Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie McQuitty.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Leading Christ’s Haven for Children is the honor of my lifetime! It is incredible to look back at past jobs, opportunities, and challenges and see how each equipped me for where I am now. My introduction into non-profit work started right out of college working as a case manager and victim advocate for victims of domestic abuse. It was in this role I began to understand the importance of every arm of non-profit work and really fell in love with fundraising and sharing the story of organizations to the community. I was blessed to then land a job at United Way of Tarrant County where I stayed almost a decade. At the United Way, I was introduced to community leaders, corporate CEOs, philanthropists, and leaders that were critical to my growth as a nonprofit executive. This was certainly a training ground like no other and lit my fire for community collaboration and how it influences long-lasting change. I am incredibly grateful for the long line of people who mentored me, encouraged, and equipped me for what has became my life’s work. In between United Way and Christ’s Haven, I consulted with an extraordinary group on consultants at M.Gale & Associates. The CEO and founder, Missy Gale is one of the most insightful and intelligent fundraisers I have come across in my career and exposed me to resources and tools that have benefitted my organization today. As I reflect on where I am, it is because of determination for change and making an impact that was made possible by so many people who volunteer their time, treasure, and talents to nonprofits and those who work within them.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When you look back, I think sometimes it feels smoother than maybe it really was in the time. I have been a fundraiser during difficult economic times, been a leadership team member during organizational priority shifts, and faced ongoing changing of landscape in the way we operate – all challenges that I recall feeling insurmountable at times but crucial in preparing me to now lead an organization that is innovative and committed to serving families and displaced youth in a way that allows for long-term success no matter the how long the journey to that success. Now, when we face struggles as a team or me as a leader, I focus on the learning in the process. I firmly believe that every fall prepares you to get up more quickly the next time!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the first female CEO of a 67-year-old children’s home in Keller, TX, Christ’s Haven for Children. We are an alternative to foster care for children experiencing abuse, abandonment or neglect. Our organization operates like a neighborhood of homes where we employ house parents who care for up to eight children placed in their home as they are their own for as long as we are needed. I am most proud of our heart for family. Our team is laser-focused on the long-term success of families and the children we serve. We strive to provide normal childhood experiences, full of dignity and hope for the future. I think what sets Christ’s Haven apart from other organizations is our intentionality around individual family plans. We don’t have a broad-brush approach to the way we serve – we create plans for each individual child and family that empowers them to believe in their goals. We are committed to serving and wrapping around our children for as long as they need us – sometimes for 6 months, sometimes for 16 years. Our heart for family is genuine, authentic, and something our children can trust in. I sleep well at night knowing that while we are not perfect, we are intentional, thoughtful, and innovative in the way we do our work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t know that I am real believer of luck. I think opportunity, exposure, and ambition played a huge role in where I am now. I always encourage young professionals and those just starting out in a career to lean into every opportunity that comes their way, be open to exposing themselves to things they haven’t seen before, and raise their hands for things that challenge them! You never know when one of those pieces will be the missing part of a puzzle down the road.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christshaven.org
- Instagram: christshavenforchildren
- Facebook: Christ’s Haven for Children
Image Credits
Kelly Strzinek
