Janay Williams interned with Family Housing Resources as a grant researcher and designed the major annual Giving-Tuesday campaign.
How did you get your internship?
I discovered an opportunity at Family Housing Resources (FHR), a nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing support and financial education to low/ middle income families, on Handshake. I updated my cover letter to address the specifics of the grant research and outreach position and sent my resume through the website within a week. I was given an interview and offered the position a couple of days later. I was so relieved that I secured an internship on such short notice before the fall semester was about to begin, but I can’t say I relied too purely on luck because I also have a couple of years of experience. I am glad that FHR allowed me to advance my skills and develop new ones.
Why did you choose this internship?
I selected this internship because I wanted to be challenged and explore new horizons. My emphasis area for my Applied Humanities degree is public health, and I enjoyed seeing what types of diverse public health practices can contribute to undeserving communities. FHR serves public health by supporting families on the pathway to affordable housing. Contributing and sharing housing resources with families that were unaware of the support that was available to them helped me feel like I was doing something meaningful.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
For the majority of my term, I did grant research. I searched online for companies that award grants to nonprofit organizations. I would sort through several websites to determine which company funding aligns with FHR's mission statement, and the staff would decide whether to proceed with the application process. Then, I would present my findings to my site supervisor at our next weekly meeting. It was a competitive process because so many other nonprofits required funding support so we had to be strategic in our search and selection of grants.
What new skills did you practice, learn, or develop in this internship?
Grant research is one of the significant transferable skills I have learned. I was used to doing other types of more academic research during my undergraduate career, but now I have acquired the skill of matching funding opportunities for organizations. Another skill I practiced during my internship is teamwork and collaboration. I felt that my active listening and communication skills grew immensely during my time at FHR. I presented my research findings weekly, and my site supervisor would tell me what follow-up areas I needed to investigate further. I learned just how much active listening helps enhance communication and leadership aptitudes; there is always room for improvement, no matter a person's career path.
What was your favorite part of your internship?
My favorite moment was when FHR wanted me to be in charge of designing their campaign for Giving Tuesday. I created a theme for this year: "Small Actions, Big Changes - Let's Make a Difference." Giving Tuesday occurs once a year, and several nonprofits showcase how they conduct good deeds in their communities and then post them on social media. Also, showcasing our impact with data and infographics helps attract other corporations to make donations to help raise funds for the cause. This project was meaningful because I was able to include some personal stories from past clients. Reading them made it apparent that everyone deserves to find their first home, but it can become a challenging experience, and that is when FHR steps in to provide support. I am so grateful to be a part of such a powerful movement while adding my personal touch to the visuals for the campaign.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
The most challenging part of this internship was researching grants suitable for FHR. Multiple funds are available for nonprofit organizations seeking more support, but narrowing it down requires focus and attention to detail. My site supervisor once said, "Look at your tasks as an investigating position." I would eventually learn to quickly look through a list of criteria for multiple applications and, within minutes, could determine if FHR should or should not move forward and apply for the grant. The most challenging thing was uncovering what grants were suitable for FHR, and I was eager to assist their clients in improving the lives of their families. The takeaway I learned during this task was not to give up when challenged and to keep moving forward.
What is unique about your situation that influenced your internship selection?
I had a unique passion and love for supporting individuals and families at FHR because I could relate to these families’ experiences. My sister and I grew up in a single-parent household and there were moments when my mother would need help to make mortgage payments. Although there was assistance, they offered fewer services than FHR did. For example, one of FHR's courses is Financial Education, which helps families manage their expenses and avoid undue hardships. I wish that these resources had existed back when I was growing up to improve our living situation. My purpose in this world is to help no matter what the contribution is, and gaining experience during my internship made it more apparent that I belong in the field of public health.