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Needing a new headquarters building from which to operate, Legal Aid of the Bluegrass engaged Smith Beers Yunker to help them prepare for a capital campaign and subsequently as counsel to guide their staff and volunteers through their first capital campaign. Initially skeptical about their ability to reach a “stretch” goal recommended by Smith Beers Yunker, LABG was happy to report that, with the campaign drawing to a close, the initial goal had been met and the stretch goal was clearly in sight.
LABG Board President Jim Kruer has a long history with the organization, previously serving as its executive director. He admitted to feeling personally uncomfortable asking for large gifts, but said the professional guidance of the Smith Beers Yunker team “gave us confidence that we could do this and, with their tutoring, we actually became good at it! They had a special way of gently prodding us to stay on task, keeping us focused and building our confidence. They worked with us as part of our team, and were never team-dominant.”
Executive Director Dick Cullison remarked that Kay Atkins, Becky Sittason, and Jim Yunker are “good listeners who were able to see things from our viewpoint and tailor their approach to fit our situation. Becky Sittason is very well-organized and her assistance was quite valuable, especially her knowledge of local foundations. We enjoyed working with the Smith Beers Yunker team and got the impression that they liked working with us, too. So, we would gladly recommend them to other nonprofits, and other legal aid agencies in particular.”
Jim Kruer concurred. “These are good solid folks who are great to work with. They came highly recommended by other legal aid organizations around the country and deserve much credit for guiding us toward success with our campaign.”
Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, founded in 1967 as the Northern Kentucky Legal Aid Society, now serves low income and other vulnerable individuals throughout 33 counties in eastern, northern and central Kentucky. Its new headquarters building is located in Covington. |