Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Nuttall
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I initially pursued a major in International Relations – and thought I would go into the Foreign Service. By the end of my degree – I decided politics and government weren’t the way I wanted to go – but I did want to see the world, so I became a travel agent. My nature craves meaning in my work, which led me to nonprofit efforts. I felt very strongly about using my life experience to positively affect others who may be going through similar issues.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many people in nonprofit work, I learned through trial by fire. The first nonprofit position I took was as a volunteer – where I was continually given more and more responsibility. That turned into a full-time position as the Program Director for the Utah Pride Center. Shortly after being hired, there was a complete turnover in senior management. I had to learn to do it all – from my regular duties managing programs and fundraising to payroll, accounts payable, and facilities. It felt overwhelming, but I learned so much so fast and was able to broaden my skill set immediately.
The most significant moment in my life was gaining custody of my niece and nephew and becoming an instant mom. This led me to the Neighborhood House. This organization was a lifesaver for me and helped my new little family and me succeed. I eventually accepted a job as the Development Director and have been a part of this amazing organization ever since. I feel privileged to be able to help other families like mine succeed.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently the Executive Director of Neighborhood House. Our mission is to enrich, empower, and educate children and adults through quality, affordable preschool programs, daycare services, and comprehensive support services. I was initially hesitant to become a full-time fundraiser, but then I realized that this was something that I was good at, and that really excited me. It feels amazing to engage with individuals who possess the means to support the mission of Neighborhood House. I can guarantee their contributions will be utilized in the most effective manner possible. The pinnacle of my career was the campaign to fundraise for and build our new facility. With the collaboration of an exceptional board of directors and the backing of influential philanthropists within our community, we successfully raised a record amount of funds in a short timeframe to construct a new 57,000-square-foot facility on the west side of Salt Lake City. This increased our capacity to not only serve over 100 more families annually, but we were able to increase our wrap-around services. Now, almost six years out of that process, we are holding a long waitlist, and our services are more important than ever for the hardworking families in our community. We are excited to announce an expansion to our first preschool satellite location in June of 2025. This facility will be a pilot to demonstrate the unique and effective model of affordable care that Neighborhood House provides. The hope is to be able to increase our capacity to meet the ever-growing demand for affordable children and adult care that supports the working caregiver.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are so many ways to get involved with Neighborhood House – from bringing your loved one here for expert and loving care to volunteering and partnering with us to help us more effectively meet our mission. Donating on our website is simple and straightforward, and every dollar goes directly to help those in need access the tools and support necessary to move up the economic ladder. Neighborhood House has always worked very closely with other organizations to collaborate around the holistic needs of families in our community. We welcome new ideas for partnership as well as any ways that corporations or other organizations would like to get involved to give back to their community. We also have sponsorship opportunities available for our Signature Fundraising Event – the Tent Party. Reach out to andrea@nhutah.org for more information.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nhutah.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhutah/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nhutahslc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/97438990/admin/dashboard/
