In 2017, Project Understanding, a local nonprofit that serves as a safety net to the most vulnerable residents in Ventura County, was just weeks away from having to close its doors. Brandy Beesley, a life-long local resident, was hired as the new executive director and stepped in facing the harsh situation and reality that the fate of a 40-year-old organization weighed heavily on her shoulders. She made organizational adjustments, implemented a refreshed strategic plan, and in just 6 years she has not only found a way to keep the doors open, but the organization is now thriving and serving more people than it ever has before.
Not only has Brandy managed to sustain a 1,000% increase in capacity, but she has managed to thrive under unthinkable conditions, including the Thomas Fire, the Woolsey fire, and the COVID pandemic.
When she began in 2017, the food pantry was serving approximately 275 people a month, that number has now increased to over 4,000 people a month. While sustaining the existing programs he has managed to implement a new program that offers case management services to struggling families, guiding and helping them achieve their highest level of independence. Their Homeless to Home program has been instrumental to our local homeless community moving them out homelessness as well as preventing those on the verge of becoming homeless remain housed.
This year the organization is excited to unveil their new brand identity, which includes a refreshed logo as well as and updated mission statement, and a new tagline, “Understanding Needs, Restoring Hope”.
“We have grown exponentially in the past 6 years and, Project Understanding has emerged with a solid foundation and a bright future. What a perfect time to highlight our evolvement with a refreshed look and a refreshed mission statement that has evolved with us”, states Brandy Beesley. Project Understanding’s mission is to transform lives and empower independence by providing resources to the most at-risk in our community.
“It has been quite a journey, but I am excited for our future and as an organization we pledge to provide an unparalleled level of assistance to our families; fulfill the ever-growing demand for services, and ensure that no family is turned away for lack of funds. We are grateful for our volunteers, donors, and community partners, without them none of this is possible”, stated Brandy Beesley.
