After having been at my field placement for two months, I thought I'd comment on my intial reactions to the agency, as a whole. As mentioned earlier, I am at a group home for adolescent girls in Fairfield County, CT.
After having spent a decade working for Fortune 50 companies (and a hedge fund), I have been exceedingly impressed with The Agency, as a business. It has certainly defied any stereotypes I may have had about working for a non-profit organization.
Three key areas of the agency have led to my initial positive experience with The Organization:
• Strongly Run Organization: When people describe The Group Home, they likely discuss the organization’s mission or results rather than the business aspects, themselves. However, given my professional background, I thought this would be an appropriate (and possibly unusual) place to begin. Many people assume that Non-Profit organizations lack business acumen and professionalism, instead preferring to focus on the “fuzzy bunny” aspects of the organization (a description used frequently by one of my investment banker friends). However, The Agency seems to be impressively business savvy. With their successful annual birdhouse auction fundraiser and positive organizational culture proven to retain caring and experienced staff for years, they have the basis necessary to run a successful organization.
• Caring, Nurturing Staff: The dedication and caring demonstrated by the staff of The Group Home personify the extraordinary mission of this organization. I have never seen another workplace where the cultural attitude is truly selflessly “all for one, one for all” (to borrow a phrase from some well known “Musketeers”). What’s more spectacular, perhaps, is that each current staff member seems to have given buy-in to this notion. The nurturing environment created through the open communication, dedication, and perseverance of the staff forms the basis for The Agency's healing setting.
• Welcoming House: The Agency’s warm and inviting house also serves as a strong foundation for the organization’s success. The safe environment invites its inhabitants (and guests) to relax, enjoy a snack and good conversation while serving to recreate a family home environment. On a warm Saturday morning in spring, upon my first visit to The Group Home, I was greeted by the scent of fresh baked muffins, music, and girls lounging around enjoying the weekend. Every one of my senses was immediately excited by the comfortable, welcoming environment and the possibility of being a part of The Organization's community.
Overall, I have enjoyed my (brief) time interning with The Agency, and am extremely impressed with the strong set of assets that allow it to wholly serve its mission.