The Journey in Snapshots
THE START OF IT ALL
Jordynn had always been an eager volunteer growing up. In high school she was an officer for Key Club, and during that time was awarded a scholarship for community involvement from the parent organization Kiwanis International. There, she was able to volunteer in a variety of settings from nursing homes, to churches, schools and nonprofit events.
After high school graduation she immediately became involved with For A Day Foundation (FADF), volunteering in collaboration with Golisano Children’s Hospital to make children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses feel special at hospital visits. She had caught the attention of the national office with her enthusiasm and involvement. After 6 months of volunteering Jordynn was asked to join the team as Community Outreach Coordinator — expanding their services from Syracuse to Rochester, NY.
HUNGRY TO LEARN
After two years with FADF, Jordynn was still passionate with wanting to help more. While her primary knowledge was in communications, she knew what charities needed most at the end of the day and wanted to move to the next level with it — fundraising.
During her final semester of college she applied for an internship with Bishop Kearney High School working in the Advancement Office. Their VP of Advancement, Melanie, truly took Jordynn under her wing and introduced her to the world of fundraising. One of her projects was to solicit donations for a silent auction.
Jordynn fell in love when she began cold-calling businesses and earned 10 new gift-in-kind donations in 3 hour. She enjoyed the challenges of fundraising and wanted to learn more, so Melanie introduced her to the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
PUTTING IT INTO ACTION
Jordynn joined the Hope Hall (HH) family at a bustling time. She jumped into working on numerous events occurring within the next 8 months: an ‘Experience Italy’ fundraising dinner, volunteer appreciation dinner, Century Club donor appreciation Event, ‘Walk for Hope’ event, golf tournament, 25th anniversary gala and 4 community-based events.
Working in a department of only 2, Jordynn wore many hats and was heavily involved helping wherever possible in development: communications, events, fundraising, and donor database management.
SUPPORTING GREAT CAUSES
Jordynn began her position as a manager in the development department at Volunteers of America (VOA), and after one year was promoted to Director of Communications & Special Events.
She worked daily to share the stories of the most vulnerable populations that VOA serves: children, families, seniors, prisoners, the homeless, and those struggling with addiction, mental health and/or disabilities. All areas close to her heart combined into one organization.
Her most memorable experience was interviewing Mr. Gerry Frost (pictured), a resident at one of VOA’s housing programs. He witnessed a 22 year old woman being assaulted by a man with a large knife, and Gerry rushed over to stop the attack — saving the woman’s life. Another wonderful memory is when the VOA CEO, Lynn Sullivan, married Jordynn and her husband (also named Jordan!)
LIVING THE DREAM
After several years with VOA, Jordynn transitioned to Rochester Presbyterian Home as the Director of Marketing & Admissions — a new position that was created within the organization.
She achieved 53 admissions within the first 6 months, surpassing the record high of 41 for total admissions annually (since digital records began back in 2003). By the end of her first 12 months, Jordynn secured 90 placements overall – generating a revenue of nearly $4M in new admissions alone for 2024.
As Eden certified residences, Jordynn is able to bring her pup to work and bring joy to residents living in the homes!