Lynn started working at The Door in October 2019 as part of the fundraising team.

Hi Lynn, could you tell us a little about your role at The Door?

Certainly, my role is Fundraiser, which means I am the one that applies for funds from charitable Trusts and Foundations to fund the work of The Door.

That’s a lot of important letters you must be writing!

Yes, lots of letters and online forms as well as chasing them up by phone too! It’s a real team effort though. I am working very closely with the directors to make sure we have all the information we need to make the best case to potential funders.

I am also starting work on broadening our fundraising portfolio by engaging with corporate supporters as well as supporting the wider team to raise funds through individual giving and more.

You seem to be at home at The Door already, where were you before?

My background is in Science. One of my last jobs was as a Life Science Technical Specialist, supporting buyers that had purchased equipment for labs.

Fundraising is quite a world away from customer support, how did you end up in charity?

After my two daughters started school, I wanted to go back to work, but not in Science. I felt God calling me to support vulnerable people. I was living in Christchurch in Dorset at the time and it was there that I co-founded the Water Lily Project.  I wanted to do the best I could, so I went back to studying and learned charity management.

My Husband’s work brought us to Stroud in the summer of 2018, since then I had been looking for work. Barrie (one of The Door’s Directors) came up to me at church one day and asked if I could use my skills to fundraise for The Door. It started off as just a few hours a week but now I’m part time.

So what’s the best part of your job?

Working with the fundraising team and wider team at The Door. There is an amazing culture in the office, it’s very supportive here and how the work gets done is great.

And what challenges you?

The most challenging part of my role is managing my time. It takes a bit of time to learn a new job and finding my feet but it’s getting a little easier to prioritise and of course my role is about securing funding which itself comes with challenges.

It’s a pleasure to have you as part of the team. Now a little more about you.  What do you get up to in your free time?

I’m mainly a taxi service for my two daughters, picking them up and dropping them off wherever they need to go all over the place.

That sounds busy! Any time for supporting some sports teams in there?

Oh not really, I do the mum thing and support my daughter’s water polo team when I can and I do go full ‘fan’ when it comes to the England Football team– I couldn’t tell you who’s playing but I’ll have a flag on my car!

And what about what you are eating at the moment – any favourite dishes?

From someone who is a meat eater, I’ve been surprised at how tasty a vegetarian meal can be. I’ve discovered a whole load of tasty recipes which I’ve been trying: Arancini (Italian rice balls), all manner of salads (not just rabbit food) and of course the veggie burger. Plant power has been an eye opener, delish!

You’re making me hungry. One final question do you have a Bible Verse to share?

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)