Behind the Shield: Heather Pechacek, Milwaukee Co. Advisory Board
Heather Pechacek is the involved with the Social Services Committee with the Advisory Board since September 2017. Prior to that, She was a founding member of Echelon MKE and was the co-chair of the events committee. Echelon started in the fall of 2014. She is the Scale Up Milwaukee Membership Manager at Greater Milwaukee Committee. Learn more about Heather below:
Q. How did you first learn about The Salvation Army/Echelon?
A. From shopping at the thrift stores growing up, to having a hands on engagement through Echelon, the work of the Salvation Army is something that is important to me. Actually learning the true works of the Salvation Army didn’t happen until I was introduced to Echelon. I never realized how much the organization is actually doing for our communities until I joined Echelon in 2013—through the church, the Emergency Lodge, and all services—it is incredible to be have a hand in such impactful work. My first real hands on experience was at Feed the Kids in 2014. Now, I get to celebrate each of my birthdays making sandwiches and lunches for the youth in our community. It’s a true blessing.
Q. What has been your favorite part about being involved with The Salvation Army?
A. My goal as an individual is to help those who are less fortunate than I. Being able to participate as an advisory board member and founding member of Echelon through this Christian organization is helping me to accomplish my goals, all while helping to meet the goals of those individuals the Salvation Army serves. Growing up, I used to dream of opening a homeless shelter, without the wherewithal to do so. Working with the Salvation Army has allowed me to impact the lives of the homeless in Milwaukee far better than I could do without this great organization.
Q. What has been your favorite experience at The Salvation Army?
A. I have always had a passion for youth, but since becoming a mother myself in 2012, my understanding of the resources, love and guidance a child really needs has been heightened. I absolutely love the Feed the Kids program. For the past few years, my birthday has fallen on or around the Feed the Kids kick-off date. It brings me joy to be able to participate in nourishing youth in need, but also brings me humility and a time of reflection to be thankful for the goodness that I have in my life. It is a birthday celebration I always look forward to, and a true gift that keeps on giving.
Q. What is one thing you believe the world should know about The Salvation Army?
A. The Salvation Army is a welcoming and loving organization that will help all in need. They do a fantastic job at understanding the needs of the community it serves and developing a trustworthy relationship with those communities. From the social services to the chaplaincy program, the Salvation Army is able to make an impact in most any circumstance. Poverty knows no bounds, and the myriad of Salvation Army services is an incredible resource for putting an end to poverty.
Q. What are 3 words you would use to describe Salvation Army/Echelon?
A. Service, community and God.
Q. What has been your favorite project to work on?
A. I love the hands on experience and impact gained through Echelon’s Meaningful Makeover. Each year, Echelon raises funds to makeover two rooms at the Salvation Army and dozens of residents of the Emergency Lodge. We paint the rooms and provide new decorations and furniture all with the goal of creating a sense of home during their stay at the Lodge. We also shop at the Salvation Army store for professional attire for the individuals participating in the makeover, and send them to a salon for a fresh haircut and outlook on life. Our goal is to provide them with as much confidence as possible to know that they can overcome the challenging circumstance they are currently in. It is such a rewarding experience for all involved. I can’t say enough about how the residents of the shelter open their arms and doors to trust Echelon into their space for a weekend of Meaningful Makeover.
Q. Is there anything you’d like to add?
A. Being a part of the Salvation Army’s advisory board and Echelon is such a humbling experience. I attend each and every event, meeting and program with thankfulness for being in the room, and a positive outlook on where our community is headed. There are parts of our community that are really struggling, and the Salvation Army ensures they are there to lift the community up in spirit and resources.
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