Partnering with Social Enterprises
The Problem
Like many visionary grassroots leaders, Sr. Judy Blake and Sr. Carol Weber, Co-Executive Directors of the St. Luke N.E.W. Life Center are laser-focused on meeting the needs of the community. Through their grit and determination, NEW Life grew to a nearly $1 million organization, employing dozens of people. However, in 2015, the organization was faced with significant financial challenges and made the hard decision to lay off most of its staff.
“They helped us establish organizational structure so I could find the time to focus on serving the people and communicate their needs to a growing organization and professional staff. The SIPI team does great work, and most importantly, they care about the success of our ministry.”
The Solution
SIPI responded to an RFP from NEW Life to support fundraising, program management, and business planning just as the organization was just starting to get back on its feet. NEW Life now operates four sustainable social enterprises, and has achieved a stable operating and financial model that combines grants, donations, and earned revenue. NEW Life recently added a full-time Director of Operations who allows Sr. Carol and Sr. Judy to focus on strategic initiatives, fundraising, and serving the community.