Guest Blogger: Betsy Williams
I am a 22-year-old, recent college grad from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. I became involved with Haven Housing my junior year of college, through joining their marketing committee. Ever since, Haven Housing has become a big part of my life, and a bigger part of my mission and my own personal cause. I feel so grateful to have found a cause I am so passionate about at this age, because I know as my career grows, my involvement will grow as well.
What drew me in to Haven Housing, was the uniqueness of their programs. Haven Housing functions to serve specifically women and children and to bring them lasting inspiration and hope throughout their lives. I knew the mission and goals of Haven Housing aligned with issues that were near and dear to me: homelessness, female empowerment, and community.
Philanthropy has strengthened my beliefs and mission and brought me closer to my local community. Becoming involved through the marketing committee has allowed me to donate my time and assist with marketing, social media growth, events and development. All of these have strengthened my tie to the organization and my passion for what it stands for.
Many people do not know all the ways they can get involved. Even if you cannot currently support an organization like Haven Housing financially, you can still be involved and further their mission!
Ways to give besides money:
Time – donating your time to support their current needs. Reach out and ask how you can get involved and donate your time! Don’t be afraid to ask how you can use your specific skills and talents in an organization. i.e. Marketing expertise in women’s shelter – skills based volunteering
Resources – Stay up to date with what the organization needs current support in. It may be something you have laying around your house that you can donate to the community.
Share & Support! – Sharing social media posts, events, and fundraisers with your network to spread the word about the mission and what the organization does. Even if you personally can’t donate financially, someone who sees your posts may be inspired by your passion to donate or get involved themselves.
Advocate – Above all else, advocating for the community you support at your school, work, to family and friends, is an amazing way to grow and support your cause. Be an advocate for the mission.
I am so thankful that I found Haven Housing and can be an advocate for homelessness, women and children, and the importance of community. My involvement at Haven Housing has given so much more meaning and purpose to my own life, and I look forward to growing my philanthropy involvement.