In Columbus, Ohio, the nonprofit organization Besa is redefining the volunteer experience by fostering community engagement and collaboration. Founded by Matthew Goldstein, Besa connects diverse groups of people to create impactful volunteer opportunities, making it easier for individuals and companies to give back to their communities.
Key Takeaways
- Besa was co-founded by Matthew Goldstein, who transitioned from a corporate career to nonprofit work.
- The organization curates around 150 volunteer projects each month, partnering with local companies.
- Besa’s flagship program, WISH, has provided over $700,000 in gifts to seniors over the past 11 years.
Matthew Goldstein’s journey began with a childhood dream of helping others. He recalls, "I always dreamed of doing good by people, even as a kid. I didn’t know what that meant as far as a career goes, but I knew I wanted to feel like I was supporting people and treating them fairly."
Before founding Besa, Goldstein worked in the corporate sector, where he found fulfillment in volunteering for Suicide Prevention Services. His passion for community service inspired him to create a platform that would make it easier for others to engage in volunteer work.
"I started talking about my volunteer work with my colleagues, who were mostly young professionals. They wanted to give back, too, but it was hard finding ways to do it. Nobody knew where to start," he explained.
The turning point came during a company Secret Santa program, where employees adopted senior citizens and bought them gifts. This experience ignited Goldstein’s vision to channel the desire to give into a structured volunteer program. With the support of his then-boss, he co-founded Besa, leaving his corporate job behind.
Besa’s Impact on the Community
Besa has grown significantly since its inception, now employing 21 staff members and curating numerous volunteer projects each month. The organization collaborates with local businesses to drive community impact, making volunteerism accessible and engaging.
One of Besa’s most notable initiatives is the WISH program, which invites community members to adopt wish lists from local seniors and provide them with holiday gifts. In its first year, Besa managed to gather $240 in gifts for 26 seniors. Fast forward 12 years, and WISH has evolved into Besa’s largest event, providing over $700,000 in gifts to 14,000 seniors.
This year, Besa anticipates that thousands of people will adopt over 2,000 seniors, contributing more than $100,000 in gifts. Registration for the WISH program opens on November 4, and historically, all seniors are adopted within the first two days.
The Heart of Besa
Goldstein’s commitment to serving others is evident in his leadership style. He believes that every act of kindness contributes to uplifting those in need. "Everything I do, I do from the heart and from love. I do what I do because I don’t think there’s any higher purpose or calling than to serve others," he stated.
Besa’s efforts have not only transformed the volunteer experience but have also created a ripple effect of kindness throughout the Columbus community. As Goldstein continues to nurture his vision, he remains dedicated to fostering connections and inspiring others to join the movement of giving back.
In a world where community support is more crucial than ever, Besa stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that collective efforts can lead to meaningful change.
Sources
- Columbus’ Besa finds the good in the community through volunteer work, The Columbus Dispatch.
- Columbus nonprofit reinvents volunteer experience through group efforts | AllSides, AllSides.
