Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammy Butler.
Hi Tammy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After working in Human Resources and Payroll for the majority of my career I decided that there had to be more that I could do to effect lives. I enrolled in a Bachelor of Human Services Program that gave me credit for past courses and work experience and graduated in 2 years. After graduation I accepted a position as Payroll Administrator for The YMCA of Greater Augusta. I fell in love with the non profit world. I quickly worked my way up the ladder to Senior Vice President. I started a program called A Place to Dream. This program gave beds and all of the needed bedding to children that were in need. When researching data to support the program, I was appalled at the number of children in Augusta that slept on the floor, a couch, a chair or in a bed with numerous other people. The CEO of the YMCA was 100% behind this program and assisted in garnering funding to purchase the needed bed frames, mattresses and other items. In the first year we delivered and set up over 500 beds. After three (3) years I was recruited by Hope House of Augusta as their Deputy Director. Hope House is a residential treatment facility for women where they can bring their children with them while they go through treatment. I learned a great deal about running a non profit from the current executive director. I knew in order to be an Executive Director that I needed to obtain a Masters Degree. I enrolled in an accelerated Graduate Degree Program and earned my Master of Science in Management and Leadership degree in 10 months. After 3 months of searching I answered the call to be Executive Director of Community Ministry of North Augusta. There is so much need in the North Augusta area and I am grateful that I am able to be a part of this non profit that is helping to address those needs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road. For many years I worked in hourly pay positions functioning as a manager or director but not being given the pay or recognition. I had the experience and knowledge but not the “education” as I had been told numerous times.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I serve as Executive Director of Community Ministry of North Augusta. We serve the people of Clearwater, Bath, Belvedere and North Augusta that are in need of assistance with utilities, food, clothing and household items. We are made up of 28 local member churches. 90% of our workforce is volunteer labor from those member Churches. Our churches and the community keep our food pantry stocked and also donate to our thrift store. Our thrift store sales account for approximately 65% of our budget. The other 35% comes from grants, donations from community business partners and our member churches, and the community at large.
We have brought in many community partner agencies such as: The Aiken Center, Aiken Barnwell Mental Health, The Cumbee Center, The Courage Center, Project Flow, LLC, United Way of Aiken County, Community Foundation of the CSRA. We also partner with Community Business Partners such as: Chick-Fil-A, La-Z-Boy, Carolina Power, Inc., Publix, SRNS, Security Federal Bank, SRP Credit Union. I am most proud of the work that we do. In three years we have more than doubled the number of clients we serve. We have enlarged our service area and are now known in Aiken County as a hub for assistance for people searching for help.
What sets me apart from others is I don’t give up. I put my heart and soul into this Ministry and the people that we serve.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My day starts with my daily devotional Jesus Calling. I follow: Non Profit Leadership Alliance, Leadership: Empowering Teams, Bunch-Daily Leadership
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cmona.org
- Instagram: @tammytinkb
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/tammy.d.butler.7
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tammy-davis-butler-msml-4b994590
