By Gatesy Hill
There is a familiar Nigerian proverb that suggests, “It take a village to raise a child.”
For some children in our city, their immediate surroundings can unravel, leaving them without a center. This is where Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) past President and sustaining member Trish Hobson and her incredible team at Charlotte’s non-profit, The Relatives, step in.
Trish, who serves as the Executive Director for The Relatives, actively lives out the truth of this age-old saying daily. “Most of [these children]don’t have the resources to become independent [adults],” says Trish, “they have either aged out of foster care or have been pushed out of their homes, so we help get them on their way to independent [living].”
For those who may be unfamiliar, The Relatives is a Charlotte-based organization that provides shelter and safety for homeless and/or runaway children ages 7-17. In addition, The Relatives offers itself as both a resource center and housing program for older adolescents and young adults ages 16-24.
Trish firmly believes her current professional success is a direct result of what she learned through the various training opportunities provided by the JLC. “I credit pretty much all of my training to the Junior League. I still to this day have not experienced anything as worthwhile as JLC trainings.” However, if there is one element to the JLC Trish feels is the most beneficial to both women as individuals, and greater Charlotte, it “is the League’s ability to create women who are well-trained to become leaders in our community and (who are) well educated about our community.” The result of this is a group of talented and passionate women who have a deep understanding for the unique needs of the city, and how to go about making a positive, sustaining impact.
Trish has an instinctive gift for helping others move from a period of tragedy to triumph. In her tenure with Charlotte nonprofits, Trish has touched on all stages of life through her work with the YMCA of Charlotte, Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, and the Alexander Youth Network. However, it is her concentrated effort with children and young adults that has had the largest influence, both personally and professionally. “I love the work I’m doing right now,” says Trish, “I think it’s really making an impact. We move a lot of homeless young adults out of homelessness, which is a really great feeling.”
Strengthening Charlotte comes naturally to Trish. She joined the JLC in the spring of 1996 as a way to stay connected with the greater Charlotte community as a young, working mom. “I loved everything I’d ever heard about the Junior League…I thought that was a community I would like to be a part of.”
The JLC has undoubtedly thrived with Trish as a member. During the early years of her involvement, she immersed herself in external placements — putting her boots directly on the ground with others. It did not take long for fellow League members to recognize Trish’s ability to lead. These capabilities allowed Trish to use her time and talent on various committees and councils, eventually being nominated to serve as President for the 2006-2007 League year. Nevertheless, even as Trish’s time guided her into some of the JLC’s most internal roles, she never lost the love for being as hands-on as possible with the Charlotte community.
Sticking together, educating one another, and being plugged-in to all parts of the challenges Charlotteans face is, to Trish, what makes the JLC such a “powerful force for change.” The landscape of Charlotte is changing on all fronts. However, one thing remaining constant is the role women have in making sure the needs of our neighbors are recognized. Women in all roles of the JLC are proving themselves to be particularly valuable in the changes and challenges Charlotte is currently facing. “It’s important for all of our members to stay plugged into the League, including Sustainers.”
Between her beginnings as a Provisional through her leadership as President, to her time now as a Sustainer, Trish has learned many lessons along the way. “For me personally, every time they (the JLC) asked me to be on a leadership committee, I thought ‘What? Why do they think I can do that?’ so I think the biggest lesson I learned was to trust the things that people see in you, that you may not even see in yourself. And to say ‘yes’ even when you don’t think you can do it.”
It is because of Trish’s willingness to say “yes” she was able to guide both the JLC community to further success a decade ago, and to help make a positive, lifelong impact on Charlotte’s struggling teenagers and young adults today.
Trish Hobson continues to fulfill each leadership role she takes on. She has fostered and grown leaders during her time in the JLC, and now gives her love and support for Charlotte’s youth through her current work with The Relatives. Trish is indeed an invaluable member of our community — both of the Junior League of Charlotte and the Piedmont’s largest village, Charlotte.
For more information regarding The Relatives, please visit http://www.therelatives.org. There are many involvement and volunteer opportunities, including mentor programs and service projects.
