Kicking off its 40th anniversary campaign, The Wilkinson Center (thewilkinsoncenter.org) has been a community staple since Day 1. We caught up with Executive Director Anne Reeder to learn more about what the future holds for the nonprofit.
The Can Do! Luncheon is taking place this month on April 4—what are you most looking forward to? My favorite part of the Can Do! Luncheon is filming the videos about the Can Do! Award winners. It is our opportunity to see into their lives and see the passion and compassion that drives their acts of entrepreneurship and service.
Favorite part of the job as executive director? My job is so challenging and yet so fulfilling. First of all, I love and admire our incredible team. And also, we get to witness lives that are forever changed and see individuals and families thrive. Plus we witness incredible kindness and generosity. What’s better than that?
How would you say Wilkinson Center has made an impact on the community since its inception in 1982? Over the last 40 years, Wilkinson Center has grown from a tiny food and clothing pantry in Munger Place Church to an agency that has 61 employees and serves over 8,000 unduplicated clients a year. We still provide food and emergency services such as rental, utility, childcare and transportation assistance, but now those services are often used as wraparound services to help students who seek adult education, job training and career navigation.
Best advice you have ever received? Don’t make a decision when you are tired or upset.
Anything exciting on the horizon that you and the WC team are working on? Later this year, we are moving our administrative office to be closer to our clients and to our program locations.
Photography by: COURTESY OF WILKINSON CENTER
