My Biz: Foundation 2 provides care, compassion

CEDAR RAPIDS — As executive director of Foundation 2 in Cedar Rapids, Barb Gay is responsible for three buildings, 70 employees and services that run all day, every day.

But Gay, who has been in the position for almost six years, is up to the job.

Her mantra — the same as Foundation 2's — is that you don't get to plan when a crisis happens. And so the organization, which was founded 40 years ago, works to meet the needs of people facing a crisis by being a 24-hour resource.

'I don't directly see many clients these days,' Gay said. 'But I am confident that when people get services from Foundation 2 that they are getting the kind of care I'd give. There is compassion and respect and a feeling that you have a choice in what happens in your own life.'

Foundation 2 operates a volunteer youth shelter with 17 beds for kids ages 11 to 17 on the city's southwest side.

It also offers a variety of other services, including family counseling and an independent living program for youth aged 16 to 22 years old, who are aging out of children's services and transitioning to living as an adult.

Foundation 2 operates a suicide loss survivors group as well as a depression and anxiety support group in addition to running a crisis center on the southeast side of Cedar Rapids. The crisis center includes an after-hours food pantry, meant to operate when other food pantries in town are closed.

But a huge part of the not-for-profit's work includes crisis phone counseling, which Foundation 2 handles for the entire state of Iowa through a partnership with a national suicide prevention group. 'People know us if we have some reason to touch your life, but I'd like to change that,' Gay said. 'I want people to know Foundation 2 is here and to know that if you are having a hard time we are here all day, every day. If you are in crisis or turmoil we are able to help out.'

Gay said Foundation 2's purpose is to care for people.

'We are engaging in someone's life when they are really at a low point, so we are here to be a calming reassurance,' she said.

In her role, Gay deals with revenue, expenses and IT issues as well as the requirements from various funding sources, including local donations, government grants and contracts.

She also monitors all of Foundation 2's services and helps the organization evaluate gaps and additional needs in the community.

'Part of my job is being connected to the community so we can fill in any gaps,' she said. 'We have strong partnerships and do a lot with other agencies in town to make sure we can collectively work together to help those in need.'

l Know a manager or company in business for more than a year that would be ideal for 'My Biz'? Contact Chelsea Keenan at Chelsea.keenan@thegazette.com

AT A GLANCE

• Name: Barb Gay
• Title: Executive Director
• Company: Foundation 2
• Address: 1540 Second Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
• Phone: (319) 362-2174
• Website: www.foundation2.org