Power of Good

organization uses a two-generation approach to move single mothers beyond poverty. In St. Clair County, the program trains women to become pharmaceutical technicians through Jefferson State Community College while providing childcare. The program also offers resume training. "We are being very intentional about collaboration," Jackson said, pointing to the Women's Fund's own Collaboration Institute that is working to improve economic security for women. Ammons listed the practical advantages of collaboration such as lowered costs. She said the ability to "stay in your lane" makes it possible for organizations to focus on their strengths and work with others to complete tasks. Ammons said many resources become avail- able to an organization when it collaborates. Nanni presented a different perspective: Not every idea needs to be- come a new organization and some ideas are more effective as a program within another organiza- tion. Michelle Sargent of the Blount County Children's Center summed up her takeaway, saying, "We do collaboration well." She credited her organization's success to the support of other area agencies. Aimee Risser of the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of South Alabama left the session asking, "What more can we do?" She listened to the examples of the panelists and im- mediately began to think about collaborations she could initiate to more fully support those her organization seeks to assist. Ammons called collaboration "the new buzzword" for non- profits. "Working Together Collab- oratively" helped many understand what collaboration can mean for their organizations. 8 PANEL continued on from 7 Breakout Sessions Jeanne Jackson, Shannon Ammons and Chris Nanni offer insight on collaboration in a panel discussion facilitated by Hallie Bradley.

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