I recently lost my largest client. For my business, it pinched a little. For me personally, it has elevated my spirits and will allow me to be a better servant and advocate.
On September 30, I lost the Sickle Cell Thalassemia Patients Network (SCTPN) as a client, and on October 4, I became the organization’s new president.
I was reluctant to become a director because I quite enjoyed consulting for the organization I grew up in, and formed me as an advocate. This role was a fait accompli. It is what the members of the organization and the community at large wanted. I was told a long time ago…”To be a good leader, you must also learn to follow.”
In addition to leading a restructuring of UNTOLD Story to focus on nonprofit organizational development, strategic fund, and staff development, Vivian, the incumbent secretary and I are onboarding new executive directors and advisory board members.
In August, SCTPN receive notice that it was one of four northeast regional sickle cell organizations awarded a multi-year grant from the Human Services Resource Administration (HRSA). SCTPN will be able to continue its #CareCoordination and Public Outreach & Education Services (POES) programs. We are charged with finding people lost to care in New York State and assisting them to find physicians and a medical home. Additionally, there will be a collaborative effort with the other awardees to mount a regional #SickleCellTrait education and testing campaign. I am only scratching the surface here.
As a consultant, my ideas were recommendations. As the president, they will become initiatives to drive the growth and sustainability of the organization. Currently, we are expanding services into Staten Island, Long Island, and Upstate NY. A new affiliate led by Gladys Mcgee will provide support for families living with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Rochester. We are also in the process of developing an SCTPN Albany Chapter. In the next 2-years, we will work to establish affiliates and chapters in Syracuse, Buffalo, and other counties where our families reside.
Regarding UNTOLD Story, the universe is kind and brought to us another organization in need of our services. We look forward to sharing the announcement of the new collaboration, and the progress we are making with our other client Music Brings Life Inc https://lnkd.in/dAefaM25.
I have deep appreciation and love for the outgoing president and co-founder of SCTPN Donnette Carroll. She gracefully, and masterfully groomed an idealistic and energetic young adult into her partner in service. She has left a big presence to fill and I pledge to serve the organization and sickle cell community to the best of my ability.
Thanks to everyone who supported me and has confidence in my ability to lead this organization forward.
#raredisease #sicklecellawareness #inheritedblooddisorders #charity #support