More Than an Internship: Building Skills, Community, and Impact at ShelterCare

As a student at the University of Oregon, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Family & Human Services with a minor in Nonprofit Administration, I have always been passionate about making a difference in my community. With a strong interest in working in the nonprofit sector post-graduation, I’ve been learning a great deal in the classroom, but itching for a more hands-on experience. That’s why, when I discovered the internship opportunity at ShelterCare, I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to take what I’d been studying and transform it into meaningful action, community connections, and professional development. 

This internship is especially meaningful to me because of my long-standing passion for housing services and the critical issues that ShelterCare addresses. Lane County ranks #1 in the nation for unhoused individuals per capita, and many people in our community face housing instability. I’ve seen firsthand how vital it is to have access to safe, stable housing, as well as the resources that support overall health and well-being. These challenges have shaped my desire to work in this field, and I’ve been eager to learn the ins and outs of how nonprofit organizations like ShelterCare provide these needed resources.

My previous nonprofit experience had focused mostly on direct service roles, which I found rewarding and exciting. However, I wasn’t sure what to expect in the development side of nonprofits, a field I had never explored in depth before. Was it all just spreadsheets and meetings? On the contrary, I ended up falling in love with the work, finding it both engaging and fulfilling! I quickly realized that development and fundraising are not just about raising money; they are the key factors in ensuring an organization has the resources it needs to continue making a real, lasting impact on the community. This internship has been a true game-changer for me professionally, and I have been so grateful for the chance to learn and grow on the development side of the nonprofit sector.

One of the most significant learning experiences from this internship came when my supervisor, Cat, entrusted me with the opportunity to apply for a grant independently—a task I had never done before! The grant was for funding for our Permanent Supported Housing program, and I jumped right in! Through this process, I gained insight into the intricate steps of grantwriting, helping me understand the importance of strategic thinking, researching abilities, and strong writing skills in securing diverse funding for an organization like ShelterCare.

One of the most exciting aspects of these networking opportunities was having the chance to interview professionals from other nonprofits in roles I’m interested in exploring post-graduation. Cat connected me with a range of individuals, such as housing specialists, behavioral health workers, and program directors. These interviews provided me with important insight into the different career paths available in this field, as well as made me more confident and comfortable networking professionally.

Another powerful aspect of the internship has been the chance to observe and participate in the inner workings of ShelterCare. I’ve had the opportunity to attend monthly board meetings, where I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for nonprofits to have a diverse range of expertise on their boards. These meetings showed me how essential collaboration is in ensuring organizations make well-rounded, informed decisions that support their mission. I’ve also had the chance to attend staff trainings, meetings, and presentations, which have further deepened my understanding of the skills necessary for success in the nonprofit world. 

One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on during my time at ShelterCare is planning our upcoming event, MegaDance: Rock the Rainbow. Before starting my internship, I had volunteered at a previous ShelterCare MegaDance event, where I worked the registration table. Watching the ShelterCare staff collaborate so seamlessly to manage such a large-scale event was inspiring and only made the internship position more attractive to me—I could definitely see myself working with these people in this environment. Now, being involved in planning the next MegaDance, I’ve gained an appreciation for the amount of work and coordination needed to bring an event like this to life. In reaching out to businesses across Oregon for in-kind donations, promoting the event on social media and community calendars, and engaging in volunteer recruitment, I have gotten hands-on experience in what it truly takes to successfully organize fundraising events and ensure they run smoothly.

My internship has also provided me with a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the process of grant research. ShelterCare’s Medical Respite (SMR) program is currently working to expand its services to provide longer-term care to homeless cancer patients. To support this important project, I’ve become familiar with various grant databases and learned the meticulous process of identifying potential funding sources. This experience has been essential in helping develop the skills needed to navigate the often complex world of grant writing and funding streams.

In addition to grant writing and event planning, I gained experience soliciting sponsorships for our spring Trivia event and the Run For Your Life 5K in the fall. I also deepened my understanding of donor retention and learned how professional organizations use donation and financial databases to track funding and donor information.

One of my favorite experiences was having the privilege of transcribing success-story interviews where ShelterCare program participants shared their journeys of overcoming housing instability and finding safety and independence. These stories helped me see the direct impact of the work we do in development and showed me just how important the behind-the-scenes work is in how nonprofits serve their community!

Looking back on my time at ShelterCare so far, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given the chance to be a part of such a dedicated, passionate team. Alyssa, the Marketing and Development Coordinator, Jen, the Philanthropy Officer, and Cat, the Development Director, have all been amazing supporters as I navigate my role here. Their patience and guidance get me excited for my professional future in the nonprofit world, and I am incredibly grateful to ShelterCare for giving me the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the meaningful work they do every day. I can’t wait to continue learning and applying these skills as I take the next steps in my career!

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