by David Chapman
Staff Writer
As many nonprofit organization officials might tell you, there’s little or no rest for the weary — especially come holiday season.
Karen Brune Mathis, executive director of Dreams Come True, will tell you the same, but the end cause is worth the effort.
“It’s the holiday season,” said Mathis. “It’s busy, but a great time to be working with children.”
Mathis has served as the organization’s executive director for just over a year now after a 30-year newspaper career that had more than its share of busy, stress and deadline-filled days.
Besides adjusting to the frenetic newsroom pace, Mathis said the biggest challenge in her first year has actually been filling the shoes of an organization legend.
“(The biggest challenge) was to follow in the footsteps of former executive director Laine Silverfield,” said Mathis. “She nurtured Dreams Come True for almost 20 years and created dreams for almost 2,300 children during that time.”
Mathis said she hopes to continue to absorb some of Silverfield’s “boundless energy” as she leads a staff of seven, along with countless volunteers, in helping make the dreams and wishes of local children with life-threatening illnesses come true.
The organization will celebrate its 25th anniversary Feb. 8, and if things go as expected, its 2,500th granted wish.
Like many other nonprofits, Mathis and Dreams Come True are adapting to the changing economic landscape. It’s something all nonprofits have had to do, she said, especially given a rise in need.
“These are difficult days for nonprofits,” she said. “Nonprofits are seeing a strong rise in the need for their services, while at the same time facing funding and donor cuts.”
The community, though, has always been one to step up when the need arises and she appreciates all of the time, money and effort the community has given Dreams Come True.
“Jacksonville has always been a very, very supportive community for nonprofits,” she said. “For now, it’s just a matter of riding out the storm and seeing how long this recession will last.”
While Mathis does admit she misses reporting (she still takes notes everywhere she goes), she said she immensely enjoys her role helping children.
“I absolutely love it,” she said. “I have a great time and every day I get to help children.”
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