Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Czarnik.
Hi Denise, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2017, my husband and I left Michigan, which was our home for over 30 years, and moved to Georgia for my new job. In 2018, I was introduced to the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation (SPSF). Since, I was young I had an interest in working in the medical field or public safety, I knew SPSF was an area I wanted to serve with. We moved in 2017 for the company I was working for in Michigan. In 2018 I became a board member for Smyrna Public Safety Foundation (SPSF), voted in as secretary in 2019 and became the Executive Director for SPSF in 2020. This position allowed me to fulfill my younger dream by allowing me to stand with and serve men and women in public safety.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I knew changing my career path from corporate to a not for profit, would require adjustment and challenges. It is in those times of greatest challenges; I have learned the way I choose to react/respond will determine the outcome and will bring on growth within myself and those to whom we serve. The biggest challenge was starting in the middle of a pandemic. I began in September of 2020, having three months to fund and plan for the Shop with a Hero Program in December. We needed to raise over 20,000.00, shop for over 70 children, collect food for the holiday meal kit, and find and create a way for the children in our community of Smyrna to receive their gifts and meals all before Christmas while abiding with COVID restrictions.
We (SPSF and Smyrna Fire & Police Departments) were determined to serve the children & families in our community. When everyone cancelled their events; SPSF made a way for 78 children and their families to enjoy the Holidays even during COVID. We accomplished it, and still to this day, the first responders and schools comment that we never let what was going on around us keep us from our mission and goal to encourage and strengthen the partnership between the community and its public safety personnel.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The mission of our foundation is to “Encourage and Strengthen the partnership between the community and its public safety personnel”. As Executive Director, I am tasked with creating programs, plan & promote events, raise funds, participate & speak in community and public safety events. I am driven by my passion to serve, building relationships of trust, and understanding that if there is a need we will help or find a resource that will meet the needs of the community and public safety. Dedication and dependable, when asked to stand and represent with one of our departments, we will always be there. I would say most know me for having a servant’s heart, always ready and willing to answer a call, and will fight for the needs and resources that will provide support to our first responders. I am most proud about the program we are implementing this year. For two years, we have been working to expand the benevolence fund. The benevolent fund is designed to provide financial support and address an event or catastrophe that is sudden, unexpected, and critical, such as a family crisis, acute illness, natural disaster, or fire, and offer expanded support for the well-being of our first responders and their families.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would encourage our communities to take time and thank our first responders for their service. Many of our first responders are community-minded and want to give back when they can. We, as a foundation, are always listening and asking questions: where is the need, what can we do, and how can we help? We have set up panel discussions with teens to help build relationships and encourage a career in public safety. We (SPSF) and both departments have helped deliver water, snacks, and school supplies to schools, we are in the community even after shifts, to interact, or help provide essential items whether it be to a teen or family with a need. This foundation is one that does nothing as I put everything together. It is a blessing to serve and help encourage and strengthen partnerships within our community and its public safety personnel.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.smyrnapsf.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smyrnapsf
