Last summer I was introduced to Budget Buddies, a Massachusetts-based, non-profit organization focused on improving the financial literacy of low-income women in the Greater Lowell area. As part of the Kronos
Giveback program, they were invited to 4 Omni to tell us their story and recruit volunteers. Because the core theme is women mentoring women, that role wasn’t available to me. But I loved the idea; it’s simple and powerful: mentoring women to help them develop
financial savvy and, with it, financial independence.
Looking at their newsletter, I realized that I could offer my editing services. I emailed Anita Saville, the Executive Director, who was happy to accept my offer, but raise me one—could I
write the September Sponsor Spotlight article? OK, then! She put me in touch with the principals at Circle Health (Lowell General Hospital, etc.), I interviewed them via phone, and drafted my first article (http://budgetbuddies.org/BB/sites/default/files/BBNewsletter_September_2014_email.pdf
)
I just completed my second article (attached), this time a Partner Spotlight with The House of Hope, “…a temporary shelter, [that] provides advocacy and care for homeless families.” A little research, another interview, and another draft.
So now I’m a contributing editor to the Budget Buddies newsletter, and proud of it. Volunteering comes in all shapes and sizes. Have at it!
(Paul) Thomas Hanlon | Education QA Specialist, Educational Services | Kronos Incorporated
