PEOPLE ChristineOrtega Volunteer McKinney director shares responsibilities, goals
BY MATT PAYNE
"THE FIRST PILLAROF OUR MISSION IS TO CONNECT PEOPLE TO THEIR PASSION THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM." CHRISTINE ORTEGA, VOLUNTEER MCKINNEY DIRECTOR
Christine Ortega, executive director for Volunteer McKinney, brought more than 17 years of experience to the organization when she assumed her latest role in February 2021. Ortega answered questions revolving around her mission and goals working with nonpro ts in the area.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES? As the executive director, I am responsible for overseeing the mission, programs and strategic plan of Volunteer McKinney. I also run the day-to-day operations and report directly to the board of directors of our nonpro t organization. HOWDOES VOLUNTEER MCKINNEY COLLABORATE WITHOTHER ENTITIES? Volunteer McKinney is a convening organization that brings nonpro t organizations together to address the critical needs in the community. We also collaborate on events, including Make a Di erence Day. As the lead agency working with local nonpro t organizations, we help coordinate the impactful day of service in the city of McKinney annually each October. HOWWOULD YOU CHARACTER IZE THE NONPROFIT COMMU NITY INMCKINNEY? McKinney is rich in history and nonpro t organizations. Some nonpro ts help preserve the history of McKinney. The social services in the city are e ectively working to address causes, such as homeless- ness, food insecurity and health care. Advocacy groups protecting women
and children are all here in our back- yard. We also have athletic leagues and animal nonpro t organizations located in McKinney. This commu- nity is determined to impact many of society’s problems through services and volunteers. WHAT NEEDS INMCKINNEY WOULD YOU SAY ARE RISING IN DEMAND? From our perspective, ... volunteer needs in advocacy, education and skilled labor are on the rise. Trans- portation, housing and emergency sheltering continue to be in demand due to limited or lack of services in the area. WHAT GOALS DOES VOLUN TEERMCKINNEY HAVEMOV ING FORWARD? The rst pillar of our mission is to connect people to their passion through volunteerism. Our goal is to increase our presence in a fast-growing community so that all residents know where to meet the growing needs in the city they live. The second pillar of the mission is training and collaboration within the nonpro t sector. We believe that together, we are a thriving commu- nity served by strong nonpro ts and servant hearts.
YEARS OF SERVICE Christine Ortega has worked with a number of nonpro ts and organizations in the area.
February 2021-present: Volunteer McKinney executive director Current position
June 2020-February 2021: Collin County Mobility Collaborative interim executive director
February 2019-present: StepUP Frisco co-founder
March 2019-December 2020: Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance member, board of directors
October 2019-present: Collin County Homeless Coalition director emeritus
April 2018-June 2020: GraceToChange president, board of directors 2017-2019: Collin County Homeless Coalition vice president September 2015-2019: Health and Wellness Alliance for Children steering committee member July 2009-June 2018: Preston Trail Community Church community outreach director
SOURCE: CHRISTINE ORTEGA COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
VolunteerMcKinney 119 W. Virginia St., Ste. 202, McKinney 972-542-0679 www.volunteermckinney.org Hours vary
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