Starting a new job is filled with many emotions, depending upon what we leave, and where we are going. Sad to be leaving. Excited for new opportunities. Nervous of the unknown.  I have been privileged to work in the Jewish community of Metro Detroit for 22 years. I have been blessed to collaborate with dedicated professionals and volunteer leadership. Teaching. Learning. Mentoring. Celebrating. After eighteen years at the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit followed by four years at the Jewish Community Center of Metro Detroit, it was time for a new adventure. Leaving the known Jewish communal world to begin a new journey with the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation was, I was told, “a leap of faith,” especially during a pandemic. As I write this, I have been with the Foundation for four months.

Like many beginning anew during Covid-19, my experience to date has been a bit strange. As the virus didn’t allow me to meet Foundation staff in person, the entire interview process was conducted online. Since beginning the position of program partner, until recently, all meetings with staff and family members have been on Zoom.  When I finally met most of the staff in person, I was happy to have recognized them without a rectangle around their heads. They all had legs and ranged in height from 5’2” to 6’3”. Who knew!

Covid has been tough for everyone I know – my family included. However, I tried to remain positive throughout, even while furloughed and frustrated. I believe that there is always a silver lining. There must be. Here are some of mine.

Home. Although we have all been home for far too long, we have learned to work efficiently and effectively there. Had I known eighteen months ago that I would be home for this long – I wouldn’t have believed it. And if I had, I wouldn’t have thought I would survive it. Me? Alone? All day? All week? For months at a time? But I learned that I could manage it – and thrive.

Time. I learned that working from home without traveling for meetings is hours and hours of saved time, as the “to and from” makes time evaporate. There’s no traffic or commute time on Zoom.

Connection. Although Covid took away in office “schmooze” time, staff make efforts to meet online twice a week for a “Staff Huddle.” These thirty minutes offer the team time to meet, catch up, connect, socialize, and see what is needed to move work forward.

Partners. Executive Director, Doug Bitonti Stewart asked me what has surprised me most about the MMFF. My answer must be all of the partners: the family, staff, grantees, and neighbors that all weave in together to do the work. All come to the work as equals.  All are treated with respect, admiration, and gratitude. We are in this meaningful work together.

Staff. Staff at the MMFF come to this work with their authentic selves, and within that – their desire to help. To do their best. To make a difference. Their accessibility has been tremendous. Their enthusiasm, contagious. Staff are committed to the work and are passionate about it. I haven’t heard, “that’s not my job.” I have only heard, “how can I help?” This mighty group of ten people, move mountains to be just, compassionate, and kind.

Relationships are Key. Depending on the grant partner, relationships have been built over many years or are newly building. Staff are here to work with our partners before, during and after a grant – and not just for reporting’s sake. The staff truly want to get to know our partners who are in the field, doing such commendable work. We want to know what motivates, what’s going well, what are the challenges, and how can we help.

As life begins to resume and go back to “normal,” I do believe that there are many lessons to be learned in moving forward. What we go back to and what we keep will be up to us. I look forward to this wonderful journey with you.

Wishing you and yours good health, happiness, and wonderous adventures,

Lisa

Lisa Soble Siegmann, Program Partner

Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation