Jim Drews is the Board President of Children Rising, a role he has held for over two decades. With 23 years of dedicated service to the organization, Jim brings a wealth of experience as a foster and adoptive parent, as well as a committed volunteer. Outside of his work with Children Rising, he is also a blueberry farmer, combining his passion for community service with a love for agriculture.
Powertalk
What led you to join Children Rising?
Children Rising was co-founded by me and my wife Meleah. For many years I have worked with children in foster care and as a volunteer in schools, churches, and youth organizations. I am passionate about ensuring the care and well-being of all children, and to provide parents the necessary tools and skills to develop strong, loving, compassionate children.
What is your primary role at Children Rising?
My primary role at Children Rising is as President of the Board of Directors. I facilitate monthly Board meetings as well as ensure the Board is compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements.
What do you find most rewarding about your work here?
As one of the co-founders of the organization, it has been rewarding to share the vision of Children Rising with others and to guide the direction of the organization as it grows.
What skills or unique perspectives do you bring to the team?
One of my unique skills is the ability to hold a vision of what’s possible with Children Rising and communicate that vision with energy and passion that inspires others to act.
How do you align with the organization’s vision and mission?
I have been a part of the creation of the organization’s vision and mission from the beginning, and it aligns perfectly with my personal mission of caring for children and families.
What inspires you about working with single mothers and their children?
As a foster parent, I helped raise other people’s children. Many of these children were born to women who had spent time in foster care during their own childhood. What inspires me is to interrupt that generational cycle by teaching young parents the skills necessary so they can keep their children and raise them in a safe and healthy environment.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned from working with the community?
I’ve learned that there are many good people in the community and many services for children and families, but there is not a centralized or residential place where multiple services and support are brought together to support young mothers and their children.
What’s a challenge you’ve faced in your role, and how did you overcome it?
Perhaps the biggest challenge I’ve faced in my role with Children Rising has been maintaining the vision and hope of the organization while my attention and energy was prioritized towards full-time parenting and financial stability of our household. I lost momentum in growing the organization, but believe now is the time to see the vision come to fruition, and am excited to have a great team onboard.
How do you see Children Rising impacting families in the long term?
My hope is that the impact Children Rising has on families ripples outward from one person to the next, and from one generation to the next. I love to see people helping each other and building strong communities of support. I believe we do that by opening our hearts and minds to change, accepting support that facilitates growth, and lending a helping hand to those around us. In doing this we create healthy people, loving families, and strong communities.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to make a difference in this field?
Just get involved, it’s worth it. To be of service to children and families, to see their lives improved is gratifying. It is a mission that has a great and meaningful impact.
If you could describe Children Rising in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
The phrase I would use to describe Children Rising is “Rising Together”. It is through working together and supporting each other that we succeed in raising wise, loving, compassionate children and developing strong communities.
Fun Facts
Some interesting & fun facts about Jim Drews.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
One of my favorite ways to unwind is to join in conversation with others. I am passionate about working with the Mens community to support higher growth and awareness. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that keeps you motivated?
The mantra I live by that keeps me motivated is “Let your life be like the first gleam of dawn, ever getting brighter to the full light of day”.
What’s one book, podcast, or resource you’d recommend to others?
Non-Violent Communication by Marshall Rosenburg
If you could have dinner with anyone (living or historical), who would it be and why?
There would be a few people I’d like to have conversations with, so if choosing one, I would say Benjamin Franklin. He was someone who had a creative, inventive mind and a determined spirit. He was a brilliant writer, a statesman, an inventor, and contributed in many ways to improving the community around him. I would love to have the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with him.