‘Jumped in head first’
♦ Bentley reaches six months as VAC director.
Just over six months ago, Miranda Bentley took the leap from overseeing the Harris Arts Center to overseeing the Voluntary Action Center.
“I jumped in head first,” she said. “Not even feet first, head first.”
Because she took the reins in September, the alwaysbusy VAC was preparing for an even busier time of year — Christmastime. She hit the ground running, managing the organization’s Christmas senior box program and then moving into Operation Happy Christmas, which serves hundreds of families each year, and then the schools’ food drive.
It was a lot — but Bentley is glad that she made the move from the Harris Arts Center.
“I think in the long run my heart was to be helping people in the community,” she said.
Bentley’s move to the VAC was part of a slate of shakeups in the local nonprofit community. First, Jennifer Latour of United Way took a position in Dalton. That paved the way for prior VAC director Stacy Long to move into the top spot at United Way. Then Bentley took over at the VAC, and former assistant director Crystal Chapman has taken the helm at the HAC.
“I was so happy to revive it and give it the love it needs,” Bentley said of the arts center.
She said Chapman was absolutely a good fit over at the HAC and that she was thrilled to see her step into the role of executive director.
“It was time for that switchup,” she said.
Bentley says she didn’t particularly seek out the VAC — it was more of a “one door opens” type of thing. Long had always been a mentor for and a believer in Bentley, so she thought about it, prayed on it, and finally came to the decision to throw her hat in the ring.
And Bentley certainly has the experience for it — two years’ experience revitalizing the HAC and then experience running a retail store have primed her for handling the VAC, which relies largely on profits from its thrift store to help fund its programs.
“That thrift store is busting at the seams,” she said.
It’s a different experience, running the HAC versus running the VAC. Bentley says she feels it in the people that she’s helping, in the impact the organization has.
“My decisions make a big impact over here,” she said.
But the VAC’s Board of Directors and the staff have been great supporters and have helped her as she’s transitioned into this new role.
“Everything’s been very positive,” Bentley said.
She says she’s still learning
her way around the role and that she knows that trying new things take time and research — but she does have goals for the future of the VAC. The Community Kitchen currently serves Monday through Friday for both lunch and dinner, but ideally Bentley says that she’d like to see them serve Saturdays, too, to allow people better access to a hot meal.
“I’d like to see that come to fruition,” she said.
On top of that, she’d like to see some additional signage near the food pantry that’s visible from the road so that people can see what hours that they’re open, as well as any current needs for the pantry. Bentley said that could help make sure that if people are driving by to go get their groceries, they think of grabbing something for the VAC if they’re able.
The VAC is an effort that both serves the community and is served by the community in turn — and Bentley says that the community absolutely shows up for the VAC. The organization works with schools, the city, the county, and the larger community as a whole.
“We couldn’t be here without our community,” Bentley said.
Bentley said that there are plenty of things people should keep in mind when it comes to the VAC — those who want to help out can always bring donations of cans and clothes, especially food cans that have pop tops because they’re more accessible to people without a regular kitchen. And anyone looking to get a jump on spring cleaning can bring their gently used items to the VAC, where they’ll sell it at the thrift store and put the money right back into their programs.
Anyone wanting to help can also sign up for the Strike Out Hunger bowling tournament by getting together a team of individuals or employees from a business. That tournament is May 7 and teams can sign up until a week before the tournament. All funds go back into preventing hunger in Gordon County. Last year, the organization netted $22,474 from that tournament.
Those needing help can access the obvious programs — the Community Kitchen and the food pantry — as well as things like shower and laundry services, where those in need can sign up to shower and do their laundry twice a week, with all toiletries and supplies provided free of cost. Bentley also said that anyone in need of medical supplies — adult diapers, crutches, and wheelchairs to name some — can come access them with no questions asked.
Assistance can also come in the form of some holiday help — Operation Happy Christmas will slowly start its kickoff this month. Those wanting to sign up for assistance with a Christmas meal and some toys for their children can do so starting in March. Those wanting to apply will need to take two financial classes through the VAC, available in both English and Spanish. Signing up early is a good move — around 600 spots will be available, and those fill fast.
For more information on the Voluntary Action Center’s programs, visit voluntaryactioncenter.org online or call 706-629-7283.