Member Highlight: Phoenix QRF

Phoenix Quick Response Force (QRF) is a multifaceted organization striving to provide a variety of services, by Veterans for Veterans, finding purpose and direction through the strength and camaraderie forged in the defense of our nation. 
​
Pamela Gorman (Treasurer, Fundraising Coordinator, and Social Media Manager)  shared a look inside this dynamic nonprofit making an impact in Idaho Falls.

Interested in highlighting your organization? Tell us your story and we'll share it all year long.

---

What does a typical week look like for your nonprofit?

This time of year our weeks are so busy. We are the number 1 volunteer organization behind Toys For Tots from Salmon to Shelley. So starting October 1st our weekends are full of us setting up toy collection booths and then taking the toys donated and sorting them so they can be given out. The weekdays is us filling the toy applications, checking the donation boxes throughout town, and accepting applications. We also have our own group meetings on Tuesday evenings and Saturday coffee. Plus operating our 24hour crisis line.

---

Where do you see your nonprofit in 5 years?

We see ourselves growing in our membership and really getting our name out there to make sure East Idaho Veterans know they are not alone and there is a place where they can bring their family with them if they want to and we welcome all of them. Most vets want to be able to include significant others and children in the things they do and not a lot of veterans organizations allow for that. We are working towards having a permanent home for ourselves and Toys For Tots so both organizations can have the security of space they deserve and make the holiday season a little easier on us volunteers as far as set up and storage of toys.

---

What is one thing you wish your donors/the general public knew about nonprofit work?

Well uniquely for us we are a 100% volunteer organization. No one takes a paycheck every penny we receive goes right back into the organization. Maybe in the future with growth we would be able to also gives our veterans paying jobs within our organization. We do this out of love.

---

What do you wish you would have know when you started your role/nonprofit career?

​The nonprofit world is addicting. As much as it is great to help other people it is also so good for your own soul. There is just something about being able to connect with a veteran that has felt alone or hand a bag of toys to a parent who didn't know where Christmas was coming from that makes the hard days so worth it. When I worked in the private sector I did not get that kind of satisfaction out of my job.

---

Why did you decide to invest in a INC membership?

This was our first year participating in Idaho Gives and we decided to join based on the discount we would receive. But it has been so great. I have been able to attend trainings and meet others in the nonprofit world and let them know our organization is here and how we can help their clients and grow our name in the community. I am looking forward to many more years to come.

---