From Intern to Life Director: Honored to Support SC4K’s Mission

This is a bittersweet blog post to share as I conclude my tenure as Board Chair at Shoes and Clothes for Kids (SC4K). It has been an absolute honor to serve this organization alongside such an outstanding staff and dedicated Board of Directors. I admit that there are still moments when I cannot believe I have been given this opportunity.

I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together. There have been many advancements as SC4K has grown and evolved, but in my four years as board chair, we made two significant changes that I am tremendously proud to have been a part of:

• We promoted Monica Lloyd to Executive Director. Her leadership and vision for the organization have had a profound impact on our staff and our reputation in the Greater Cleveland community. Personally, I love working with Monica and I will actually miss our regular meetings.
• The search for a permanent home for SC4K predates my involvement, but in 2023, we became an anchor tenant at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s Community Resource Center. This new location enables us to better support partner agencies, teachers, and families, while providing improved facilities for our staff and volunteers to advance our mission. For the first time in our 55-year history, we can now welcome families directly to shop for their children.

I am a strong believer that new leadership and fresh ideas are critical for the overall sustainability and success of a nonprofit organization. I know that SC4K will continue to thrive and grow under our incoming Board Chair, Craig Gutridge. Craig started volunteering at SC4K on our Associate Board, has served as our Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair for the past few years, and will be a tremendous leader moving forward.

Although my title is changing, I have no intention of going anywhere. SC4K has been a part of my professional life since 2000 when I interned as a senior at Baldwin Wallace University. Over the years I have been a staff member, a founding member of the Associate Board (currently celebrating 20 years!), and a member of the Board of Directors since 2009. I now look forward to serving in my new role as Life Director.

Thank you to the SC4K staff, especially Monica, for your hard work and dedication to our mission. You have made my role easy and truly make a difference for the teachers and families we serve.

To my fellow board members, it has been an honor to serve as your Board Chair and build lasting impact for SC4K. I am grateful for your support, insight, and friendship.

Thank you for this incredible experience.

View Kelly’s journey from Intern to Life Director in the photo album below!