Sierra Nevada Forum to focus on what nonprofits offer

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give, Winston Churchill famously said.

Opportunities to give in Carson City by donating time or money is the focus of the next Sierra Nevada Forums free and public event on Nov. 15.

The subject is big.

Partnership Carson City, a resource of community service providers, lists on its web site more than 60 local groups who address everything from disability services to substance abuse counseling to transportation.

So Sierra Nevada Forum’s Boots on the Ground event is focusing on local nonprofits who provide a continuum of care for individuals and families in crisis.

Representatives from Advocates to End Domestic Violence, Capital City C.I.R.C.L.E.S. Initiative, Friends in Service Helping (FISH), Retired and Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP), Ron Wood Family Resource Center and United Latino Community will speak about the services they provide, challenges they face, how donations are used and ways for people to volunteer with each organization.

“The big challenge FISH has is convincing the community we’re more than a thrift store. We provide half a million services a year,” said Jim Peckham, executive director, FISH. “I’ve done hundreds of behind the scenes tours and people always say ‘I had no idea.’”

Kathy Bartosz, executive director, Partnership Carson City, will introduce the panel, emphasizing the importance of nonprofits not only to those in need but to the city itself.

“If any of these groups were to shut down there would be a line a block long around Carson City Health and Human Services,” said Bartosz.

Also planned to speak is Frances Payson, a living example of the service continuum, who moved to the area more than a decade ago, found herself and son in need of several services and eventually gave back herself as a volunteer with RSVP.

“I am so impressed with the help and compassion from these facilities and thankful that because of them I am living in the Silver State with a silver lining,” said Payson.

Audience members will have a chance to ask questions and speak with the nonprofits after the event as well as vie for several door prizes.

Information on other local groups will also be available at the event.

For more information, contact Judy Welch at 721-1731.

Boots on the Ground is Nov. 15 at the Brewery Arts Center’s Performance Hall, 511 W. King St.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event starts at 6 p.m.

Sierra Nevada Forums’ is supported by American Association of University Women, Lumos & Associates, Soroptimist, Nevada Humanities and donations from the audience.