Pause is Growing!
Remember all that growth we talked about a couple of weeks ago? Guess what! We’re still growing! Since January 1st we’ve officially increased family enrollment by 51%, adding 323 caregivers and kiddos! This year our families have been growing faster than we can keep up and now it’s time to grow our staff! That’s right! Pause is hiring!
Looking to join a dynamic team of people who value thriving families, authentic relationships, meaningful experiences and strategic innovation? Then Pause is for you!
We asked our staff to share more about Pause from their perspective and here’s what they said!
1. Why is it important for you to be a part of the Pause team?
“My family is a Pause family in every sense of the word and nothing gives me greater joy than to be able to connect, be relatable and in the trenches with my people. There is something tangible that happens when you can look someone in the eye and say ‘me too.’”
- Lisa McCoon, Executive Director
“Because I want to work fulfilling my purpose - doing something I'm meant for, something that I enjoy and where I can make a difference.”
- Melody Schurgast, Director of Family Strategy
“Pause makes a difference to real people! Pause restores hope to families who have lost hope. Beauty comes from listening to people, really listening to stories. Pause gives an opportunity for people to be seen, heard and loved. And that’s something I want to be a part of.”
- Jaclin Baker, Director of Marketing, Communication & Development
“I was a Pause mother first, then volunteer, then I became a staff member. The mission and vision for Pause really resonates with me. The work we do to bring hope to families is inspiring and fulfilling to me.”
- Taylor Giltner, Director of Unlimited
“Pause is incredibly welcoming to staff, volunteers, families, and community partners, and our growth reflects that. Our work is dynamic and exciting. I love a challenge!”
- Valerie Senkowski, Director of Programming
“This team inspires me and encourages me daily. This team works hard and is mission driven. On days when the work is overwhelming, this team is always there for a good laugh, encouragement, and reminders of why we do what we do.”
-Sara Porter, Community Engagement Coordinator
“I had a recent health scare and I knew that I needed to be working somewhere that filled my heart and gave me purpose. We all have gifts and talents and this group of people is the perfect blend. We all are together with a common goal which is to provide support to our Pause families.”
- Amy Rednour, Systems Administrator
2. Explain why Pause is more than just a job. How has Pause influenced you?
“Pause is a family and I say that with such conviction. The staff, the families, the volunteers - even our community partners. I wouldn't say Pause has influenced me as much as the people of Pause have. I've seen families come in isolated and go on to be fierce advocates starting their own non-profits. I've watched volunteers take their service outside of Pause into family homes or into a lifelong career. I've seen my staff visibly changed by those same things and the more time they are part of our team the more joy they have watching it happen. They realize it's not just a 'coincidence', but instead just the culture of Pause. It's both exciting and humbling!”
- Lisa, Executive Director
“Pause is a family - it's a community of people who care and connect. It challenges me to become a better version of myself.”
- Melody Schurgast, Director of Family Strategy
“Pause meets families where they are at. When we ask families what matters to them, how they want to be supported and how we can best serve them, we have the opportunity to walk alongside their journey in life. Pause has influenced the way I navigate relationships, the way I speak and hear in conversation and even the way I show empathy and compassion.”
- Jaclin Baker, Director of Marketing, Communication & Development
“Pause is SO much more than a job! Being a safe place and a caring adult for a child with extra needs is an honor and a privilege. Caregivers trust us with their precious child, their most private information about their child and family, all in order to extend an arm and partner with them. It is extremely fulfilling and rewarding to be able to meet the needs of the community we serve and have a program with grant funders that encourage us to think outside the box, be relevant, and adapt to meet the needs of our community.”
- Taylor Giltner, Director of Unlimited
“I discovered at Pause a passion for supporting caregivers and families, and that I have unique gifts to do meaningful work in the world.”
- Valerie Senkowski, Director of Programming
“I have never worked in an environment that valued growth not only professionally but personally. This job will challenge you and inspire you daily. This job has also allowed me to bring my family into the heart and mission of Pause and that is priceless.”
-Sara Porter, Community Engagement Coordinator
“The staff that work at Pause do it because they have a passion to serve this community of people. I have learned so much about the kind of challenges our families have on a daily basis and it has made me a better person.”
- Amy Rednour, Systems Administrator
3. In what ways are you making an impact on families with extra needs?
“I think they are making an impact on me! My greatest hope is that with every event, every conversation or every email asking for feedback they see the heart of our staff and the passion in which we are honored to serve them. I want them to walk away every time thinking ‘we matter to Pause’ and never stop believing it.”
- Lisa, Executive Director
“Honestly, I think they impact me. Having the honor to hear people's stories, journey with them and be human together heals my heart and brings me joy. I learn so much from the kids, especially on Sundays. They remind me to focus on what matters most: loving well.”
- Melody Schurgast, Director of Family Strategy
“Sometimes the impact happens when we don’t even realize it! It’s easy to get stuck in the day to day tasks, but when I can take a step back and reflect on the bigger picture and how much it matters to families, that's when I realize the impact is bigger than Pause! We are honored to be a part of the journey of our families.”
- Jaclin Baker, Director of Marketing, Communication & Development
“I am making an impact on children with special needs by leading the Unlimited program, which is a sensory friendly approach to Sunday morning learning inside Center Pointe Christian Church. Children are learning about the unconditional love Jesus has for them. Caregivers are having an hour of spiritual respite each week inside the adult worship center to recharge, refuel and sit in quiet prayer at the start of each week.”
- Taylor Giltner, Director of Unlimited
“I love providing fun, safe events where families can be themselves without fear of judgment.”
- Valerie Senkowski, Director of Programming
“My role is designed to give Pause the ability to share our Pause families stories and bring awareness to professionals and our community. The more I have the ability to be out in the community, create connections, share stories, and provide education, I hope it amplifies Pause families voices. Pause families are amazing and are such strong advocates for their kids and their families, and I feel honored to be able to support them.”
-Sara Porter, Community Engagement Coordinator
“I am helping our families through the enrollment process which can be very difficult and overwhelming. I also give support to our staff so they can share their gifts and talents with our families.”
- Amy Rednour, Systems Administrator
We will be adding the following for the following positions to the Pause team to keep up with this hyperseason of growth!
County Coordinator: Do you love event coordination? Organization? Details? Help us launch out Pause events in nearby counties!
Resilience Coordinator: Have a knack for loving kiddos through big emotions and have a passion for trauma responsive care? This position is for you!
Volunteer Coordinator: Are volunteers your jam? Help Pause love on our volunteers through scheduling, appreciation and relationship building!
Content and Care Coordinator: Calling all creative and compassionate people! Create and develop curriculum for Pause events and love on our Pause community like it’s nobody’s business!
To apply, submit your cover letter, resume and two references to jobs@pauseforparents.org and we will be in touch for next steps!
Consider joining the Pause team and love on families in a BIG way! CAN DO - help us share these opportunities far and wide! You never know who is looking for a change, a start or a new beginning.
This is CAN DO. This is COMMUNITY. This is YOUR SUPPORT.
