Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Gerrish.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was the first employee at Michelle’s Place almost 23 years ago when I answered an ad in the newspaper for a part time marketing person. Never would I have imagined what that part time job would turn into. Michelle’s Place was only two years old and run entirely by volunteers. It needed some structure, outreach and funding. I came from San Diego where I graduated from San Diego State University with a journalism degree and a minor in marketing. My background had been in at an advertising agency and publishing. I currently worked for the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association doing marketing for them when I found Michelle’s Place. I was tasked with ‘spreading the work’ about Michelle’s Place. I spoke to every group or organization that would have me. I attended as many community events and health fairs as I could. More people started knowing about us and we started growing… When I started we served only breast cancer patients. Soon, it was evident that there was a need to provide services to people with all cancers. We just weren’t sure we could handle the need. But in 2018 we found our forever home which provided the space to expand to serve all cancers. What we learned was what we always knew, people just need to be heard. We don’t need to know about all cancers, we just need connect with people and help them with resources they need to fight their cancer. Today, we serve over 4,000 cancer patients and their families.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think there are always struggles when growing. Funding is always an obstacle. Ensuring we have what we need to provide services for our clients is always a priority and not always easy. We are fortunate that our community is very generous and provides support regularly.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the Executive Director of Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center. I specialize in nonprofit management, grant writing and peopling! I love working with like minded people. I love my team at Michelle’s Place, the volunteers and donors. They all are so passionate about our Mission and the people we serve.
I am known for building Michelle’s Place from a small breast cancer resource center serving a few people to the 10,000 sq. ft all cancer center that it is today.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Michelle’s Place is always in need of volunteers. We utilize over 150 volunteers and facilitate over 50 programs a month. We serve over 4,500 cancer patients and their families annually. Support through time, talent and treasure are the core of our needs. Consider sponsoring a program, helping at the Center or becoming a Wings of Hope angel. visit www.michellesplace.org for more information.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michellesplace.org
- Instagram: michellesplacecrc
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/michellesplaceCRC
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/michellesplacecrc
