The thinner the wedge, the deeper the cut. This is something I learned years ago. That if you want to make a deep difference you can't have too broad of a purpose.
You Gotta Believe is constantly fighting against getting a wedge that is too broad. The focus is very narrow -- finding homes for teens and preteens. If a family comes wanting a child under ten, they are referred somewhere else. If a county wants help recruiting for a child under ten, they are encouraged to take an older kid, but if they cannot be swayed they are referred somewhere else. The decision has been made to rent office space so that extra energy and time is not taken up by building maintenance. Expanding to other states across the country is not an option -- there are enough kids in New York City and the surrounding areas to focus on.
Pat gets lots of opportunities to speak across the country and even though he is not interested in expanding to other states, the name of the agency is "You Gotta Believe!, The Older Child Adoption and Permanency Movement, Inc." and it is clear to the staff and board alike, as evidenced at their Christmas party, that the intention is to make people across the country believe in the importance of finding permanent homes for teens.
In spite of a tough travel schedule, Pat always rearranges his schedule to teach "class #9 which is called "Behavior & Unconditional Commitment: The Only Love that Matters To Teens." This way he gets to meet every family at least once. This is not easy since there are 8 classes being held every single week around the city. You can check out the Class Schedule here. (and it appears that honorariums from his speaking are put back into the operating budget for You Gotta Believe).
The focus is narrow and clear and regardless of any temptations or offers to expand to do something more or different, there is intentionality about making sure nothing is added that is not directly related to the mission.
No comments:
Post a Comment