Introducing Thrive’s Matchmaker
By Nara Shin
Shannon is our Community Partnership Coordinator who made a recent transition from her previous role as a Youth Empowerment Assistant. At Thrive International, our commitment to fostering a thriving community has led us to expand our volunteer opportunities with a growing number of dedicated individuals eager to make a difference. To make sure that our volunteers not only join the journey to empower refugees to thrive but also thrive themselves, we have created this vital position that Shannon can play a significant role in the matchmaking process.
As a Community Partnership Coordinator, Shannon goes to community events, introduces Thrive International to community members, and makes connections with community partners, donors, and volunteers. Here is more of Shannon’s story throughout her new journey!
What motivated you to decide to transition from a youth program assistant to a community partnership coordinator?
I switched over to community partnership coordinator because I was just really excited about better supporting our volunteers, but also because so many of our programs rely on the support of volunteers. I’m really excited to be connecting with people, and even though I’ve only been in this position for about four weeks now, I’m already seeing some exciting relationships formed with other community organizations.
When I was working with the youth program, there was a volunteer named Dawn. The relationship she had with me, a couple of boys in our youth program, and just other volunteers… I just have seen it be so transformative for all of them. The relationships she had with them and the joy that I saw at soccer games were just very beautiful things. We went to pizza after soccer games, and she just made me reflect on how transformative relationships we have. I want to help create the space for people to build more relationships like that because it’s mutually beneficial to volunteers and our program participants. I want to be someone who enables that to happen and empowers people to step out of their comfort zones and love their neighbors.
What do you enjoy the most about the position?
I enjoy talking to people and hearing what they’re excited about the most. It’s an opportunity to speak to people who are interested in volunteering or partnering, but it’s also an opportunity to get to know other community organizations who are doing amazing things as well. I look forward to doing some training with people and one-on-ones where I can hear about where people’s heart is and help to figure out how that fits into this big puzzle at the Thrive community.
What is the biggest need at Thrive regarding volunteers and partnerships?
Our first big ask is going to be for the driving program and we need some women able to provide driving lessons. We also need volunteers in other daily programs like youth programs and workshops.
How is Thrive helping you thrive?
I think Thrive helps me thrive because everyone here cares about how I’m doing and that’s important. Personal connection is another one. I love the relationships that different people and staff have. I am so blessed by the relationships that I’ve been able to form with other volunteers, staff, and youth. They challenge me to see things from their perspectives—sometimes they are different from mine, but I always learn from them.
Do you have words for the readers?
I’m hopeful that we will be able to work together in ways that bring joy and help Spokane Thrive genuinely. I am so excited to get to meet everyone and know everyone. We will have consistency and stability to work together, and I can’t wait to start this journey with people!
