Daily Inspiration: Meet Brittany Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Smith

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a single mom to two beautiful kids. I had my daughter when I was 17 and attended college full-time while working as a preschool teacher before receiving my bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business Management from Colorado State University. During college, I volunteered with the Fort Collins Rescue Mission and fell in love with the nonprofit sector and helping others. Now, 8 years later, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I serve as the Community Engagement Manager at Weld Food Bank, a position I have held for approximately three and a half years. I joined the organization as a Volunteer Manager before transitioning to my current role. I truly love what I do and feel blessed daily to work in a community with such abundant generosity.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was employed at the shelter in Fort Collins when the pandemic began, and during that challenging period, my father received a diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer. To cherish the precious time we had left with him, I made the difficult decision to leave the shelter. Following his passing and my subsequent divorce, I sought a new opportunity to make a meaningful impact. It was then that I discovered Weld Food Bank, where I found a sense of community and developed a deep appreciation for Weld County, the Food Bank, our dedicated volunteers, and our incredible donors. I feel so lucky to have found a place I truly love and hope to remain for the rest of my career.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Weld Food Bank is such a special place because not only do we help feed 88,000 of our neighbors who are experiencing food and security issues. We also are an excellent picture of the best parts of Weld County. The parts that are generous with their time, talent, and money. It astounds me the way that this community shows up for one another and is capable of making such a HUGE impact. I am beyond grateful to get to share about the amazing work that our small team does with the help of nearly 6,500 volunteers and the community that is found inside this building from special needs groups and individuals growing and making friends to seniors finding camaraderie and students learning about philanthropy.

During my time at the food bank, I have been lucky enough to help grow our relationships with businesses, volunteers, and stakeholders through our Volunteer Program as well as events like Hops for Hunger, Compete to Beat, and Dine Out for Hunger acting as an advocate sharing of our impact and making sure that people understand we can not do it alone and it takes all of us.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I have witnessed countless stories of resilience and hope, each one reminding me of the interconnectedness we all share. Every week, I see families come through our doors, some facing challenges that seem insurmountable, yet they carry with them a spirit that inspires me. They remind me that while circumstances can sometimes drive us apart, it is our shared experiences that can bring us back together, forging bonds that span beyond the walls of the food bank.

Volunteers, too, have become an integral part of this tapestry. Each person brings their unique background and skills, transforming our humble operation into a thriving hub of support and solidarity. I often find myself marveling at how a simple act of kindness—a warm smile, a listening ear, or a helping hand—can ripple through the lives of so many.

The donors, often unseen, are the silent champions of our mission. Their generosity fuels our efforts, allowing us to expand our services and reach more individuals in need. They may not always interact directly with our clients, but their impact is felt in every bag of groceries handed out. It’s a reminder that community stretches beyond immediate connections; it encompasses a network of compassion that binds us all.

In our shared moments, whether it’s a laughter-filled volunteer shift or a heartfelt conversation with a client, I realize that these connections are what truly nurture the soul. They teach me about empathy, humility, and gratitude. Each story shared, each challenge overcome, adds another layer to our collective narrative, reinforcing the idea that together, we are stronger.

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with hope for what lies ahead. We are all pieces of a larger puzzle, and every day I am privileged to witness the beauty that unfolds when we come together. The food bank is more than just a place to receive assistance; it is a beacon of community spirit, a reminder that we can all be a part of something greater than ourselves. And that, above all, is the lesson I will carry with me forever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://weldfoodbank.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lycett63/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-smith-28a674b7/