In this episode, we talk with the Executive Director of Batavia United Way about what it takes to build a more stable nonprofit. With the unique perspective of someone who moved from board service into a staff leadership role, Kathy shares insights on strengthening an organization from the inside out.

We discuss practical ways nonprofits can improve stability, create healthier foundations, and lead more sustainably over time. Part of that work means making space to regularly debrief, reevaluate priorities, and make adjustments when needed. It is a thoughtful conversation full of encouragement for leaders who want their organizations to be strong, steady, and ready for what is next.

Show notes

Data or deception:

The average full-time worker in 2025 needs to earn $24/hour in order to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment rental in the United States.

• https://nlihc.org/resource/now-available-out-reach-2025-high-cost-housing
• In 2025, the national Housing Wage is $33.63 per hour for a modest two-bedroom rental home and $28.17 for a modest one-bedroom.
• Definitions: Housing wage calculated to include fair market rent (rent and utilities), with affordability standard being 30% of income. NLIHC then divides the income needed by 52 weeks and by 40 hours per week to get the hourly wage.
• How much do you need to earn to afford a modest apt in your state: https://nlihc.org/oor

Home prices in 2025 are rising significantly since 2020, with nearly 21 million homeowners spending more than 30% of income on housing.

• https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/what-is-the-state-of-homeownership-today/
• The Bipartisan Policy Center reported that by late 2025, home prices have surged 50% since 2020, supply remains inadequate, and nearly 21 million homeowners spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Affordability concerns extend beyond mortgage costs: even those who own their homes outright have seen non-mortgage costs—like property insurance and utilities—rise 35% since 2019.

In 2025 a nationwide resource network handled more than 6 million housing-related requests and referrals, making housing its largest area of need at roughly 30% of total volume.

• https://www.unitedway.org/news/211-helpline-data-reveals-most-pressing-us-community-needs-0
• Impact of 211 in 2025 included 53,000 stories heard daily, 19M referrals provided. Top need being Housing related needs, 2nd being utilities, 3rd Food related needs. Other needs include legal counsel, public safety, mental health and more.

Contact:

Richard:

• Area Code Audio
• LinkedIn

Kathy:

• LinkedIn
• Batavia United Way

Heather:

• LinkedIn
• TheExecutiveGeek.com