The History of MIFA continued MIFA People MIFA's executive personnel all agree that, to quote Margaret Ryan, “MIFA works because of group effort and commitment.” Throughout the organization one hears the personnel use the phrase “a MIFA person,” and they all understand what that means. A MIFA person cares deeply about his or her program and the people served by it, and is willing to do whatever is required to make it function properly. A MIFA person can work independently, is content to sit at an old desk in makeshift space, saving valuable resources for the program itself. A MIFA person feels nourished by the like-minded group of people around him, and considers himself a member of an extended family, willing to work for the good of the whole. Virginia Klettner, who began as a VISTA volunteer and has filled many positions at MIFA, currently directing the volunteer program, reveals her feelings about being a “MIFA person” when she says, “As employees, we get much more than we give. We come to see that everyone needs help, at one time or another, and to see how many ways there are to help.” Associate Executive Director Sybil Tucker adds, “The persons who work at MIFA feel that their work has purpose and meaning. Their attitude about their work is contagious. It is wonderful to have co-workers who are talented, interested, intelligent persons intent upon accomplishing goals. I like to feel that the work we are doing is making a difference in the lives of many individuals here in our area. I presently work with our programs for the elderly. For many, the services are helping these persons live a fuller life. Others are able to live in their homes longer. We are truly helping and that makes me glad that I am a part of MIFA.” A MIFA person can be of any age, of any sex, and of any race. Here, people considered too old to be hired by most organizations or businesses can use their talents and energies to continue making a contribution to the world. It is a place where even children can accomplish volunteer jobs. MIFA was built upon the use of volunteers and they continue to be a vital part of almost every program it administers. Gid Smith says that “many people come to MIFA as volunteers, and remain to make their mark.” The first full-time director of volunteers, Missie Pidgeon, came originally as a volunteer/founder of the Memphis Food Bank. She says, “Without its volunteers, MIFA's doors couldn't open.” Volunteers are essential to MIFA, not only to operate programs for the needy, but also to be its eyes and ears in the community. Volunteers have an extraordinary value in not being staff, because they have the right, even the duty, to be critics. They, better than anyone, can assess the needs of the community, and bring them back to MIFA to be evaluated. And they can let MIFA know if it fails to be what it was intended to be, the religious community's ministers to the needy.” In the 1980s, it became evident that MIFA needed to raise more funds locally. Originally, Bena Cates, Janie McCrary, Virginia Klettner and Jean Campbell worked with Smith and Ryan to raise funds from the private sector. Soon a full-time development director was needed and Missie Pidgeon was hired for the job. Gid Smith says, “She put MIFA on the map with come constituencies we never could have reached otherwise. Everybody knew and loved her. She comes out of a strong religious motivation, and, bridging the Presbyterian and Catholic communities, she is a one-person ecumenical movement. Missie is a fine example of people from a strong religious tradition giving to MIFA out of their commitment.” Speaking of her experiences at MIFA, Pidgeon says: “The Volunteer and Resource Development arms of MIFA function with the same human philosophy…people who have a need to serve and give must reach out to people who need their help. MIFA is the bridge connecting the two. We all need each other. That is what volunteering and fund raising are all about.” Next: Religious Roots and Branches