Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kim Gammon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kim, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

Providing a “one stop shop” for all needs and all people can be challenging, cumbersome and overwhelming for most nonprofit organizations, but Helping Hands of America Inc. employs a community-based approach to our Giving Program unlike most agencies. We access the need of the vulnerable people be literally engaging and speaking with “The People”. Our grassroots organization provides access to critical resources to people that would otherwise not receive help. Through this one-on-one communication and personized support, we get to the core of problems that may be negatively affecting the well-being of an individual or family and help direct to more advantages outcomes.

We not only deliver life sustaining goods and services, but also give love, hope and care to people in need.

Our direct efforts help to increase equity, equality and justice in the State of Maryland.

Kim, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

After retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard after 25 years of active duty service in 2015, the “Commander” Kim Donadio was not completely done with her service to the community.

“I have always felt compelled to help others, but now as I awaken as an emerging non-profit leader I know non-profits are the true change agents of society capable of moving the masses towards reality, acceptance, and resolution for solving national and global problems .”

– Executive Director & Founder Kim Donadio, 2021

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I have learned so many insightful, inspirational and life-changing techniques from the book, “The Best Yes” by Lysa TerKeurst.

There is a big difference between saying yes to everyone and saying yes to God. In “The Best Yes”, I am learning the following:

1. Overcoming the agony of hard choices by embracing a wisdom-based, decision-making process.

2. Curing the “disease to please” with a biblical understanding of the command to love.

3. Practices wisdom in everyday life and business practices in order to discover the “best yes”.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Relearning how to listen and effectively communicate is one key area in which I tend to spend time refining and improving upon in efforts to better serve God and people. After spending 25 years on active duty on the military, I found that transitioning after the service to the business sector to be an eye-opener.

There are definitely a significant number of factors that effect how a person or agency communicate and learning how each one does is key to an effective relationship. What is the mission or agenda of each? How do the two parties relate to one other? Are the parties on the same sheet of music, meaning are they like-minded? Are they working on the same end-state?

I find that it is a continual learning experience to effectively communicate with people. Once communication is mastered everything falls into place.

Contact Info:

• Website: MarylandEmergencyPantry.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpinghandsemergencypantry?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Kim Donadio Gammon