Anne Sinsheimer, a dedicated SVP Partner, discovered Families Forward Charlotte (FFC) when the nonprofit became an SVP Investee. Drawn to hands-on volunteer opportunities that directly impact the community, Anne was captivated by FFC’s model and mission. “I prefer hands-on volunteer opportunities working directly with people in our community, and I simply fell in love with their model,” she shared.
After attending an information session and engaging in discussions with SEED20 Alum and FFC’s Executive Director Carrie Christian, Anne decided to become a Family Liaison. The process involved a questionnaire, staff interview, and comprehensive training provided by FFC. The training encompassed educational materials, interactive role plays, and guidelines on building relationships, setting goals, and more.
In June 2022, Anne was matched as the Family Liaison Mentor for Leslie, a single mother, and her family. Describing an instant connection, Anne expressed, “We felt an instant connection with each other. Leslie is outgoing and friendly, and her kids are lovely.” Family Liaisons typically spend 4-6 hours per month over a year, working on various goals such as budgeting, resumes, and summer camp sign-ups. Sometimes, the most meaningful impact comes from simply being there to listen and invest in their success.
Families Forward emphasizes creating a trusting environment to discuss goals and obstacles. Anne exemplifies this by thinking creatively and going beyond the usual. Discovering that Leslie’s children couldn’t attend summer camp, Anne connected them with Charlotte Aquatics for FREE swim lessons, providing an opportunity for meaningful adult conversations while the children were engaged.
Reflecting on her experiences, Anne shared, “My two favorite outings were arranging pool time for Leslie’s kids (they were so excited and couldn’t stop smiling the whole time) and taking her out for dinner after she landed a new job.” These moments held deep significance for both Anne and Leslie, reinforcing the transformative power of genuine connections.
As an SVP Investee in its third year, Families Forward Charlotte pairs families with volunteer Family Liaison Mentors, leveraging social capital, lived experiences, and skills to guide low-income families towards self-sufficiency goals. Currently recruiting family liaisons, FFC welcomes volunteers, whether single adults, couples, or families, offering flexible commitment times and schedules with support from the dedicated FFC staff. For more information on volunteering, click here
Anne’s journey as a Family Liaison highlights the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others. Through her commitment, Families Forward Charlotte continues to foster lasting relationships and make a positive difference in the community. #SVPcharlotte #FFCFamilyLiaisonJourney #Familiesforwardcharlotte
