December 2024 | Update 7: Orchard’s 6-Month Partner Program - Led, Inspired & Supported

After presenting the vision for TSC to a number of my in-laws’ friends, one of the couples, Peggy & Jim Lientz (who also happen to be the parents of one of Britt’s best friends from high school), suggested that I connect with a ministry called Orchard. They saw that I had a lot of passion for the foster care community and a God-inspired vision to uniquely serve them. But, given how BIG the TSC vision is, they also thought that it would be helpful for me to connect with others who could guide me as we move things forward. (And by the way, we agree … 110%!)

So, they introduced me to Jonathan Goode, Orchard’s Executive Director. After meeting, Jonathan graciously made a way for me to be a part of this year’s cohort of about 15 other nonprofit leaders in Orchard’s Partner Program (now known as the Launch Collective).

  • For 6 months my cohort and I met twice a month via Zoom to review the previous weeks’ assignments led by an expert in the given topic and engage in lively & meaningful discussion.

  • Our curriculum was broken into 4 modules: 1. Spiritual Foundations - Spiritually Rooted for Lasting Impact; 2. Strategy & Story - Clarifying What You Do & Why You Do It; 3. Inspire Investment - You Can Fundraise Better Than You Think; and 4. Cultivate Sustainability - Building an Organization That’s Bigger Than You.

  • Being part of the 2024 Orchard Partner Program equipped me with greater knowledge & skills needed to better address and overcome the unique challenges facing nonprofit leaders, both operationally and spiritually. 

  • The bonus is, not only can I reach out to my fellow cohort members, the Orchard staff, consultants & community, but Orchard has also given my cohort access to a ton of incredibly helpful and NFP-specific resources … both online and real-time. This is huge and I’m forever grateful!

  • And by the way, this was all free to me … to TSC, thanks to the gracious donations of Orchard’s supporters. Again, I’m so thankful!

Orchard is currently taking applications for their 2025 Launch Collective. So, if you think you or someone you know might benefit from a program like this, go here on Orchard’s website where you can learn more and apply! Or reach out to me if you want to chat about it.

Thanks Orchard … and thanks Peggy & Jim (Lientz)!

Orchard’s mission is “to inspire Christ-followers to launch and lead creative initiatives serving those in need,” and its services are “primarily focused on equipping leaders of nonprofit organizations.” (Pretty spot-on for TSC, right?)