Today I am celebrating my tenth anniversary with The Village Network. Before November 21, 2005, the longest I stayed with any one organization was four years. That was at my college, in the Secretarial Pool, when I was working about 15-20 hours a week, while I was attending classes.
When I started at The Village Network, we were called Boys’ Village. The organization started in 1946 in a farm house outside of Smithville, Ohio. It was modeled after Boys Town. Since that time, The Village (as we call ourselves) has grown to an organization with over 20 locations throughout Ohio.
My family can’t believe that I have been in one place for this long. It sometimes amazes me, too. I think it is because I have finally found a place where I belong.
The Village Network is a great place to work and here is why:
- The people are dedicated to the mission–When I first started at The Village, I was encouraged by how long people had been there. It wasn’t unusual to meet individuals who had spent 15-20 years there. You don’t stay in the same organization for that long if you aren’t committed to the work. Below are just a few of the great people I get to work with each day! Sherry Jo, Connie and Jessica make it fun to go to work.
- Management who values their employees–The position I hold at The Village Network has afforded me the opportunity to be in meetings with upper management frequently. Because of this I have had the unique vantage point to see the President and Vice Presidents make decisions that are first in the best interest of our clients, but also with the needs of the staff in mind. This is Todd Gordon, my direct supervisor. I know I can always count on his support.
- The benefits–The Village Network has great benefits for employees. In addition to competitive pay, they also have health insurance, generous Paid Time Off, 403b with a match and many other perks. For those of us who have been there for awhile, it is easy to take these for granted. However, I remember what it was like at other organizations and The Village does a great job at taking care of their staff.
- Mission and Vision–The Village Network’s mission is to work in partnerships that will empower youth and their families to build brighter futures. I have talked to former clients of The Village Network. Many of them say that they wouldn’t have survived without The Village’s help. We are having an impact on the lives of young people. I may not be providing direct service to these clients, but I work behind the scenes supporting those that do.
I sound like my dad: Where in the world did ten years go! God only knows where I’ll be ten years from now, but I am happy to be able to contribute to The Village Network’s mission of helping youth and their families build a brighter future.
