Staff Spotlight: Christian Baucum

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Recently, REACH welcomed Christian Baucum to our staff as our Volunteer Program Coordinator. Christian is working to increase the capacity of our organization to reach more individuals and communities by providing leadership opportunities for our volunteers. Read on to get to know her!

Tell us a little about yourself?

Hi, I’m Christian, I’m a southern gal through and through! I am thrilled to be joining the REACH staff and I look forward to learning, growing, and creating my new life with wonderful new folks.

What are some of your hobbies?

The better question is what hobbies I haven’t tried. Right now, I enjoy wood carving, playing the guitar, and spending time with my pup Lincoln. In the past, I liked to leisurely hike easy trails, traveled internationally and browsed local museums, played a few games of checkers with my grandfather, and on many occasions watched Netflix until the late hours of the night.

What attracted you to this role at REACH?

I have always loved working for nonprofits. For as long as I can remember, my passion has been to help folks and make a positive impact on the community.  When COVID hit, I wanted to explore how I could expand my influence through relationship building and venture out into a different realm of nonprofits.  When I found the Volunteer Coordinator position, it just felt like the perfect position for me and a great way to make a difference!

What makes you passionate about working with volunteers?

Volunteers are the backbones of nonprofits! Nonprofits couldn’t do a fraction of their mission without them. As someone who has worked with volunteers for years, I can honestly say, I’ve learned more from my volunteers than they ever learned from me. I’ve learned how to listen with my heart, how to speak from a place of benevolence and compassion, and how to act with courageous integrity. Volunteers share more than their time; they share pieces of their souls, and to experience that gift is such a joyous privilege. 

What are you most excited about in your new job?

I’m excited to get to know folks. I’m excited to share stories and laughter. I’m excited to share tears and moments of vulnerability. I’m excited to engage, learn, and grow within the community. Last but not least, I am excited to be authentically myself and allow folks the space to do the same, as we work towards a common goal of helping survivors thrive.