When I moved into my office at Calvary Women’s Shelter 15 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined that I would still be here.  Why have I stayed so long?  Because Calvary is an amazing place and I continue to be inspired by the people I meet throug…

The conversation was lively in the dining room at Calvary Women’s Shelter last week when we hosted a site visit from the Washington Area Women’s Foundation.  The Foundation’s Washington 100, a group of committed donors chaired by Doreen Gentzl…

I sat with my uncle in the hospital waiting room the day my young and vibrant aunt had a mastectomy.  I held my friend, and held back my tears, before she was wheeled into surgery.  I’ve known the anxiety one feels when awaiting the results of a…

Caroline shared her exciting news at a recent gathering of Calvary donors and volunteers.  “I got a promotion in my job.  I even have health insurance now.  But I don’t know how to use it – at least not yet.”  Almost to a person, the crow…

It’s not every executive director who can brag about her Board of Directors.  I consider myself quite lucky on this account.  In fact, in most gatherings of nonprofit executives that I attend the conversation normally includes complaints about bo…

My children made their Christmas lists.  They combed the toy-filled aisles of Target, called their grandparents to convey their wishes, and talked about how they should get their list to Santa.  And when I started worrying about how they had been c…

In my office there are old photos in boxes and newer ones stored on my computer. There are hundreds of them, faces of hundreds of women who have used Calvary as a turning point in their lives.   Last week I was going through some of the photos as w…