Hello! Thank you for stopping by my site. My name is Sommer Neff, and I have probably felt just like you. Like there weren’t enough resources or hours in the day to get the money in the door required to run the programs and meet the need of both disadvantaged clients and stretched staff (whew!). All the while you are trying desperately to avoid getting completely burnt out yourself in the process. The good news is that I’m here to help, and since I’ve been there, I’ve learned tried and true methods that deliver long-term, positive results and can be tailored to the needs of your organization.
A little about my experience: I am a resourceful and dynamic leader with well over a decade of experience designing impactful and sustainable nonprofit programs, building strong and effective teams, and writing grants that help programs thrive.
I was born and raised in Houston, TX and received my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of North Texas. While I was in Denton, I discovered my passion for civil rights, women's movements, and social justice. This newfound passion led me to serve as a Victim Advocate at New Beginning Center in Garland, TX, and then to Niger, Africa, where I coordinated community health programs as a US Peace Corps volunteer. In the Peace Corps I learned about sustainable development, as well as the harsh reality that projects that are not focused on sustainability or informed by people on the ground can only lead to what the locals call “aikin banza”, or work for nothing. This experience greatly informed my passion for developing projects that are sustainable and results-oriented.
Six days after landing back in the States, I began work towards a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Denver, with a specialty focus in Organizational and Leadership Development. After completing my studies, I returned to Dallas to serve as a Victim Advocate at the Dallas County District Attorney's Office.
My career took a big step forward when I was offered the opportunity to lead The Salvation Army's Domestic Violence shelter. Over two years in that role, I developed an immense respect for the challenges that nonprofit professionals at all levels face on a daily basis, and how high quality program design and a constant focus on professional development are critical to sustain and grow effective programs that help move the needle on the big issues facing our community.
I left The Salvation Army to pursue an opportunity to lead strategic programs and initiatives at WiNGS (formerly YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas). Over the course of nearly five years, I was able to hone my skills in innovative program design and team building. With the help of a strong team, I led the growth of family financial centers and a small business program.
While I am proud of the work I have been a part of over the last decade, I believe that my greatest opportunity to positively impact North Texas nonprofits is through my own practice. There are a few reasons why:
1. My experience is both extensive and diverse. I understand what it is like to work on the front line with clients in crisis, as a manager of both large and small teams, and as a strategic director. I've also worked in large organizations, small organizations, and even a small village in Africa. I'm confident I can add value to your organization, no matter the size or scope of services.
2. My core services unite nonprofits in all areas. I have been able to succeed in roles in places as different as domestic violence shelters and small business because I understand that effective programs have a few things in common: quality program design, great teams, and diverse funding. I am confident that I can help your program build strength in these core areas and put your organization in a place to achieve stronger, more sustainable impact.
3. Finally, my dream has always been to be my own boss. And now that I am a proud mother of a beautiful daughter, I want to make sure I am providing a constant example of how important it is to follow your ambitions so that she will one day do the same.
At the end of the day, I am confident that, for the reasons outlined above, I can add value to your nonprofit organization, at a price that is fair and reasonable. Please read more about my philosophy and range of services, and don't hesitate to contact me to find out more.