Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Stephen.
Hi Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began working with Carson’s Village 3 years ago. After hearing about the organization and a position with them, I was really moved by the opportunity to work with bereaved families. I was hired on as an Office Manager and that role has evolved into the position I am in today, which is Operations Support Manager and Continuing Support Coordinator. As many that work in the non-profit sector, I wear a few different hats, including Office and Operations Manager, but my favorite role is Continuing Support Coordinator. In this position, I have the opportunity to support families daily after the loss of a loved one. I am able to call and check in with them for two years after their loss and provide grief resources that can help them to heal. Since we are nationwide, we provide several free virtual options. We offer a grief group that meets twice a month, we also partner with Betterhelp.org to offer a free 3-month voucher for one-on-one grief counseling, as well as a Peer-to-Peer Program where we match our families with someone that has had a similar loss to mentor them through some of their grief. Getting to know our families and being able to offer support is extremely rewarding, especially at one of the most difficult times in their lives. In a position that can be heavy at times, I am still encouraged daily by the work we do and the hope we bring.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Working with Carson’s Village has been great. Dealing with some of the heavy emotions our families come to us with can at times be overwhelming. Showing them empathy, compassion, and listening to them is truly the best we can offer. Having staff that support one another when things get heavy has been the key to balancing emotions and moving forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have worked and volunteered in the non-profit sector off and on since graduating from college in 2000. It is hard work but truly the most rewarding work. Helping others has always been my passion. I have also been a business owner. I purchased a children’s clothing store when I was expecting my first child. I sold that business three years later to move to the Dallas area.
After my third child, I decided to take another entrepreneurial leap and start an in-home personal training business. I thoroughly enjoyed helping transform clients’ bodies, minds, and souls. I continued that for nearly 10 years.
Both of these experiences once again allowed me to help others and were extremely rewarding. Once my kids were older and less dependent, I decided to get back to my number one passion … helping others in the non-profit sector. I am most proud of being able to both raise a family and make a difference in others’ lives.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is being able to figure out what you love and what gifts God has given you, then to pursue that. For me, helping others that are less fortunate or that are going through struggles is what I am most passionate about. I have the skills of empathy, patience, understanding, and compassion. I get fulfillment and am eager to get up each day and make a difference in the lives of other people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carsonsvillage.org
- Instagram: Carson’s Village
- Facebook: Carson’s Village
- LinkedIn: Carson’s Village
