Andrew Spidahl, Neighborhood Connector
Many organizations start as a shared idea. As time goes on, structure begins to form to meet challenges, anticipate growth, and support the work. So it is with Washington School Neighbors. Two years ago at the conception, very little was known of how this would look. Now we’re getting a clearer picture.
We have more officially established a Washington School Neighbors board, with appropriate paperwork and increased responsibilities so that the work is less dependent on just the Neighborhood Connector. Members include a balance of neighbors and Neighbor Organization representatives (from Hope Church, Third Reformed, First United Methodist, St. Francis, and Bank of Holland). We will still have Good Samaritan Ministries as an umbrella organization for payroll, data, training, and other such things, but will function more independently now apart from the Americorps grant that funded the first two years. Furthermore, we have outlined a 40 hour/week Neighborhood Connector position in which Andrew will continue part time, and another connector will be hired part time. Former Neighborhood Connector, Kallie Spidahl, has opted to pursue her love of photography.
So, in brief, going into Summer 2014 we have a stronger WSN board and one, soon to be two, salaried Neighborhood Connectors to continue opening space for this neighborhood to find and share its gifts. Thank you for your continued support!