Mission-Minded
Employee Spotlight: Youlanda McCarthy
Accounting & Grants Manager
In 2021 when Youlanda McCarthy decided to move back to her hometown of Atlanta to be closer to her mother and brother, she didn’t yet have a job lined up. Just days before she and her husband were set to leave Chicago—Youlanda’s home of more than 20 years—she got a call from CaringWorks.
“The CFO at the time asked, ‘Can you be here by Thursday?’ I said yes and so we set up the interview.”
Youlanda became the Accounting and Grants Manager at CaringWorks, which involves facilitating and processing grant reimbursements.
“I keep stellar relationships with grantors, making sure we have all the documentation that’s needed so that as we go from one grant period to the next, we can get the funding we need to continue this mission of helping the homeless.”
Before CaringWorks, Youlanda was no stranger to working in the housing industry. Earlier in her career, she worked at a CPA firm in Chicago that did volunteer accounting work for seniors living in a nonprofit senior housing community. When a job opportunity came up in the community, Youlanda wanted to be part of its important mission of serving seniors. She left the CPA firm and took a job at the community where she worked for 18 years, eventually becoming its director. She says housing has always been near and dear to her heart.
“Providing housing for someone—a roof over their head—people do not realize how monumental that is. It’s a big step in helping individuals gain a sense of independence and dignity.”
Youlanda says she feels honored to be part of such an important mission at CaringWorks, but that she also considers it her duty.
“You’re supposed to leave this life making it better for someone else—the next generation, the next person. That’s our mission. That’s what we’re supposed to do; that’s just human decency.”
She also says homelessness is a complex issue that could happen to anyone.
“Life changes can put anyone in that position. So whatever little part we can do to help is important.”
What Youlanda loves most about the job, she says, is being around other mission-minded people.
“My favorite part of the job is working with our team; how we all come together under the same mission to help our clients succeed. To have that camaraderie, it’s very important. I love that about this company.”
About CaringWorks:
Built on the single idea that all people—no matter their social or economic standing—should have a chance to improve their quality of life, CaringWorks has served thousands of clients since our inception in 2002. Since then we have grown exponentially to become one of Georgia’s leaders in providing permanent supportive housing. We serve hundreds of individuals each year through unique programs and services that are specifically tailored to the needs of those facing chronic homelessness.
Donate today to help us end homelessness.
September 2024