We had the good fortune of connecting with Heidi Dwigun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heidi, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Working in non-profit, I believe that outsiders may be unaware of how greatly you care not only for the work you’re doing, but for the people you’re helping. At the Harvest Compassion Center, we not only want to provide basic needs items to our guests but to also take the extra time to talk to each of them to see what is going on in their lives and to determine what resources we have that may be able to help them get back on their feet. We want everyone to feel loved, cared for and truly helped to lead a better, safer and healthier life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m currently the Director of Operations for the Harvest Compassion Center (North Phoenix location). We are a food and clothing bank that helps the underserved of Phoenix every 30 days with food, hygiene items, baby items and clothing. We operate in a faith-based environment so we’re blessed to offer bibles to new guests and prayer to every guest who walks through our doors.

What I am most proud of in the work I do, is being able to care for each and every person that we serve. Not only do we want to help as MANY people as we can, but we also want to help each guest as MUCH as we can. I love taking the extra few minutes to learn about each person, what is going on in his or her life, why he or she may be struggling emotionally, financially, spiritually, etc. The stories we hear are extraordinary. We not only want to provide that individual or family with the basic needs we have in our centers but with the resources we know that may help them get back on their feet and have a fresh new start in life. The greatest thing we give them, I believe, is encouragement, confidence, hope and most importantly faith…that no matter what they may be facing, to believe that it will get better and that God will help them every step along the way.

How I got to where I am today is truly by following my heart and my passion. I previously worked in corporate America and then also for a family business. My greatest love was the mission work I would do through my church so one day I thought, why not do it professionally? I took my first position in non-profit with helping children in foster care. It then led me to where I am today. It is so fulfilling and rewarding to know that you hopefully made an impact on someone that particular day or helped to shed light during someone’s darkest time. I don’t ever see myself leaving non-profit. I’m very blessed to work in it each day.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I love all that Arizona has to offer in the way of outdoor living and hiking trails both here locally and around the state.  I also enjoy the variety of restaurants, sports, concerts and cultural venues the state has as well.  There’s a lot to keep you busy and entertained!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would give my Shoutout to my parents, Dr. John and Sandy Corrigan. They raised me in faith and have given me the support, love, confidence and encouragement to find what I love to do and to do it the best I can, whether it’s professionally or personally. They also taught me the importance of family and set an incredible example for how to raise my own two amazing children, Madison and Max.  They have always been there to celebrate the greatest moments in life as well to help me through the most difficult ones.  They have instilled good values and morals in me that I can proudly pass along to my children.  They handle every situation with grace, peace and incredible insight. They (along with my two children and God) are my greatest inspiration.

Website: www.harvestcompassioncenter.org
Instagram: Harvest Compassion Center/Mitchell Swaback Charities
Linkedin: Harvest Compassion Center/Mitchell Swaback Charities
Twitter: Harvest Compassion Center/Mitchell Swaback Charities
Facebook: Harvest Compassion Center/Mitchell Swaback Charities
Youtube: Harvest Compassion Center/Mitchell Swaback Charities
Other: www.harvestcompassion.org

Image Credits
Special thanks to our guests and local schools.