In July 2024, Steve Backers, one of Hands4Hope’s biggest supporters, retired from the Board of Directors after seven years of dedicated and passionate leadership. Steve served as Board Chair from 2018 - 2021 and advocated tirelessly for Hands4Hope, raising funds for the Education and Community Engagement Programs, mentoring staff, and supporting youth in every way he could.
He participated in or acted as the Adult Lead for almost every Hands4Hope Community Engagement opportunity, was the Adult Mentor for the Ryan Christopher Hersh Scholarship Committee for two years, and is currently the Adult Lead for Upper Room, which he has done for the past two years – logging more than 177 hours of service for just that part of his volunteer efforts. Steve also worked with some of the Hands4Hope alumni to launch the Hands4Hope Alumni Association and acted as their advisor for the past two years.
"I've had the opportunity to work with youth at various community outreach events, on committees, with the Youth Board members who take part in our board meetings, and at other events and I can tell you it is not only fun and entertaining,” said Steve, “but for me, it inspires hope at a time when our nation and the world seem more and more divided every day. It doesn't matter what school they go to, where they live, what their family situation is - what matters is they are all there to serve. In some ways, many of these young people could be role models for some of us adults."
"When Steve joined the Hands4Hope Board of Directors, he jumped in with both feet and immediately began working with our staff on strategic planning, reworking our mission and vision statements to be more meaningful and focused, and being a part of our first Staff Retreat, where we identified values for the organization. He led us through one of our largest growth spurts right into and through a pandemic, and stayed determined, level headed, and positive through it all," said Jennifer Bassett, Hands4Hope Founder and Executive Director. "Steve provided me with support and guidance that kept my sanity in check and allowed me to stay focused on what truly mattered...supporting the youth."
His steadfast leadership during some of Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference's biggest growth years, as well as during its most challenging years with the pandemic, kept the organization focused on fulfilling its mission, growing despite obvious challenges, and financially sound. Steve turned over reins of the Board of Directors, having built a strong Board and stronger organization.
Join us in saying a big THANK YOU to Steve for all of his contributions!
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