A Conversation with Sarah Johnston: How You Can Help Your Community During The COVID-19 Crisis

Orlando Business Podcast with Eric English

A Conversation with Sarah Johnston: How You Can Help Your Community During The COVID-19 Crisis

There’s no doubt the coronavirus has been tough on all of us. Our day-to-day has been disrupted and plans have been upended and some jobs are hanging in the balance. It’s a gloomy time, but the vast majority of the audience listening in has a lot to be thankful for: a comfortable home in which to isolate, ample food in the fridge, digital devices to keep us connected, learning, and entertained, and you get to be stuck at home with the people you most love (even though your patience might grow thin with them from time to time).

But the coronavirus has been much harder on the less fortunate, especially those who live in the rough areas of town that we usually try to avoid.

These are the areas served by Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida. In normal times, they have 16,000 children in their clubs, providing wholesome activities, structure, educational support, and positivity to give them a boost in life.

But now the families of these children are suffering even more.

In today’s episode, Sarah Johnston, Vice President of Development shares how, due to the virus, life has changed for the worse for many of the kids served by the Clubs. Many don’t have digital devices and aren’t able to school virtually. They’re at risk of falling behind. Some of them are in negative environments with few resources, bare cupboards, and stressed-out adults to boot…and, like you and me, they’re not sure when these extra hardships are going to end.

Sarah shares how the Boys and Girls Clubs have responded to the new rules and how they’re positioning their resources to have the most positive impact during this time. She shares ways the community can help and support them in their efforts – both in monetary and in other ways. She tells about the amazing staff of the clubs, and her sense of hope and determination is infectious.

Sarah has a heart of gold. She has served in many roles with Boys & Girls Clubs and Central Florida and was asked to lead the organization’s development efforts in 2017. Her team connects individuals who want to invest in the future of children with opportunities. Sarah’s favorite part of her role is building relationships with investors and the opportunity to work with Club members on sharing their stories.

Listen in to discover ways that you too can make a difference in the lives of children and families in our communities.

Quotes:

“We’re ‘whatever it takes’ to help get this child to a place where they can reach their full potential.”

“We’ve been trying to stay relevant and still serve our kids in a new way that’s not our normal.”

“Our kids vote with their feet.”

“We don’t have a choice. We have to stay open for them.”

“Every dollar makes a difference.”

“Our service directors are like surrogate parents.”

“Out clubs keep our kids out of jail.”

“Keeping in touch, keeping those relationships, and keeping the spirits of our kids up, we do it like no one else does.”

“The most beautiful things come out of some of the hardest times.”

Some Questions I Ask:

• How has COVID-19 affected the Boys and Girls Club? (04:46)
• Can you share a story about one of the kids? (9:17)
• Tell us about the COVID Relief. (12:28)
• How have the staff been affected by the pandemic? (16:04)
• How can the community help? (19:48)
• Are you talking with businesses about staying involved with the Club, even outside of financial resources? (21:49)
• How are you maintaining connectivity between the staff and kids? (25:31)

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• About Sarah (1:24)
• About the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida (1:45)
• The impact of COVID-19 on the less fortunate (04:46)
• About the financial strain of this time on the Club (8:10)
• The virtual and hand-on solutions the Club has put in place during this time (8:29)
• About the Family Discretionary Fund (12:38)
• About the COVID Mission Relief Fund (13:28)
• How you can help (14:44) and (20:10)
• About the impact of the Boys and Girls Club staff members (17:09)
• About the level of involvement and creativity of the service directors of the Club (26:27)

Connect with Sarah Johnston:

• Find Sarah’s bio and contact info at the BGCCF Leadership page

Also Mentioned on This Show:

• Central Florida Boys and Girls Club