Member Spotlight: Laura Campise
Laura Campise
Director of Mission Advancement
Catholic Social Services
Q: Tell us a little about your organization. Mission? Population you serve? What do you like most about working there?
A: Catholic Social Services is a faith-based social service agency focused on improving the quality of life of people of all faiths and backgrounds during some of the most vulnerable times of their lives. By serving people in ways that help seniors live independent, connected lives and help families thrive, Catholic Social Services continues its 70 year legacy addressing the community’s unmet, pressing needs with compassion and dignity.
Our mission: Motivated by faith, Catholic Social Services helps poor and vulnerable seniors and families reach their potential.
In 2015 Catholic Social Services served 13,000 seniors and families in central and southern Ohio. We serve the 23 counties of the Columbus Diocese and have five locations in: Franklin, Licking, Muskingum and Scioto Counties.
I like working with a group of people that have a similar vision and goals. Our core values (compassion, impact, excellence, respect and courage) are a vital part who we are, and we carry out those values in our daily behavior with each other and our clients. I am motivated to work for a mission that has a purposeful impact and proven results.
Q: How long have you been an AFP member, and what has your involvement been?
A: I became an AFP member in 2013, when I worked at the Mount Carmel Foundation. I have participated in a number of the offered workshops/seminars/trainings throughout the years, and recently received my CFRE in 2015.
Q: What do you consider the most valuable part of your AFP membership?
A: The opportunity to network and share best practices with my colleagues has been invaluable to me and has had a positive impact on my work and success.
Q: How long have you been in fundraising, and how did you get into it?
A: I started fundraising in 1996 when I ran the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Program at The OSU Medical Center—I am a social worker and fell into fundraising (i.e., grant writing) in order to create sustainable operating dollars for the program.
Q: What is your favorite part about living/working in Columbus? Favorite restaurant?
A: Columbus has been a great place to raise my family. I believe Columbus is an open community, and I have had numerous career opportunities and growth. Columbus is philanthropic and it’s been an honor to get to know the many people I have met during my fundraising tenure (individuals and corporate and foundation leadership).
Q: Tell us a fun fact about you that other AFP members wouldn’t know.
A: I am a proponent of single-sex education. I am proud to have graduated from an all women’s college—Saint Mary’s College in Indiana.
Posted: November 2016