Nonprofit Executives are Kindred Spirits

I have met many nonprofit executives through the years serving as a grant maker and charity leader. There are always similarities in our approach and objectives, but with Ted Taylor, the Executive Director of Family Promise of Greater Phoenix (FPGP), the commonalities run much deeper.

Like me, Ted’s career did not begin in the charity world. He never sought out the role of nonprofit leader – rather, the role found him, and he stepped forward to serve an organization that was in need of direction and vision, leading it to expansive growth and financial stability.

Ted has been the Executive Director of FPGP for more than ten years. He and I met earlier this year when we both pitched projects to Scottsdale Leadership’s Class 36 for their Project Lead It Forward initiative. Class members took on two activities – re-envisioning the clothing department at Arizona Helping Hands, and the creation and installation of a new mural that decorates the front stairs of FPGP’s offices in Scottsdale. When we followed up that interaction with our first face to face meeting, I had an opportunity to learn much more about Ted – the man, and the organization he serves.

Nonprofits exist to fill voids in our community for people in need. FPGP rescues primarily first-time homeless families from the streets, providing emergency shelter and basic needs in a 60-day program designed to help families return to self-sufficiency. In a one of a kind program, the services provided even include a sanctuary for the family pet! Partnering with congregations through an interfaith network, more than 14,000 shelter nights and 41,000 meals were provided to families in need in 2020. With almost 11,000 people in Arizona who are experiencing homelessness, (37% of whom are families with children), the need for FPGP’s supportive and transformational services is enormous and life changing.

Building an organization requires commitment, ingenuity, creativity and vision, and Ted possesses all of these in spades. He shared with me his history – from early days as an executive in the cotton industry, to entrepreneur activities. He was always searching for a personally motivating and fulfilling position. Prior to assuming the ED role, he even worked in Nordstrom’s clothing department. Unexpectedly, this job brought him joy. For the first time in his professional career, he was serving clients and filling their needs, a precursor to the work he so enjoys today.

Innovation to meet client needs is a necessity for any successful nonprofit, and Ted thrives on figuring out solutions to the next problem. One of his favorite pastimes is wandering the aisles at Walmart, and envisioning alternate uses for the products on the shelves. This spirit was truly important during the days of the pandemic. FPGP made the necessary adaptations to survive through COVID-19 and never slowed down in their efforts to help families facing homelessness who desperately needed their services.

Those stairs at the entrance to FPGP installed by the Scottsdale Leadership team embody the welcoming that Ted provided to me and to all who enter the facility. He wants children and parents to know that FPGP is here to walk beside them on their journey back toward self-sufficiency. On this stage of his life’s journey, he has found himself at Family Promise, in a role that brings him joy and personal fulfillment. His desire is to serve the community, directed by his faith, for as long as the spirit calls him. Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, and leaders like Ted Taylor, provide essential services that support the needs of families struggling with homelessness. I hope that through all of the new challenges and opportunities that will inevitably arise, my kindred spirit will continue his vital service to our community for years to come.

Learn more about the work being done at Family Promise of Greater Phoenix and how you can support their work at familypromiseaz.org/