Meet Amanda!
Our dream goal - or big hairy audacious goal (BHAG) as Pause likes to say - is to have Pause stretch to every county and even every state! A BHAG indeed! As many great things do, we know it will take time, effort and community support. We also believe we are ready to take this next step of a multi-site model.
The process of getting to know families' stories and understanding the needs/interests of their children matters on so many levels and we believe we have cracked the code after perfecting our systems for the past (almost) 9 years. This allows us to expand knowing that no matter the community we are serving or the physical space we are in, we can stay true to our values, standards and best practices. We sort of like to compare this to Chick-fil-a. It doesn’t matter if you are in an airport, drive-through or mall - the chicken sandwich and “my pleasure” are the same.
The first step to expansion was choosing a neighboring county and getting to know the community. Naturally, Warren County - as it’s located right next to Butler County (home base of Pause), became an obvious choice due to its location, but as we looked at our current enrollment it made even more sense. We currently have 37 Warren Co families enrolled in Pause and all of them are traveling to Butler Co. to receive services along with 109 volunteers local to Warren who are already serving.
Our current goals are meeting local businesses, churches or like-minded organizations in Warren Co. to create strong partnerships similar to those we have in Butler Co. There is something exciting about sharing the opportunities the community will get to be a part of. Because we have the gift of data and stories, we know that Warren Co. community partners and volunteers will be changed because of their involvement and we are so ready to see more of that!
To support our expansion efforts, we are excited to announce Pause has added a Warren County Coordinator to our staff family. Amanda Nolasco will train under the Butler Co event team while piloting some small test events in the Spring. She will then lead the launch of a more permanent site in Warren County starting Fall 2023! Let's get to know the gal that’s going to help us with our first multi-site location!
Amanda is a mama of six uniquely wonderful children. She has been married to her husband Jeff for 27 years! Amanda loves the beach and going on family vacations. Fun fact - she recently zip lined one of the longest zip lines in the world while visiting Puerto Rico. #Wowza We asked Amada a few questions, this is what she said!
What are you most excited about in your role with Pause?
I am eager to connect with the children and their parents at upcoming events. Pause is such an incredible resource in Butler County and I can not wait to see the impact multiplied as we expand programming into Warren County.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? How did that play out in what you are doing now?
As a child I loved playing "teacher" and setting up my pretend classroom. As I got older I became more aware and passionate about the underserved members of our community which led me into ministry and the world of nonprofits. At Pause, I get to make a difference in the lives of children and families but outside of a school setting.
When you think about who you were intricately designed to be, how will you be a benefit to the families and volunteers we serve?
I am a people person, someone who likes to embrace new relationships, encourage those around me and make sure everyone is included. I want everyone I interact with to feel valued and loved.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
The excitement of a new day gets my feet to the floor each morning. Each day is a new opportunity to love people and serve others. At Pause, I am blessed to be working with a team of like minded people to accomplish a goal that impacts our community and that is so exciting to me.
What do you want our Pause families to know about you?
I am honored to be part of the Pause team and have the opportunity to serve the families of Warren County. I am here to encourage, love and support them however I can!!!
Amanda - we are SO excited for what’s to come. Thank you for saying “yes!” to Pause and helping us take the first step into a new county. You’re basically the best!
This is CAN DO. This is COMMUNITY. This is YOUR SUPPORT.
