How a Childhood in Kansas Inspired a Brooklyn Leader's Commitment to Community Service

How Brooklyn Community Services Transforms Lives — and How Your Organization Can Do the SameJodi Querbach, COO of Brooklyn Community Services, shares how meeting people where they are drives real community transformation. This is a story of sustained impact and what mission-driven leaders can learn from her journey of opening doors for resilient families.In this episode, you'll discover:✅ How a small-town mindset fuels long-lasting community programs in Brooklyn✅ The power of storytelling in staff retention and community trust✅ Strategies to expand program reach without stretching resources thin✅ Creative outreach like mobile hygiene services reaching the hardest-hit neighborhoods✅ Why supporting your workforce is key to supporting your communityThis episode is for mission-driven leaders looking to deepen community engagement and empower their teams.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 – Jodi's background and path into community work1:15 – Childhood roots: resource shortages and opening doors for others2:56 – Lessons from her first supervisor4:06 – BCS's growth and evolving community needs5:44 – Key programs: education, employment, housing, and health services6:51 – Meeting people where they are, at every stage of life8:20 – Clients who return as staff and volunteers9:54 – Stories that fuel resilience through hard times11:00 – Accessing services: walk-ins and the mobile hygiene bus12:35 – Intergenerational impact and alumni giving back14:23 – Supporting staff through fair pay amid growing demand15:53 – Lessons from her own kids on community and giving back16:49 – Jodi's hopes for her legacy17:22 – Working through imposter syndrome18:12 – Reassurance for young leaders19:36 – Authenticity and consistency in leadership20:15 – Jodi's own passion: gardening and patienceKEY TAKEAWAYS:Programs that meet community needs require sustained visibility and trustAlumni engagement extends impact across generationsFair wages for staff support morale and retentionMobile services break down barriers for underserved populationsAuthentic leadership and mentorship build resilience in staff and clients alikeABOUT JODI QUERBACH:Jodi Querbach is Chief Operating Officer at Brooklyn Community Services, an organization celebrating 160 years of serving Brooklyn. A social worker by training, she oversees BCS's administrative operations — finance, HR, facilities, and IT — so frontline staff can stay focused on the families they serve.🔗 Organization Website: brooklyncommunityservices.org🔗 Connect with Jodi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiquerbach/ABOUT HART & HUSTLE:Hart & Hustle brings weekly conversations with nonprofit leaders solving real-world challenges in community service, healthcare, and education. Hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain uncover practical insights and strategies to scale mission impact.CONNECT WITH US:Website: https://fransis.aiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis#NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #MissionDrivenLeadership #HartAndHustle