• Home
• About Us
  • Impact Stories
  • History
  • Staff
  • Board
• Our Programs
  • CareTeams
  • Shanti
  • Housing
• Volunteering
  • Forms
  • Volunteer Spotlight
  • Volunteer Photos
• Events
  • Past Events
• Donations
  • Why Donate?
  • Giving Options
  • Memorial or Tribute
  • Employee Giving
  • House
  • Wish List
  • Donate Time
  • Travel Plans
• Employment
• Contact
  • Your Story

Outstanding Partner in Building a Community of Compassion   

There is always a need to vet potential volunteers that offer services.  As a nonprofit agency, we don't have a large need for a volunteer who wants to make gnocchi (while an art form, it is not a staple of most diets), body painting (again, an art form, but need I say more?), or rainforest horticultural services. 

So, I approached the volunteer referral from Robert Lux, Shanti Program Director, with curiousity and inquired more about Jon Moran.  To my great surprise, Jon was offering his vast experience as a Human Resource manager.  After 20+ years at Group Health, Jon decided that retirement was the next best step, and he found himself with much more time to interact with groups/agencies that he already supported.  Rosehedge/Multifaith Works is lucky to have Jon as a friend and, as it turned out, to be on his favorite's list.

Our first conversation quickly revealed to me that Jon is an exciting and inspiring man who was willing to help the newly merged agency develop new and improved personnel policies.  He discussed with me some of the challenges that we would be facing and some of the opportunities the merger would provide.  Jon faced this daunting task with aplomb and, from my perspective, a great deal of courage.
 
It was only a week before our initial meeting, and I was sitting before my computer reading the policies from both agencies, overwhelmed and challenged with the task of incorporating, revising, and creating a new set of personnel policies.  As is often the case with smaller nonprofits, we are forced to adjust and adapt to the financial challenges of the times, and very often, the luxury of consultants or professional services is beyond our economic reality.  So when someone with Jon's gifts offers their support and service, the words tremendous gift barely brushes the surface of my gratitude.  

With a professional hand, Jon began the process of merging the two agencies' policies into one cohesive and functional document.  He provided context for how to make challenging decisions, and answered questions that are often confounding and mired in bureaucracy.  From this experience emerged a document that more effectively protects our employees.  

One of the final pieces of our process when developing policies is to submit them for legal review.  When the attorney (also a volunteer) who conducted the review saw the document, she said, "this is one of the most complete and professional personnel policy manuals I have ever seen for a nonprofit!  Where did you get these and who did these?"  I was, of course, thrilled and honored that Jon had done this for us and that the outcome was much more amazing and positive than I ever expected!  

One of the most amazing gifts I experience being part of Rosehedge/Multifaith Works is that I get to interact with amazing and wonderful people who offer to give of themselves so that others may prosper.  Jon's work is definitely behind the scenes and could be an unnoticed part of what happens here at Rosehedge/Multifaith Works, but believe me, it is both noticed and deeply appreciated.  

We are all here to walk along side one another, so the impacts of HIV/AIDS can be mitigated or relieved - so that the many parts that go into the process mean the outcomes are life changing and amazing.  

Jon's support, kindness, and professionalism meant our policy transition was exceptionally effective.  It is the caring commitment of people just like Jon that make Rosehedge/Multifaith Works what it is!