Organizational Transformation: Moving from Paper and into Action
The organization wanted to evolve from a distributor of funds to a catalyst for social change by harnessing and focusing resources throughout the state. Specifically, it wanted to make a significant difference in three Impact Areas: 1) Children, youth and families; 2) People in crisis; 3) Building adult and neighborhood independence.
Yet a change like this would affect business, personal and political relationships. It would also fundamentally change the work inside the organization. The organization had attempted to take action for years. Leaders had proposed many options, yet action eluded them.
Lisa Hirsh is a remarkable person and a wonderful consultant – honest, courageous, smart, clear and very patient! Her work with us at the United Way of Rhode Island helped us launch the most ambitious strategic plan ever undertaken. Change is difficult but Lisa had an uncanny way of not only helping us craft a very comprehensive roadmap, but also helped us to believe we could actually make the journey successfully. Our community will be better for United Way’s changes and we are better as an organization because of Lisa’s work with us.
Jane E. Nugent, Ed. D.
Senior Vice President, Community Services
United Way of Rhode Island