Ready-Set-Go! is an organic organization, which is fluid and informal in its aid to the community. This particular community displayed the need for this organization based on a survey of community need, the need for healthy community initiative, the arrival of the casino and research emphasizing early development.
The organization was established in June of 1996, when the first official meeting was held. Ready-Set-Go! sought out to focus on community development and children between the ages of 0-6yrs. The community was informed by way of sending out flyers. Soon a series of meetings where passion and enthusiasm was shared between both parents and agency people together was developed. This community chemistry was consumer driven. In June of 1998 Ready-Set-Go! was provided with funding from the city and the Infant and Family program which allowed the organization to offer the idea of a house being available to the community.
A community development proposal was created to fit the ministry and maintain a focus on community development. Trust was established between the board members and soon various programs, which were not recognized as “services”, were introduced. In July the Ready-Set-Go! was able to hire staff members whom where involved with the organization on voluntary basis previously. The official open house was held in September along with the addition of new staff members.
In January of 1999 the Lay Home Visiting program was being formed, with the board working on the policies and guidelines for the program. Unfortunately this program did not last very long and was cancelled within a year’s time. This program needed restructuring because it had gained the function of a service, which was not in accordance to community development.
In April of 2000, the executive director took a leave of absence leaving the board to compensate and redistribute duties to keep the organization running smoothly. In September, the executive director announced that she would no longer be able to work with Ready-Set-Go!. This left the board feeling abandoned, fearful and insecure about the future of the organization. With no planning time and no transition strategies subsequent to the news, the board struggled to keep Ready-Set-Go! running.
By November, the board recognized that the organization was drifting from the mission of Ready-Set-Go!, although it wasn’t a major issue at the time. Soon the was major concern with the internal dynamics of the team created debate to take on a different approach of the organization by January of 2001. At this time there was increased anxiety, tension frustration and concern for the viability of the organization.
Throughout the year of 2001, Ready-Set-Go! was able to recapture the strength of the initial relationship of the organization. By re establishing and consolidating the community development focus within the board level there was ability to rebuild trust, which left everyone holding the same ideas regarding Ready-Set-Go! and the community it involves.