Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip Washburn.
Hi Philip, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
From an early age I always felt the urge to live in service to others. When I was 14, I had the chance to go to Haiti, and from then on, I knew that helping to care for people in a tangible way was who I wanted to be. Initially, I went down the medical path, but after college, I had the chance to work for a non-profit in Mexico doing spiritual and leadership development with college students. That opened my eyes to the good work non-profit organizations are doing all over the world. Since that time, except for a 3-year detour managing a restaurant to pay off student loans, I have been working in the non-profit world. I have worked for both faith-based and non-religious non-profits, mega international organizations, and local grassroots organizations, but I have always been passionate about finding ways to use my gifts and talents to make a difference in the lives of those in our community who often are overlooked.
My first role locally was with an upstart anti-human trafficking social enterprise called Freedom a la Cart, where I got to use my restaurant experience with my non-profit experience to help this early-stage organization find its footing and stability in preparation for the growth of what it has become today. Then I had a chance to work with Habitat for Humanity- MidOhio where I helped expand the ways in which we approached affordable housing development. Finally, I had the chance to lead a strong, existing organization that is taking creative approaches to addressing basic needs, the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Working in non-profits, there are always challenges: not enough financial resources, not enough staff, and too many client needs; we always have to think creatively to respond to the moment. One of the biggest challenges I ever faced was working with Freedom a la Cart. I was one of the only men involved in an organization which was providing care and job assistance to women who had experienced nothing but abuse and being taken advantage of from all the men they encountered. I wanted to treat them with dignity and respect and show them that not all men are evil, which wasn’t easy given the trauma they often experienced. That experience really shaped how I have lived as a father of two girls, how I partner with my wife, and how I interact with my team and the vulnerable clients we encounter every day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Today, I am the President and CEO of the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio. We exist to provide basic furniture and home goods to area neighbors who are struggling with a significant life crisis. We believe everyone deserves the dignity of having a comfortable bed, a couch to sit on, and a kitchen table to eat at as they navigate the challenges of exiting homelessness, immigration, relocation, exiting domestic violence, or any of the other hundreds of reasons why someone finds themselves without these basics as they work through what often times is the hardest moment of their lives. I lead the organization to grow with the increasing need of our community while also expanding our social enterprises, Furniture with a Heart and Downsizing with a Heart, so we can be a more sustainable organization.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://furniturebankcoh.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/furniturebankcoh/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/furniturebankcoh/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/furniture-bank-of-central-ohio/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FCOFurniturebank
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@furniturebankofcentralohio9359
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/furniture-bank-of-central-ohio-columbus
- Other: https://linktr.ee/FurnitureBank?utm_source=linktree_admin_share
Image Credits
Alyssa Droll Photography
The Furniture Bank of Central Ohio
Tariq Tarey
