Community Engagement at 360 Communities
Dan Schultz speaks about his volunteer experiences at 360 Communities: how they enriched his life and the lives of others that he touched.
360 Communities sat down with Dan Schultz, a dedicated volunteer and recently a business partner, to learn how volunteering at 360 Communities has enriched his life by opening his eyes and heart to a world of rewarding experience that he would otherwise miss.
From his volunteering experience at 360 Communities to working at Inetium as an
Account Executive, Schultz remains committed to 360 Communities. Recently, through Inetium, Schultz chose 360 Communities to lend his technology and business models expertise. He remarked:
“360 Communities is already well connected to the community and that the organization takes a much more holistic view of finding solutions that are sustainable.”
 How did you begin your volunteer experience with 360 Communities?
Schultz About three years ago I had started to look for ways in which I could make a
difference and find more rewarding work options. I began exploring volunteer work
as a way to test out some of my goals and desires. I set up an interview with Mary
Norenberg at 360 Communities to learn more. I was very impressed with their approach and the connections within the community. It seemed like an ideal way to start my new journey.
Why did you choose to volunteer at 360 Communities?
Schultz First, it was the holistic approach to helping people become self-sufficient. It was not about hand-outs. It was about listening and understanding, helping clients set goals, coaching and mentoring, and providing resources. What resonated very strongly with me was the right way to help those that may have needed some assistance.
Second, I liked that there was a strong focus on using the intake process for every food shelf visit as a way to have a conversation. Although the conversation was paramount to the holistic approach I mentioned, it also was a way to safely open the door for a possible conversation about an abusive situation in the home, if it existed.
And finally, Mary Norenberg was the face of 360 Communities to me. The coaching and
guidance that she and 360 Communities provided was what I needed to enter this
new world of volunteer work. It gave me the confidence to step forward and try.
What did you like about your volunteer experience?
Schultz The ability to make a real difference in some peoples’ lives. Connecting with the families and being able to help them. The faces, the eyes, the smiles, the memories and experience will stay with me for the rest of my life. I learned so much from families – they were helping me become a better person.
What would you share about your volunteer experience and why would you encourage someone to volunteer at 360 Communities?
Schultz I encourage everyone who really cares about their community to get involved with 360 Communities. Your time, your kind heart, and your guidance are more valuable
than money when trying to help someone. It is 360 Communities that helps the 15 year old pregnant minority girl finish high school and support her journey to get her master’s degree in nursing. It is 360 Communities that helps the East European immigrant lady recover from an abusive marriage, stands by her side as she gains her citizenship and becomes a self-sufficient accountant. That is only a couple of many of the stories that demonstrates the impact volunteers have in our community.
In what ways did you feel you changed lives and strengthened the community?
Schultz This is so much larger than me. It really is about every volunteer at 360 Communities. I believe the impact is huge and is both cumulative and far reaching. The little things that happen each time you meet with a person can be cumulative. You give people hope, support, plans, confidence, and success, which make them a stronger citizen in our community.
Often times after we have helped, they in turn want to give back to the community that helped them. Do not underestimate the impact of a kind heart.
There are many stories of major changes to families’ lives that we helped facilitate. But there are also some not so obvious ones. Here are some examples of more direct impacts: Helping numerous families through unfortunate transition periods whether they lost their jobs, in medical crisis, or need help to get through bad periods. These are rewarding experiences that get families back on their feet and help them continue to be part of our community.
Making numerous immigrant families feel welcome as they adjust to their new community. A friendly smile goes a long way in making someone feel comfortable.
Why would you recommend anyone to invest in 360 Communities?
Schultz If you want to make real change in a community, get involved with an organization like 360 Communities, it will maximize your investment of time or money and make a positive impact.
What is the next step of your journey with 360 Communities?
Schultz In making growth plans at Inetium, the President asked me to focus on the nonprofit community for opportunities to make an impact that might be mutually beneficial. I immediately thought of Mary Ajax and 360 Communities. Our first meeting was one of the most enjoyable meetings I’ve ever had. Mary and her team were very busy over the years reshaping her organization to be even more effective at making sustainable and impactful change in the community.
Inetium provides companies with strategic Information Technology services and Business Productivity tools. Our partnership with 360 Communities is about helping the organization leverage technology to give courageous leaders the frameworks, templates, and tools to facilitate and accelerate the desired change in the community. This will allow 360 Communities to leverage their expertise in a consistent manner, which will engage and impact more communities. We are still in the early stages, but the potential of this partnership is huge and the total number of communities impacted will grow significantly.
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