Sara Bennett is welcoming the fresh changes at Highfields. Over her past 5 years on the board, she has watched Highfields grow and provide the best care possible to individuals in the community.
“Highfields really does make a difference," she said. "It changes people’s lives. When all the odds are stacked against people, it’s easy to say ‘that’s just the way it is’ but I’ve seen the staff fight battles every day that seem hopeless and they do make a difference. The team at Highfields can positively impact the world for someone.”
Sara admits that when she first joined the board she was unsure about how Highfields’ programs make a difference in people’s lives. However, serving on the board has been an eye-opening experience.
“I’m in awe of the staff at Highfields and what they do…it’s humbling,” she said.
Sara has been impressed by Highfields’ ambition to provide the best service possible to the community.
“One of the things I’ve seen over the past 5 years is a commitment to improvement,” said Sara. “Highfields is committed to always getting better.”
Sara said that even the functional changes at Highfields are an important part of the improvement process.
“When I first joined the board, we were trying to raise funds to re-do the gymnasium," she said. "With that completed, now we are working toward a new pavilion for the Breakthrough program. They made improvements to the residential center and made updates to technology too. I feel like Highfields has stepped into their new era.”
2015 was an incredible year for Highfields according to Sara. There is a lot of momentum from Highfields to make a big impact on the community – and people are taking notice.
“Other agencies and governmental groups are coming to the staff and asking them to teach them how they do what they do," she said.
Sara wants to keep the momentum going.
“I’d like Highfields to set the standards for the rest of the state and the rest of the country,” she said. “I think they can be the standard for what other programs are measured against.”
Highfields has come a long way and there is still work to be done. Sara is confident that Highfields is heading in the right direction. She believes this “new era” has helped Highfields become a leader in helping youth and families in the community.