Siloam strengthens mission

By John Mohan

Why would a non-profit organization focused on Winnipeg's less fortunate hire (or even want to) two high-profile Winnipeggers (one from media and the other from politics) within weeks of each other?

And maybe more importantly, why would a media personality and a political advisor want to focus their talents and energy on our community's most needy?

Last month the departure of long-time morning host Larry Updike was announced. Last week the City of Winnipeg acknowledged Mayor Katz's chief of staff Sherwood Armbruster was also leaving.

Although at first glance it appears the stories were unrelated, there was a connecting point -- both were leaving high profile, high-paying careers to join Siloam Mission's 70 other staff and 1,200 monthly volunteers to connect compassionate people with Winnipeg's less fortunate.

Updike agreed to assume the role of senior spokesperson for the Christian humanitarian organization after a casual conversation in my office.

Armbruster's move comes after expressing interest in the vacant chief operating officer position that was posted nationwide. Next month he will assume responsibility for day-to-day operations of the donor supported agency that provides emergency shelter, meals, health centre and employment training.

For those looking for scandals, there aren't any. Neither were about to be axed. Both were happy and secure in their respective careers. But both wanted to be bigger contributors to the betterment of their community and their less fortunate neighbours and step toward where they believed God was directing them.

Neither will be paid near what they had made, but to each one Siloam Mission was an organization they felt they could fulfil their callings in.

From Siloam's perspective, it was a no brainer to get both Updike and Armbruster on the organizational bus.

Addressing poverty and homelessness in our community is a large and complicated social issue which necessitates strong healthy organizations that can create long-term solutions.

Contrary to the popular government thinking that short-term and inadequately funded programs will make strong organizations and solutions, Siloam believes the programs and solutions are only as good as the organization which is only as good as the staff.

Updike with his intellect, media skills, community profile and credibility will elevate Siloam Mission's and the marginalized populace's place in the community with an even stronger, more credible and articulate message.

Armbruster with a law degree, direct experience in the non-profit world and deep understanding of, and patience for political processes as well as his ability to build partnerships and consensus to achieve goals will help strengthen Siloam internally and with the larger community, including governments.

A few weeks ago as it sunk in that we'd have both Larry Updike and Sherwood Armbruster on our staff team I was so overwhelmed I asked God a question that I didn't expect an answer to: "God, why have you given Siloam people of this calibre to help us address our homelessness issues?"

I think he may have said, "Because you're going to need them."

Who knows what the future is bringing but we've got a couple of great people who are going to be part of it and we're all fastening our seatbelts for the ride.

-- John Mohan is the CEO of Siloam Mission.

Last Updated: 15th July 2009, 3:57am

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