Investing In A Community That Cares
Thanks to her years in the non-profit sector, Marsha Carey realizes it takes an excess of training, vision, funds, leadership and strategy to not only stay afloat as a non-profit, but to adequately serve a purpose. With a passion for enabling non-profits to succeed, Carey started a business specializing in non-profit consultation to help these social enterprises do just that.
Starting her professional career as a grant writer, project developer and manager with The Bowen Center and the Chicago Housing Authority, Carey now operates MJCarey Consulting LLC. Currently, she is partnered with The Bowen Center, Tobacco Free Kosciusko and Syracuse-Wawasee Trails on a variety of goals. Ultimately, it is so each will remain an integral part of the community.
“I like getting things going, and giving (non-profits) the tools to keep going,” explained Carey, who is a certified grant professional with a graduate degree in non-profit management. “I’m a lifetime learner, and a networker.”
Carey is most excited right now about Communities that Care, a grant-funded, community collaboration project of The Bowen Center. Kosciusko Care’s goal is to promote healthy youth and family development by increasing positive lifestyles, decreasing problem behaviors and providing resources to address problems.
A group of 60 leaders from the all aspects of the community, including school corporations, faith based organizations, businesses, health care, chambers of commerce, youth services, law enforcement and more, have spent the last year collecting data to assess the community’s needs, and compiling a list of resources currently in place.
Those involved with Kosciusko Cares, including Carey, are using this information to build protective factors, reduce risk factors and improve the community in a sustainable way.
“It’s all about changing community norms,” said Carey, “improving families, and building public awareness to help youth.
“For example, most people don’t realize the median age for anxiety depression is age 11. Age 11! This project has the potential to make a big difference in the community.”
In addition to her work as a consultant and investing in the community’s non-profits, Carey has a goal to complete two books. The first is to be a memoir of her personal journey, and the second would be a how-to on starting non-profits.
For more information on Kosciusko Cares, or to get involved, visit the Kosciusko Cares website.