From Tom Sims:
This is my first opportunity to introduce myself to some of you. I’ve served on FIRM’s board and have been board chair for several years. I came on the board because I was deeply inspired by the mission of FIRM, its impact in the community, and the inspiration of our founder, the Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley.
When Sharon left us January 1, we knew that we had large shoes to fill. We understood that the time of transition was vital and needed to be approached with a commitment to the larger vision and developing an understanding of where we would be going long-term as an agency and as a people movement. That would require both time and a commitment of energy.
It was with some fear and trembling that we undertook the task. That fear has subsided as we witness the capable work of staff and our leadership. We have a developing board that is profoundly immersed in a love for the organization, a committed, competent, energetic, and passionate staff, and a core directorship that is ready for the task. Our two interim Co-Directors, Sophia Dewitt and Paula Cha have a long history with our organization, a love for the people we serve, and a strong sense of our calling to the community.
Our Finance Director, Linda Bowman, has been with us for many years, as a former volunteer, a community supporter, a board member, and now as a consultant.
With these three dynamic women, we form a transition team of four. We are in daily contact and meet weekly to shepherd the work of FIRM. Our programs are continuing and developing. Our board is growing. Our commitment to the community is strong. Our vision is optimistic.
We are praying that God will lead us to the right executive director at the right time, but we are not in a rush. The work of FIRM is not standing still. Lives are being impacted. Communities are being strengthened. God’s love is being demonstrated as FIRM builds communities of hope with new Americans.
On behalf of FIRM, I thank you for your continued support in prayer, giving, volunteer service, participation, and advocacy. I could not ask for a better community to serve with or in. We learn daily from the people with whom we walk this journey.
I am available to talk with you about our mission or answer your questions. My email address is [email protected]. My cell phone number is 559-647-2203. If I don’t answer, leave me a message. If you want to try and figure out who I am, I let it all hang out at http://facebook.com/tomsims .
In subsequent months, I will be using this space to profile our staff members. I look forward to that adventure. They are amazing people and I want you to know them.
You are pretty amazing yourselves. May God bless you big time!
Tom Sims, Board Chair