Sometimes the most impactful nonprofit projects that create the greatest long-term impact happens behind the scenes, strengthening the foundation that allows an organization to grow, serve more people, and sustain its mission for years to come.
That was the focus of a recent Jericho Road consulting engagement with Soul Force Project, an Altadena-based nonprofit preparing for its next stage of organizational development.
Working alongside Executive Director Jilly Canizares and the Soul Force Project team, Jericho Road volunteer consultant Bridget Brewster, who served as Director of Development and Communications for Sisters of St Joseph for more than 20 years and was recently elected as President of the Board for Pasadena Village, helped guide a series of foundational improvements. The project focused on refining the organization’s mission statement, reviewing and strengthening its bylaws, and developing a board skills matrix to support future board recruitment and leadership planning.
The timing was particularly important as Soul Force Project moves forward with its application for 501(c)(3) status, according to Bridget. “As Soul Force Project submits application for 501(c)(3) status, bylaws and mission statement are immediately critical. Building on a solid foundation will aid the organization to attract new directors, which will add to future sustainability.”
According to Jilly, the foundation quickly took shape through a collaborative process involving staff, leadership, and prospective board members. “Bridget reviewed, revised, and tailored the bylaws to better suit the organization’s needs. Discussions regarding the bylaws and mission among staff and potential board members were better facilitated, and the final version of the bylaws was adopted. She also provided us with required IRS policies.”
“Aside from being very knowledgeable about the subject, Bridget is very connected to the community,” Jilly said. “Her recommendations were sound and appropriate to what Soul Force needs at this time.”
The result was more than a set of documents. The project helped bring clarity and alignment to the organization’s future direction while providing tools that will support growth for years to come.
According to Jilly, Bridget’s expertise, community knowledge, and local connections helped Soul Force Project think through and finalize both its bylaws and mission statement within a relatively short period of time.
For Bridget, the experience was a reminder of the value of connecting professional expertise with local causes. “I learned about a local Altadena organization that I knew nothing about prior to this collaboration. I genuinely respect the leadership team at Soul Force Project and am happy to have met them.”
That spirit of mutual learning and partnership is at the heart of Jericho Road’s volunteer consulting model.
“I consider it a privilege to be able to offer my skills to other nonprofits,” Bridget said. “I couldn’t do that without Jericho Road providing meaningful opportunities to make a difference.”
While bylaws, mission statements, and board development plans rarely attract attention, they are often the building blocks that enable nonprofits to thrive. Thanks to this partnership, Soul Force Project is better positioned to strengthen its leadership, expand its impact, and continue serving the Altadena community for years to come.
Jericho Road is grateful to Bridget for sharing her expertise and to the Soul Force Project team for their commitment to building a strong and sustainable future.
To learn more about Jericho Road Pasadena and opportunities to volunteer your professional expertise, visit JRPasadena.org.
Want this kind of support for your nonprofit? Request a volunteer through our website.
Thanks to volunteer Wes Robinson for writing JRP Project Highlight posts!