Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Beaty.
Hi Jake, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Seneca, SC. In 1996 I started attending Anderson College and received a BS in Biology in 2000. I worked at NewSpring Church for 20 years. I served as the Staff Health and Outreach Pastor for most of that time. In 2009 I began leading the Foreign missions department for the church. Since 2009 we have partnered with organizations in 11 countries to provide humanitarian aid and assist in community development in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central and South America. When Rebuild Upstate was hiring its first Full Time CEO in 2022, I had a friend reach out to me, who introduced me to the organization and asked me to consider applying for the job opening. I instantly fell in love with the mission and vision of the organization. I love the Upstate of SC, and it is my joy now to be part of the Rebuild Upstate Team.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
There have been a lot of challenges, but the process has been fun. This role is very different from my previous job. I am 9 months into this position, and the team has been amazing at welcoming and supporting me. Rebuild Upstate is a 16-year-old organization that has grown much in the last 3 years. We have a growing staff and need in our 4 county service area. We have amazing volunteers and donors who are serving our neighbors well. We receive over 500 requests for assistance each year, and we need more great community partners to increase our ability to meet that need.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rebuild Upstate?
Rebuild Upstate is a non-profit organization that exists to preserve affordable housing in our community by repairing the homes of our low-income neighbors. We complete over 550 repair projects annually for an average of 150 homes. We complete repairs from accessibility modifications (ramps, grab bars, tub to shower) to roofs and foundation work. In our 16-year history, we have served over 1,300 homeowners with over 3,100 total repair projects. Home preservation is an important piece to helping with the affordable housing crisis. The best home for a homeowner in need is the one they already own. When you repair the home, you protect the family living inside the home. Because the safety and health of our home directly affect our quality of life. And repairing a home keeps the person in their existing home and neighborhood, protecting the vibrancy of local communities.
So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you? How can others help?
- Spread the word – You can invite us to tell your organization about Rebuild Upstate. People can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram and share our posts! If you are passionate about affordable housing, we want to work with you to find an excellent fit for your talents.
- Volunteer – As an organization, you can plan a workday for your group and have the chance to serve a homeowner. As an individual, you can support our operations by serving on our advisory council, leading other volunteers, or volunteering in our office.
- Donate – We need your support to serve as many homeowners as possible in the Upstate.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rebuildupstate.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebuildupstate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebuildUpstate.org/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-beaty-8b5a842a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebuildUpstate
