Poetry Heals Has A New Executive Director

Dear Friend of Poetry Heals,

I’d like to introduce Sara Gallagher, the new Executive Director of Poetry Heals.  At the end of September, I stepped down to explore and enjoy life as a person who isn’t working, though I am remaining engaged as the President of the Board of Directors.

Sara brings with her rich experience with nonprofit organizations, with teaching, with writing, in fundraising, and with Poetry Heals. She volunteered at our summer project, Poetry and Pottery, in 2019, and then took the mentor training and taught workshops while teaching me to write grant proposals.  About a year ago, she became a member of the Board of Directors for Poetry Heals. Sara joined me in the training class this spring for the newest cohort of mentors.  I can’t imagine a better resume for taking over Poetry Heals. I can’t wait to see what direction the organization grows. 

Poetry Heals has grown from an idea in 2015 to an organization with an $82,000 budget, a part time executive director and 11 part time writing mentors. In the first eight months of 2023, we taught over 130 workshops for around 1500 people.  We have ongoing workshops at Springs Rescue Mission, The Place, Peakview Behavior Hospital, Inside Out Youth Services, Flying Pig Farm, Manitou School District #14, and we are developing workshops with other organizations all the time. 

We have stayed true to our mission: Poetry Heals uses expressive writing to provide vulnerable people with evidence-based support for their ongoing healing from the effects of stress and trauma.

Thank you for your support throughout my time as executive director.  I know you will join the Board of Directors and mentors of Poetry Heals in warmly welcoming Sara! You can email her or call 719-685-4114.

Very truly yours.
Peace,

Molly
Molly Wingate, she/her
Retired and reading