned that my sabbatical was not a vacation. An effective sabbatical at its core has goals that are primarily focused on the institution and not the individual. It is not that the executive’s well-being isn’t a consideration, but their well-being ties back to the organization’s health. So, I am not deciding on the goals of my sabbatical. Instead, the organization is.