Celebrating 45 Years of Client Relationships

In celebration of our 45th anniversary this fall 2024, Alford Group honors the incredible nonprofits that have shaped our journey. All our clients exemplify Alford Group’s values: Continuous Learning, Honest Partnerships, Joyful Connections and Equity-Centered Practices. Our clients are true heroes, and we’ve had the privilege of partnering with them to amplify their missions. In this blog post, we highlight a few client relationships and their impact on their communities.

Boys & Girls Club of Martin County

Stuart Club members celebrating at the groundbreaking of BGCMC’s brand new Greater Stuart Club which officially opened its doors to serve the youth of Martin County, FL in August 2024.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is part of a nationwide movement that empowers young people to reach their full potential. Founded on the belief that every child deserves a safe and supportive environment, the organization provides programs focused on education, health, leadership and the arts.

Through mentorship and engaging activities, the Clubs aim to inspire youth to build skills, gain confidence, and develop strong character. With a commitment to inclusivity, they serve children from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities for a great future.

Alford Group consultants shine a light on the entire Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County team, as they have been so impactful to work with. Their recent growth and volunteer leadership exemplify passion, persistence and a commitment to their mission inspiring Joyful Connections in all who encounter their work.

BGCMC’s Girl POWER program members participate in a team-building exercise. Girl POWER introduced female Club members to female scientists from several STEM fields who provide highly informative 30-minute peeks inside some of the most fascinating fields and careers in science today.

People’s Resource Center

A volunteer hands lettuce to a neighbor as part of PRC’s Food Pantry program. PRC’s Food Pantry offers a variety of quality food and connects clients with other PRC services and resources.

People’s Resource Center responds to basic human needs, promotes dignity and justice and works to create a future of hope and opportunity for the residents of DuPage County, Illinois. Their services include computer access and training programs, emergency rent and mortgage assistance, job assistance and coaching, adult learning and literacy programs, just to name a few.  

In May 2021, PRC retained Alford Group to conduct a Feasibility Study to determine the most strategic and donor-centric approach in testing a campaign goal of $6 million, which was later increased to $8 million. The study looked at how the campaign would help them acquire an additional building and current building renovations while focusing on how to strengthen their existing philanthropic strategies to realize greater potential. Alford Group then continued to serve as campaign counsel until the summer of 2024 when PRC entered the community phase of the campaign.  

Throughout our work, Alford Group has been amazed by the level of engagement from PRC’s leadership team. Their collaborative approach to campaign work exemplifies a distinctive balance of tenacity and thoughtfulness. Our work together can be characterized by a shared dedication to Honest Partnerships — evident in their team’s commitment to authentic, community-centered and strengths-based storytelling and their persistence in honoring the uniqueness of their volunteer base and neighbors served.

PRC’s Computer Training program provides a variety of in-person and virtual Computer Training courses and workshops for beginner to advanced levels, available to adult PRC neighbors.

The Night Ministry 

A resident of the Parenting with Purpose Program, The Night Ministry’s shelter for pregnant and parenting young mothers and their children, speaks with Program Specialist Wendy Hughes.

The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization whose mission is to provide human connection, housing support and health care to members of our community who are unhoused or experiencing poverty.

In recent years, The Night Ministry has responded to increased demand for its services while evolving its programs to more effectively help our vulnerable neighbors thrive. Last year, these services and programs provided critical resources to more than 5,100 vulnerable members of the Chicago community.

Alford Group has had the privilege of working with The Night Ministry since 2004. Throughout our partnership, we have collaborated on feasibility studies, campaign counsel, planned giving strategies and a development assessment. The Night Ministry’s commitment to Continued Learning over the decades of our partnership is evidence of our collective ability to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of our world.

The Night Ministry’s Clinical Supervisor Stephan Koruba treats patients of the Street Medicine Program which provides health care to Chicago’s unsheltered residents.

The Wilderness Society 

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska. Photo credit: Mason Cummings, TWS. Timeless and irreplaceable, the Arctic Refuge is among the wild landscapes that The Wilderness Society seeks to protect.

The Wilderness Society is an American non-profit land conservation organization dedicated to uniting people to protect natural areas and federal public lands in the United States. Their work encompasses initiatives around climate solutions, land and water protection and community-led conservation.

Alford Group’s work with The Wilderness Society embraces the spirit of Continued Learning and Equity-Centered Practices. Early in our partnership in 2022, The Wilderness Society graciously invited our team of consultants to participate in indigenous language training. This enriching experience opened the team to new perspectives, allowing them to connect with The Wilderness Society’s team more deeply in a non-consulting environment.

In addition to expanding our collective understanding of indigenous knowledge, in 2024, the Alford Group team worked with The Wilderness Society to conduct several channel workshop meetings that evolved into collaborative discussions, creating valuable moments for further mutual learning and exchange. Our partnership with The Wilderness Society comes naturally and we all benefit from this shared journey.

Climate March, DC. Photo credit: Mason Cummings, TWS. Engaging Communities, and building and supporting vibrant coalitions, The Wilderness Society works to shape and co-create solutions to secure victories with decision-makers.