Spokes Spotlights:
Central Coast Grown

SITUATION

When Central Coast Grown hired its first Executive Director, Jenna Smith, in 2011, the organization was growing quickly. As a first-time Executive Director, Jenna knew it was important for her to obtain tools, training, and resources that would help her grow the organization strategically and effectively.

ACTION TAKEN

Jenna and her board became a Spokes Member in 2012 to utilize the services valuable to Central Coast Grown. Staff and board members regularly attended workshops to enhance their skills while Jenna joined the Executive Director Roundtables to collaborate, learn from others, and share. Most significantly, Jenna began using Spokes as a trusted consultant to gain clarity around and find solutions for unexpected challenges – none uncommon to other nonprofits.

OVERALL RESULTS

Because Central Coast Grown has proactively implement solutions and resources provided by Spokes, they have…

• Developed a database of potential donors and have improved overall donor relations.
• Streamlined operations by attending educational workshops such as Building Better Budgets and Donor Relations.
• Utilized Spokes consulting services for various situations, including one HR emergency.  Unsure how to proceed, Jenna reached out to Spokes, received advice on how to ensure Central Coast Grown was legally protected, and had a face-to-face meeting (within the hour)with a trusted advisor who helped mitigate threats.

MEANINGFUL & IMPACTFUL

“Spokes staff, consulting services, and resources help us improve our operations! And as a result, we are delivering our programs more effectively and continue to enhance our impact.”  ~Jenna Smith, Executive Director , Central Coast Grown, San Luis Obispo, CA