Helping families is SWU graduate’s motivation
Karen Saltzman, a 2013 business graduate, credits Southern Wesleyan University for helping her effectively lead an award-winning treatment program.
What started as an invitation to join a board to plan new housing for a substance abuse treatment facility that serves 42 families in Augusta, Ga became something more. Soon, Saltzman was recruited by the director of Hope House to become an associate director.
“I love the families and love the work and saw (Hope House) was making a difference in people’s lives,” Saltzman said.
Unexpectedly, Saltzman took on the role of director for Hope House.
“The executive director passed away in the middle of a $4.2 million building project, which involved moving staff together who had never been together before,” she said. “There were two campuses of clients – we moved them all here. It was almost like starting an agency from scratch.”
Saltzman had already provided leadership, along with valuable fundraising and grant-writing experience which resulted in growth for Family Connections in Communities and Schools, an agency she directed. She also brought with her valuable experience leading a mental health association in South Carolina.
But there were still challenges ahead for Saltzman.
“I was told ‘you realize you are supervising people, some who have master’s degrees and Ph.D’s and need to go back to school,’” she said.
Saltzman wondered how she could balance the demands of her job with those of earning an advanced college degree. Then she heard an ad for Southern Wesleyan University that promoted a program where classes would meet one night per week and her books would be delivered to class – all at a convenient location.
She applied to Southern Wesleyan’s North Augusta education center at 802 East Martintown Rd. and began her coursework. During times when all seemed overwhelming, she credits Becky Lam, admissions coordinator, with helping her stay on track with her degree work. Although her classes were challenging, Saltzman said she gained valuable experience that continues to serve her as a leader.
“My first teacher was tough, but she set the standard,” she said. “Failing wasn’t an option – they worked with us and helped when needed. They understood we were all working professionals and treated us as such.”
“I began the process and immediately started learning better ways of being a change agent. I also learned how to manage for quality and do accurate performance appraisals,” she said.
Hope House recently won the Excellence in Treatment Award for the state of Georgia, presented by Georgia Schools of Addiction Studies, something Saltzman says is “a big deal.” She is grateful for how Southern Wesleyan prepared her.
“The things I learned helped me to lead my team,” she said.
For details about Hope House, visit their website at hopehouseaugusta.org.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.