On September 20th, 1993, I started this job as Executive Director and I am now President/CEO of Beyond Housing. Back then, we were called Ecumenical Housing Production Corporation and, as the name implies, we had strong roots in the faith community. The original notion was to have people of all faiths come together to produce much-needed, affordable housing. I was 31 years old, with a great deal of enthusiasm; but, not much experience. My biggest worry at leading this well-respected organization was to not “drop the ball” that was handed me by the Board of Directors and the retiring founding Executive Director, Lynn Broeder. Lynn was a dynamic and charismatic leader who grew the organization out of, yes, a church basement to its well-respected place. She had cultivated the strong ties to the faith community that we still enjoy today.
One thing that gave me pause back in those early days of my career was the tagline on the bottom of our letterhead. It was a biblical quote from Micah. It read, “Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God”. At this stage of my life and career, I just didn’t see the value of the quote professionally or personally. Although I was raised in the Catholic Church through 3rd or 4th grade, I stopped attending any formal services and have yet to return. As I started this job, I had so many things on my list of “need to get better at” such as working with a board, managing staff, raising money, public speaking and much, much more. Trying to understand, believe and espouse the notion of this quote was just too much for me at the time. I did not have strong feelings against the quote; but, rather a level of discomfort. This discomfort was driven by my own lack of clarity about my faith and its role in my life.
From that first day in 1993 through today, I have been very motivated to help those families who reach out to us. That aspect of my journey has not changed. What have changed are my own sense of my place in this world and my own sense of my relation to faith and spirituality. I never thought too far into the future one way or the other, i.e., I did not think I would stay at this job two years and then leave nor did I think I will be here forever. In essence, early on, I did not know where my place was and why.
Along the 17 year journey, there was no “aha” moment, no great spiritually epiphany, no transcendent moment or any wondrous revelation. It was a methodical, day-in, day-out march of trying to make a difference. A slow, thoughtful excursion to realizing that I don’t think of what I do at Beyond Housing is a job. I also just thought, “ya know, I don’t think I have ever asked for a raise.”
My voyage has included sitting in the living rooms of those we serve and hearing their stories, their struggles and their successes. I have been in communities walking the streets of Pagedale and knocking on doors in the Normandy School District…seeing, hearing and sensing what is occurring day in and day out. I have heard the sad news of a courageous mother of seven daughters passing away suddenly just as her life was going to turn a positive corner. I have seen what alcohol and drugs can do to families. In turn, I have received hugs from families who just bought their first home, from families who now have a place to live, from families who have gifts for the holiday season and who have started businesses. Very soon, I will celebrate with my friends in Pagedale the ground breaking of a grocery store in their community and all that it means to them.
I have been fortunate to speak to audiences small and large about our mission and those we serve. Being able to stand on the shoulders of others, I have received awards from various organizations. I have also given sermons in a variety of churches to a variety of denominations. I have been asked to do television and radio interviews and have been quoted in national publications. On some levels, it still does not seem real.
At some point in this voyage, I realized that what I do, while it does not unilaterally define me, is a big piece of who I am. 17 years after starting this job, people still ask me today how I have remained so passionate about the work. The question always gives me pause because I never say to myself “OK, be really passionate now”. The answer, I think, is that I have found my place in this job; but, more importantly, in this work of helping of others. I still enjoy coming to work each and every day and hope that continues until the day I decide to stop earning a paycheck.
Now let me close the loop on Micah. Beyond Housing recently engaged Cathy Yost to be a volunteer writer for us. She will assist with writing our newsletters, family stories and other tasks. Cathy has been a long time friend and supporter of Beyond Housing in her former role as Director of Lay Ministry at First Presbyterian of Kirkwood. The church held a retirment ceremony for Cathy at a recent Sunday service and asked me to attend. As I entered the church for the service, who do I see but Lynn Broeder, the founder of Ecumenical Housing and the person whose big shoes I had to fill? We have crossed paths on several occasions over the years; but, nothing regular. We talked for a few moments and she said she had been hearing about all the good work we were doing. That was very gratifying to hear.
When I headed in for the service, the staff at the church wanted me to sit in first pew because I was going to have a small role in the ceremony for Cathy. The service begins and, as they start to describe Cathy and her long time service at the church, whom do they quote? Micah!!! Which quote? “Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” While my journey about my faith still moves forward, I am very comfortable with Micah today and hope that I indeed do justice, love mercy and walk humbly. I hope everyone who reads this has already found or will find their way to that place that brings both peace and passion.