Community Spotlight: Ann Johnson

Local Nonprofit Executive Director Ann Johnson has been spotted in our local community giving a helping hand to nonprofits and making a difference in so many ways. Six years ago, Johnson was hired as director of development and marketing for The Village at Orchard Ridge (formerly Coeur d'Alene Homes and Heritage Place). In July 2013 she was promoted to executive director. Around this same time, Idaho Gives was launched by the Idaho Nonprofit Center.

"I was very excited about a 'day of giving' based solely on social media and online giving," she said. "I volunteered to help with the event, seeing potentially a huge opportunity to unite our nonprofits in something big for our community."

Last year, due in part for her efforts to develop the event in North Idaho, Johnson was invited by the Idaho Nonprofit Center to become a board member and to represent North Idaho nonprofits in our region which extends from Moscow to the Canadian border. The Idaho Nonprofit Center represents the interests of 4,600 charitable nonprofits, more than 50,000 nonprofit employees, and 425,000 volunteers. "I find it very fulfilling to know that I can be a part of something with this kind of positive impact of good throughout our state," Johnson said.

After attending the Idaho Nonprofit Conference in Boise last fall and speaking with several friends from local nonprofits, they agreed there was the need for a local support/networking group. Johnson took it upon herself to organize a local community group called the Kootenai Nonprofit Group, providing support, networking and resources for area nonprofits. The group meets on the third Friday of every month at 9 a.m. at the Salvation Army KROC Center to share fundraising ideas and resources as well as support and collaborate with one another. After just a few months' worth of meetings, there are now over 40 nonprofits in the group!

"It's extremely gratifying when you put out a little extra effort which results in a great benefit to others. The old belief that we are all competing for the same dollars simply is not true."

When asked how volunteering has impacted her life: "Volunteering was modeled by my mom who volunteered for several nonprofits while I was growing up. I think the first thing I volunteered for was holding a Muscular Dystrophy carnival to raise money for Jerry's Kids when I was 11 years old. Helping others has enriched my life and I strive to pass that along to my own kids, who volunteer regularly. I am currently involved in various community groups including Coeur d'Alene Rotary, U of I's Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program and my church at First Presbyterian in downtown Cd'A."

Working full-time as executive director of a nonprofit limits how much she is able to volunteer for other organizations but she modestly estimates anywhere from 2-10 hours per week.

Johnson was seen running recently in the Spring Dash benefiting United Way of Kootenai County. Before coming to Orchard Ridge, she was at Coldwater Creek's home office in Sandpoint where part of her job was overseeing its national sponsorship of Komen Race for the Cure.

"I learned a great deal by working closely with a national nonprofit foundation and their efforts to raise awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer," Johnson said. "The fight became even more personal when I, ironically, was diagnosed with breast cancer. I learned first-hand the importance of nonprofit work and the contribution they make to our communities. For example, the research that was funded by a grant from Komen, allowed me to make decisions about my treatment plan that otherwise wouldn't have been available to me. I am alive today because of cutting-edge research funded by nonprofit organizations."

Johnson is equally as passionate about her occupational service at The Village at Orchard Ridge. "Our nonprofit mission is to provide a faith-based, loving home that honors older adults. We do this by offering affordable independent senior living through our HUD subsidized apartments and through quality Christian care in our assisted living and memory care. Over half of our memory care residents have exhausted their life savings and receive our charitable care. But it doesn't stop there. Many staff members share my passion and belief that we are truly 'called' to serve here and have created a culture of care that is exceptional and award winning."

Idaho Gives is a special day for philanthropy across Idaho: A day for nonprofits to tell their stories and share their work, which enriches communities throughout our state. It's a day for Idahoans to come together with one voice of support for our nonprofits, big and small.

On May 7, 2015, join us here to find your passion, donate to your favorite causes, learn about new nonprofits, and share in the excitement!

Schedule your donation now or come visit again on Idaho Gives day to make a contribution to the nonprofits you love. Your donations could help them win extra award money! Last year, with your help, we raised $782,862 from 7,566 individuals who gave to more than 660 nonprofit causes. Coming together to make a big difference for our friends and neighbors feels pretty darn good. We hope you'll join us this year!

Volunteer Opportunities:

The eighth annual Volunteer Fair presented by Kootenai County Young Professionals (KCYP) and United Way of Kootenai County will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, from 4-7 p.m. at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library, 702 East Front Ave., Coeur d'Alene. Connect with more than 50 area nonprofit organizations to discuss how you can get involved with volunteering.

For more information on how to register for these volunteer opportunities, visit www.KootenaiUnitedWay.org, click on the "VOLUNTEER" link to view this listing and other volunteer opportunities in YOUR community, or contact Jeanette Laster at United Way of Kootenai County, (208) 667-8112, Ext. 108.