From Doubt to Determination: Lisa's Journey to Building a Stronger Recovery Cafe

When Lisa Roossien became the Executive Director of Recovery Cafe Muncie in March 2023, she was stepping into uncharted territory. With a passion for the mission but little experience in the vast world of nonprofit management, she found herself overseeing internal management, community engagement, fundraising, and HR tasks - all while still managing the day to day operations and recovery coaching. 

Lisa recalls, "I had zero experience with fundraising, grant writing, donor solicitation, or stewardship. I didn't even know what those words meant. I felt like I was out of my league for a few months." 

That is until Lisa enrolled in the CORE Fundraising Training Program and discovered the crucial support and training she needed to be confident in her role. Surrounded by a network of peers, Lisa gained access to knowledge and experience, all within a nurturing environment. This support allowed her to grow and develop her skills significantly. 

Lisa discovered meaningful connections through the variety of programs and services offered by Nonprofit Support Network. At Network Huddles, she met other nonprofit executive directors who shared their insights and experiences. Through the Grant Writing Learning Circle with Muncie Public Library, Lisa honed her grant-seeking and writing skills, becoming more confident in securing funding for Recovery Cafe. Each of these experiences not only equipped Lisa with practical skills but also surrounded her with a community that believed in her potential and encouraged her every step of the way.

"It's good to know I'm not the only one struggling. We all start somewhere, and by pooling our minds together, we can achieve our goals,” shared Lisa.

This newfound confidence came in handy for Lisa when a new challenge arrived: hiring a new staff member for the cafe. The HR Resource and Help Desk assisted her in writing job descriptions and conducting interviews, guiding her through the process smoothly.

Beyond the structured training programs, the one-on-one support from Carly Acree King, Nonprofit Support Network’s Relationship and Resource Director, was a game-changer for Lisa. Reflecting on her experience, Lisa shared, "Carly would meet with me for two hours and ask, 'What do you want to talk about?' Sometimes, it was grant editing. Other times, it was basic office tasks like learning how to merge mail. She made me realize that [fundraising] is not just about grants. It's about individual donors, volunteers, and community partnerships." This personalized support helped Lisa tackle many challenges and see the bigger picture of nonprofit work, reinforcing her confidence and capabilities in her role.

Reflecting on the broader impact, Lisa believes that Nonprofit Support Network has significantly contributed to the growth of Recovery Cafe Muncie.

"Nonprofit Support Network and Carly taught me that it's not just about sitting in an office and writing grants. It's about collaborating with our community to support our mission."