\u201cThat was my overarching concern as a young girl,\u201d she recently recalled. \u201cWhat rules did they have?\u201d<\/p>\n
A Minnesota native, Knutson has devoted her life to helping ensure others don\u2019t fall. And when they do, she\u2019s been there to offer a helping hand. Most recently, she worked with adults suffering addiction and mental-health disorders in Ontario, Canada.<\/p>\n
\u201cLaurie brings a passion for helping folks who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances,\u201d said M.B. McAfee, chairwoman of the Bridge board of directors. \u201cWe are honored that she has chosen to direct the work of the Bridge.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tapped as the new director of the local community homeless shelter and day labor center, Knutson said she loves living in a small community like Cortez. People from rural communities are forced to work together to solve larger-than-life obstacles, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s more general goodwill toward collaboration in small towns,\u201d she said. \u201cBesides that, you get to meet people in the community quicker.\u201d<\/p>\n
Taking part in the latest Leadership Montezuma County program, Knutson already is planning to call on her new network of contacts in the area to serve as volunteers at the emergency shelter. She believes that\u2019s the organization\u2019s greatest need.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Bridge has set such a great foundation to continuously provide people with food, clothing and shelter,\u201d Knutson said. \u201cThat\u2019s the base we need, but now we need to start a more holistic approach that helps people thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Armed with master\u2019s degrees in both social work from New York City\u2019s Columbia University and divinity from Union Theological Seminary, Knutson wants to focus on the needs of people who visit the shelter. She envisions offering more opportunities to stimulate their lives, including counseling sessions and life-skills programs. She also wants to encourage those needing shelter to give back in community volunteer roles.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany times with the homeless, we have to carry their hope for them until they find it for themselves,\u201d Knutson said. \u201cIt\u2019s our obligation to help them obtain a more full life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Knutson said she is extremely thankful for the food, clothing and cash donations received at the shelter on a daily basis, but she hopes residents also will take greater steps to serve as a volunteer at the shelter to teach knitting, art or guitar lessons; provide physical therapy tips to rehab joints; or simply help serve meals. It\u2019s community building, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goodness of people is quite astounding,\u201d she said. \u201cI just get excited thinking about how people can share more joy.\u201d<\/p>\n
McAfee is certain the shelter will thrive under Knutson\u2019s command, describing her as a proven systems thinker who is able to initiate effective processes that advance an organization\u2019s goal of helping individuals become self-sufficient.<\/p>\n
\u201cLaurie has a can-do attitude, and that is essential,\u201d said McAfee.<\/p>\n
For more information or to volunteer at the Bridge Emergency Shelter, call 565-9808.<\/p>\n