RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE
by Ken Balch, Community of Hope Board Chair
Instead of the customary Executive Director’s update this issue, I’ve decided to co-opt this spot to share some very exciting news. Our very own Kelly Sweeney McShane has been named as one of the recipients of the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation’s 2009 Exponent Award!
The Meyer Foundation is one of the Washington, DC region’s oldest and most experienced private grant making foundations. It strengthens the community by supporting capable, community-based nonprofit organizations that foster the well-being of all people in the region.
Kelly’s selection is a testament to both her strong leadership and Community of Hope’s important work. According to Meyer, this award “recognizes strong and effective nonprofit leaders with a track record of accomplishment who have the potential for future growth and development.” And no one is more deserving than Kelly.
The Exponent Award includes a grant of $100,000 over two years to be used for leadership development. Community of Hope will use this money to build its organizational infrastructure.
In awarding the grant, Meyer took into account organizational reputation, board effectiveness, financial stability, and the ability of the award to help create lasting change. I am happy to report that thanks in large part to Kelly’s efforts, Community of Hope scored highly in all of these categories!
Over the last eight years, Kelly has led Community of Hope through a tremendous transformation– from a struggling, debt-laden organization to a fiscally sound, forward-moving one.
I have had the privilege of working with Kelly for seven of those years as a member of the board. During that time I’ve seen her unwavering commitment to Community of Hope and its mission. Her dedication and hard work have ensured that families and individuals in need of housing and healthcare continue to have a place to go.
The Exponent Award is the Meyer Foundation’s most recent recognition of Community of Hope. Earlier this year, the Foundation’s 2008 Annual Report featured Community of Hope and two other organizations that strive to meet the needs of DC’s underserved residents.
These honors are indicative of the high caliber of healthcare and housing services Community of Hope provides to our most vulnerable citizens. I am proud to represent this organization and to have a chance to brag about Kelly’s wonderful leadership. I also want to thank the Meyer Foundation for all the many ways they support Community of Hope.
For more information, please visit our website at www.communityofhopedc.org.Ken Balch currently serves as the Missional Leadership Strategy Coordinator for the Mid- Atlantic District Church of the Nazarene. He has been a member of Community of Hope’s Board since 2002, and has served as Board Chair since 2007.
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