Leaving the Corporate Comfort Zone for a Calling

Michael Olmsted made the jump from private sector to nonprofit, but that decision didn’t happen overnight. After a period of deliberation and consideration, Olmsted left the corporate world and joined the team at Council of Churches of the Ozarks.

“It was more of a transformation of my heart over a three-year period,” said Olmsted. “I felt a calling to step away from what was comfortable and step into a new opportunity focused on meeting basic needs in our region.”

Olmsted said he chose the Council of Churches specifically because the organization checked off three things that were essential for him. “It needed to be faith based, serving the Springfield area and meeting basic human needs.”

Olmsted had advice for how the community can help the Council of Churches. “Simply put, partner with us.  Volunteers are essential for both one-time and ongoing projects that have a meaningful impact on food insecurity, homelessness, advocacy, education and more. Individuals and businesses can volunteer, organize a supply drive or give a gift to the Council of Churches to help expand our impact. The first step is to contact us and let us know the level of interest, and then we’ll work together to make a difference.”

Council of Churches is actively involved in ministry and meeting the needs of Springfield’s most vulnerable residents. The nonprofit feeds hungry people, provides safety and security for homeless women, supports children in foster care, provides early childhood development and intervention resources, facilitates independence for the elderly and individuals with disabilities, advocates for individuals in long-term care facilities and assists homebound seniors with food and home repairs.