Profiles in Ending Hunger: The Many Faces of Ben Morris
Tasha Fekeshazy
Marketing Coordinator
When you watch Ben Morris, Volunteer Operations Coordinator extraordinaire, in action you will immediately notice his amazing sense of rapport with every single volunteer that walks through Food Lifeline's doors. Ben volunteered at Food Lifeline for nearly two years before he was hired on. Because of his volunteer work, he entered his position intimately knowing and caring about the volunteer experience at Food Lifeline.
Ben came to work at Food Lifeline nearly a year ago, bringing with him a diverse and colorful history. For nearly eight years, Ben worked for a locally owned consumer electronics retailer; during those eight years he became increasingly more socially and politically aware-realizing that he wanted to contribute further to his community. After he left the electronics industry in 2005, he took some time off to do some soul-searching.
Ben knew that he eventually wanted to make a career shift to the non-profit world, but was unsure how to best do that. While he was pondering a career shift, he was also looking into putting his keen sales skills to work at a local wine distribution company. During this professional limbo, he ran into an ad on Craigslist for a Seattle's Table driving position, which he applied to and interviewed for immediately. As fate would have it, the wine distributor beat Food Lifeline to the punch and hired Ben.
Ben's new job in the wine industry afforded him a flexible schedule which gave him the opportunity to volunteer his time with Food Lifeline. Ironically, Ben became a ride-along volunteer on the very Seattle's Table route that he had applied for! He loved being out on the front-line, and found inspiration in rescuing and distributing food to many of Food Lifeline's meal programs and shelters. As his work schedule changed, he found new volunteer opportunities at Food Lifeline-he was encouraged by the Volunteer Department to become a Room Supervisor for Community Volunteer Night. He fell in love with this volunteer opportunity too!
In the spring of 2007, Ben began volunteering regularly on weekends to assist the Volunteer Department which had just experienced a massive turnover in staff. His passion and commitment during this time was exemplified because he was volunteering on a broken foot! Camilla Bishop, Director of Development, was acting as the interim Volunteer Manager at this time and knew a good thing when she saw it. She made Ben an offer he couldn't refuse-to work at Food Lifeline as the Volunteer Operations Coordinator!
Ben has been employed at Food Lifeline ever since. As the Volunteer Operations Coordinator, his primary focus is to set up, manage and assist in all volunteer projects; he acts as the liaison between Food Lifeline's Operations and Volunteer Departments. Because of his previous experience as a volunteer, he strives to make every volunteer feel welcome and appreciated, which is evidenced when you watch Ben in action. Ben's energy and experience makes him an amazing addition to Food Lifeline's family. Ben has truly come full circle-finally he has made the career shift that feeds his soul. Ironically, Ben now volunteers his time at local wineries. It's funny how things work out sometimes!