Daniel Mitchell's Dedication to HALO's Mission
At HALO, we are incredibly fortunate to have passionate individuals guiding our mission. Today, we're shining a spotlight on Daniel Mitchell, a dedicated board member who has served since 2019, including a valuable tenure as Board President and now as Vice President. His insights offer a powerful look into the heart of HALO's work and the shared values that drive us.
A Commitment to Community
Daniel's journey to HALO began in 2018-2019 through his participation in Leadership Racine. As he explored various non-profits, HALO's mission deeply resonated with him. "I talked to the team who toured HALO," Daniel recalls. "It sounded like something I could get behind!" After meeting with then-Executive Director Gai Lorenzon and submitting his application, Daniel joined the board in 2019. Since then, his commitment has been unwavering, leading to his election as President and now Vice President.
The Rewards of Making a Difference
For Daniel, some of the most rewarding aspects of his involvement stem from the genuine connections forged at fundraising events. "It's really rewarding to meet donors, clients, and staff at HALO," he shares. "Exposure through some of the events we hosted was rewarding to donate and volunteer, be involved, and raise awareness. Getting people engaged to support." He emphasizes the power of bringing clients, donors, and employees together, affirming that "what you're doing goes to a good cause."
A particularly poignant moment for Daniel was helping review videos and interviews for HALO's 15-year anniversary, especially hearing stories from past clients who had successfully moved on and were thriving. "Affirming that they're doing the right thing and worthwhile to help people get back on their feet and self-sustaining," he reflects. These stories are a powerful testament to HALO's impact.
A Lesson in Empathy
One profound personal lesson Daniel has gained is that anyone can help. He highlights the diverse backgrounds and skillsets of HALO's board members, committee volunteers, and staff. "Your help is appreciated!" he stresses.
Daniel also offers a vital perspective on homelessness: "Homelessness is one decision away, or one job loss or mental health condition or family living condition that could lead to homelessness. Neighbors, family, and friends could be at HALO sometime in their lives if things played differently or didn't go in their favor." This understanding underscores the fragility of life and reinforces HALO's core belief in compassion and non-judgmental support.
Significant Strides and Overcoming Challenges
During Daniel's time on the board, HALO has achieved significant milestones, notably the Sober Project. This initiative provides a dedicated room and group support for individuals on their journey to sobriety. Daniel emphasizes the critical link between mental health and addiction, recognizing the "massive" and "life-changing" impact of providing a separate, supportive environment to break cycles of addiction and build a path to restoration.
Naturally, the journey hasn't been without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic presented immense hurdles, forcing HALO to navigate new complexities within the shelter, including reliance on hotel vouchers. "It was a gigantic struggle, but HALO worked through it well," Daniel commends. More recently, facility issues, increasing repair costs, and the constant need for funding have been ongoing challenges. The board also navigated a period of staff and board member turnover post-COVID, a challenge they've worked diligently to overcome, now maintaining consistency and building momentum.
A Vision for the Future
When asked about his hopes for HALO's future, particularly in addressing homelessness in Racine County, Daniel shares a powerful vision: "I hope there's not a need for HALO in the future." He envisions a future with more preventative measures – through education and other support systems – to divert people before they ever need shelter services. "Hopefully not a need for HALO as we know it today," he states, aspiring for a transition towards preventative strategies for the greater good of both individuals and the community. While he acknowledges this may not be feasible right now, it remains a hopeful long-term goal.
Daniel Mitchell's dedication embodies HALO's core values of compassion, community, and commitment to restoring hope. His insights remind us that every person's contribution is vital in addressing the complex issue of homelessness and building a stronger, more supportive community.
Are you passionate about making a difference in Racine County? HALO, Inc. is currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. Your skills and commitment can help guide our mission and profoundly impact the lives of those we serve. Learn more and apply today!
