Sometimes the Best Thing to Start Is a Partnership
One leader's decision to listen first, rethink his approach, and build something that strengthens what already exists.
In the nonprofit world, we celebrate people who see a need and decide to do something about it. But sometimes the most courageous thing a leader can do is pause before launching and be willing to change the plan.
Recently, Jay Adkins, founder of There's Still Hope, reached out to Kimbra Shaw, former IP4G consultant and now Executive Director of Hope House. Jay had a vision to open a shelter for at-risk and homeless youth in the Treasure Valley. He wanted to learn from someone already doing this important work.
Kimbra offered him something even more valuable than advice on how to start a shelter. She challenged him to stop, listen, and understand the landscape first. (It’s actually an assessment we have people conduct before considering standing up a new nonprofit.)
Who is already serving these young people? What are they doing well? Where are the gaps? What do existing organizations need most? And perhaps most importantly, would another shelter strengthen the community's response—or stretch already limited resources even further?
Kimbra connected Jay with organizations and resources and encouraged him to learn from those closest to the work.
And Jay listened.
He reflected, prayed, and reconsidered not his mission, but his model.
Rather than operating another youth shelter, Jay decided There's Still Hope would focus on filling gaps that existing shelters, ministries, and youth-serving organizations cannot address on their own.
His nonprofit is being designed to provide practical necessities like backpacks, clothing, hygiene supplies, and transportation assistance; connect youth with counseling and mentoring support; and help established providers close funding gaps. Jay also plans to leverage his business experience to cultivate relationships with corporate and faith-based funders who can help sustain this work.
He is starting in the Treasure Valley with a vision to eventually support youth-serving organizations nationwide.
Jay didn't give up on starting a nonprofit. He found a potentially more impactful way to fulfill its mission that better supports the youth he cares about–in partnership.
That's the kind of leadership we want to celebrate at Idaho Partners for Good.
We regularly meet passionate people who want to make a difference. Their intentions are admirable. But good intentions alone don't guarantee good outcomes. Every new organization requires a board, funding, infrastructure, administration, and ongoing community support. If we could wave the magic wand we would put everyone who wants to start a new nonprofit through a workshop to help them see the existing nonprofit landscape through new eyes.
While there are times when a new organization is needed, we believe it's important to first explore opportunities to strengthen and build upon the good work already underway.
The difference is whether there is a willingness to ask, listen, learn, and adapt!
At IP4G, we encourage leaders to follow four simple principles:
Listen before launching. Learn from those already serving the people you care about.
Assess before adding. Understand the gaps, existing resources, and opportunities for collaboration.
Partner before building. Explore how your talents, relationships, and resources can strengthen existing efforts.
Act where you can create the greatest good. Let the needs of the people you serve—not attachment to a particular organizational model—drive your decisions.
Kimbra's willingness to speak candidly, and Jay's humility in receiving that wisdom, remind us that collaboration begins long before a partnership agreement is signed. It begins when someone is willing to ask, "What do you need?" rather than simply announcing, "Here's what I'm going to build."
Because the goal isn't more nonprofits. It's more good being done for the people and communities who need us to keep showing up.