GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., — Kathy Brower may be retired, but she is working a job that she loves at South End Community Outreach Ministries. Brower, the CEO of the non-profit, is only contracted to work part-time, but never minds putting in extra hours.
“When I go home and put my head on the pillow, I know I’ve done something that makes a difference,” Brower told FOX 17 News. “I put in whatever is really needed…It’s just the right thing to do.”
South End Community Outreach Ministries (SECOM) at 1545 Buchanan Avenue SW in Grand Rapids offers a variety of services to help the community. The non-profit boasts a food pantry, community garden, and parenting classes, among other things. Since taking the helm, Brower has overseen many of the programs expanding, including the addition of a preschool program.
Brower said the hope is all the hours put into SECOM will translate into a positive impact on the community in the future.
“If we can make a difference now, it’s going to pay off later on for all of us,” she said. “Any non-profit like this should always be hoping that someday we won’t be needed, but until then, we need to be here… As long as I feel like I’m doing a good job, I don’t see any reason to move on.”
For more information on SECOM, click here.