Please join us in celebrating Paul Ammons Chief Development Officer, at The Magdalen House! We are so excited to have him join the team!
1. What do you do at The Magdalen House, and what does a “typical” day look like for you?
I currently serve as the Chief Development Officer at The Magdalen House. There is no typical day in my role, but I work to cultivate relationships with individuals and corporations and learn their stories and connections to Maggie’s. I work to make sure all the fundraising goals of the organization are met so that Maggie’s can continue to make a difference in the lives of the women and men we serve for years to come.
2. What is your favorite quote and why?
Some of my favorite quotes come from Fred Rogers and there are two of them that really go hand in hand with Maggie’s. They are:
“I don’t think anyone can grow unless he’s loved exactly as he is now, appreciated for what he is rather than what he will be,” and “There’s no person in the whole world like you and I like you just the way you are.”
I also really lean into many Proverbs from the Bible, especially Proverbs 11:2 and 16:9:
“When pride comes then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom,” and “in their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
People need to be loved as they are. At Maggie’s we are encouraging them to change, but if we can’t love them how they are when they come in and then also the different person when they are leaving the house, then what impact are we truly making?
Also, it takes a lot of humility to come to Maggie’s and I think the people that come here did not think this is where they would be, but were guided here and someone pointed them to come this way.
3. What’s something you’ve witnessed at The Magdalen House that inspires or moves you?
I have only been here a short period of time, but the stories I hear from both co-workers and the people in both the women’s and men’s programs are incredible. To see the transformation that someone makes in the two weeks they are in the house and then see how it continues past their time here is amazing. The change that someone can go through in a matter of weeks and then continue for years takes dedication and work and it is so great to see healthy relationships happen because of Maggie’s.
4. How has working at The Magdalen House impacted your life?
My passion for The Magdalen House comes from losing a family member due to alcoholism. I did not know it, but Maggie’s had an impact on me before I even started working here. I am excited for it to continue to tug on me and to make a change in my life so that I can help the individuals and families who walk through our doors so that they may not have to go through the same thing I did.
5. What are some of your hobbies, or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I am not working, I am spending time with my family. Whether that is playing catch with my kids or taking a walk around White Rock Lake. I really enjoy watching sports too and am a big Texas Rangers fan so if you were at my house, you would likely see some sort of sports on the TV. I also enjoy working with my hands- whether that is building something or working in the yard, just doing something to keep my brain active.
About Paul Ammons
Paul began his work professionally for non-profits in 2012 but has been doing non-profit work long before then through volunteer roles and other opportunities to work in the sector. Through his career at other organizations, he sees the importance of fundraising where your passion lies. Paul has a passion for The Magdalen House due to having lost a family member because of alcoholism.
When Paul is not working, he enjoys hanging out with his family and volunteering in the community and his church. He also loves being outdoors whether that is to play catch or take a walk around White Rock Lake.
