When Courage Worldwide discovered we lived in a world where children were sold for sex back in 2007, we encouraged people to do what they love to do for these vulnerable children. Throughout the years, we have highlighted business owners, parents, non-profits, survivors, runners, songwriters, musicians, and artists who have done just that. We call them Courage Champions. This is my first time, however, highlighting a business professional who quit their job, gave up their salary and benefits, and, by faith, has decided to use her gifts, talents, and business expertise to help us at Courage Worldwide obtain our mission and vision—build more homes and provide more resources for children recovered from a trafficking situation.
Meet Kris Kirkpatrick, our newest Courage Champion and Courage Worldwide volunteer, whose title is Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships. I call her a water-walker, giant-slayer, and history-maker!
First, her bio.
When Courage Worldwide discovered we lived in a world where children were sold for sex back in 2007, we encouraged people to do what they love to do for these vulnerable children. Throughout the years, we have highlighted business owners, parents, non-profits, survivors, runners, songwriters, musicians, and artists who have done just that. We call them Courage Champions. This is my first time, however, highlighting a business professional who quit their job, gave up their salary and benefits, and, by faith, has decided to use her gifts, talents, and business expertise to help us at Courage Worldwide obtain our mission and vision—build more homes and provide more resources for children recovered from a trafficking situation.
Meet Kris Kirkpatrick, our newest Courage Champion and Courage Worldwide volunteer, whose title is Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships. I call her a water-walker, giant-slayer, and history-maker!
First, her bio.
She was also an account manager for a large ad agency in Sacramento, Business Development Director for a video production company, and had her own successful copywriting business for a decade. In 2015, she was one of the four MVPs in a 40-member Chamber of Commerce Leadership class—this is where I met Kris. We worked closely until their class graduated, and lost touch until our paths randomly and divinely crossed 6 months ago in a restaurant in Reno.
I was at a crossroads. For 5 years, I had been waiting on the right circumstances and climate to open another Courage House in the United States. Tanzania was exploding and expanding beyond our wildest dreams, yet my heart longed for a home in the United States. As is my nature, I had thrown out a challenge to God: “If you want me to do this again and open a home in Nevada, you need to send me a professional fundraiser—I just don’t know how to do it!”
Days later, I find myself in a restaurant sitting next to Kris Kirkpatrick. A professional fundraiser. Upon saying hi and connecting, we quickly made plans to catch up over coffee.
Coffee Meeting One
As we caught up personally and professionally, Kris shared she was unhappy and restless in her job. She desired to use her gifts and talents to make a lasting and eternal difference. I shared I felt God wanted us to open another Courage House, but hated the idea of fundraising and told her of my challenge to God. As Kris and I parted ways, she said she had a lot to pray about.
Coffee Meeting Two
Kris came to our next meeting with lots of ideas for Courage Worldwide and how we might tackle the funding issues for a Courage House in Nevada. When I asked if she was offering to volunteer as a Development Director, she said yes, while working her other job and anticipating to join as a paid employee after the first year. This sounded like a great plan, as finances were tight and every dollar was focused on covering monthly expenses.
Coffee Meeting Three
Kris approached our meeting with a bold statement: “What if Courage Worldwide’s finances are tight right now because I won’t take the leap of faith I believe God is asking me to?” When I asked what that leap of faith might look like, she declared, “Quit my job, give up my salary and benefits, and volunteer for Courage!”
And this is exactly what she has done! As of July 1 of this year, Kris got out of her comfortable boat and began walking on water…because God asked her to.
That is a Courage Champion.
That is Kris.
Anyone who knows me knows I believe God created you on purpose for a purpose, and that YOUR purpose is the answer to someone else’s prayer. Kris was certainly an answer to mine.
And so are you!
Without you, we would not have been able to provide homes and resources to almost 200 children over the last 18 years. Our youngest child at Courage House is 8 years old. Someone demands and someone sells an 8-year-old child for sex. What if this was your daughter? What would you do?
We each have a part to play. Not everyone is able to quit their job and sacrifice their comfort to enter this fight. But we can all do something.
Will you consider a financial gift so help us bring more children home?
Thank you.
Or mail a check to our Reno location at:
3495 Lakeside Dr. #88
Reno, NV 89509
Jenny Williamson
Founder and CEO, Courage Worldwide
