Finally, a blog post I’ve dreamed of writing:
The board of directors today approved hiring me as deputy director at Muscatine Center for Social Action. For those who don’t know, MCSA is a non-profit organization established in 1991 to serve those in need. In the three months of this past summer, it provided housing to 150 people, including 26 children.
I will begin my new job Monday and will report to Maggie Curry, the executive director. My duties will include fundraising, grant writing and marketing. I also will help oversee finances at MCSA and its shelter program. And this is just a partial list of the duties listed in my new job description.
It is all new to me and there will be much to learn. But I can’t find the words to express how excited I am and gratified to have this opportunity.
The mission of MCSA is “Renewing Hope, Rebuilding Lives.” After struggling for eight months to find a job, those words mean even more than they would have before I was downsized out of my old job at the Muscatine Journal. Because of this, I will work harder than I ever have to pay forward on this opportunity. It comes at a time when I had all but given up hope.
My 46th birthday is in about a week. This is easily the best birthday present I have ever received. It feels as if my life has been given back.
In the days and weeks to come, I will have more to say about all of this. I hope to keep blogging — if only because there are hundreds of stories waiting to be told about the good that happens at MCSA.
For now, I’m just grateful beyond description. It’s as if I’ve come back inside after wandering around lost for eight months in tall weeds — a place I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy.
Brome Hill 
Congrats Chris, Well deserved and a long time coming.
Thanks, Jason.
Congratulations – Chris – I couldn’t be happier for you. I think you will be fantastic in this new position, MCSA is lucky to have you! Peg H.
Chris, I am so happy for you and you will be an asset to
MCSA.
Yay! I am thrilled for you, Chris, and for Nancy, too. In my estimation, you are a perfect fit for MCSA. This type of work is a ‘calling’, and you answered.
On vacation here in Mexico and see some great news. Congrats! My dream vision- get some kind of grant or CBDG funds or gigantic foundation funds to restore some of the old homes on west hill to be for transitional housing. But I am just an idea guy.
That and my other idea of you creating “shopping lists” for items at garage sales to donate. Heck, my parents would do that in Colorado. They love that stuff. Anyway, congrats and let me know if those ideas are worth pursuing. Mike
Congratulations on the new job. MCSA is a real asset to Muscatine, and you will be an asset to MCSA.
Chris: I am so pleased to see you have a position here in Muscatine and will continue to be an asset to our community. John
Yay!! Wonderful news, but please don’t give up the blog. Can’t wait to hear about your contributions to the work of MCSA.
Chris – congrats!! I can only imagine what you have been going through! For whatever its worth – telling that story is important. Being able to share that difficult story and do it in an open way- is very important! Be well and congrats!
Chris-congrats. What a perfect match. MCSA is a great asset to the community. Take a couple months to learn the job and then apply at FLC. I think you are a natural for the job.
Good answer…I am beyond delighted we’ll be keeping you guys!!
Oh…and don’t forget what church was praying for you, and how much fun their choir has! 🙂
Chris….congrats!!! It has been a long road, but sometimes they are the best. I am glad you have found a job that marries with your passion. At the end of the day, when your head hits the pillow, you will know that you helped people who need it — and appreciate it. Welcome to the side of the angels.
You will be great in your new profession! Congratulations!
Congrats Chris! You will be great at this.
Good things happen to nice people, and I’m glad you’ve been given the chance to show off all that you can do. Yay for you and Nancy.
You found your “second act”…like I did…Congrats!…
I think I have, Steve. Thanks. Glad you’re still out there reading from time to time.