Fire Notes

Experiences from The Firecracker Foundation

By April 10, 2015April 21st, 2017322 Comments

Alyssa HeadshotIn early October of 2014 the opportunity to be the Non-Profit Administrative Management Intern at the Firecracker Foundation, by some hook or crook, fell into my lap. Needless to say, I was ecstatic as I had heard about the organization from some buzz the community was rightfully giving it. In my first meeting with Tashmica, I specifically remember her saying “I need an Intern that will be able to kick my ass.” If anyone knew anything about Tashmica and her roller derby abilities, they would know that her request was in no way literally possible. But of course she meant this metaphorically.

What she needed in an intern would be someone who could come into the office, take the reigns, organize, and help to extract many of the day-to-day responsibilities of the organization. In my time with Firecracker, the organization was completely transparent in every facet of it’s operations. This transparency alone gave me a completely unique learning experience that I believe will be vital in my professional life.

As the semester progressed, I was granted more responsibility and if I’m being honest, there were many days that I found myself overwhelmed just looking at the amount of work flying in and out of Tashmica’s office. Although there always seemed to be an astounding amount to accomplish, the organization had formulated goals. To help out, Tashmica had me writing, working out of the database, helping out with volunteer days, and any other task that was most needed at the time. Overall however, the most valuable message I gained was how  all of this work, no matter how laborious it seemed, was absolutely worth it.

The Firecracker Foundation has a mission to honor the bravery of children who have survived sexual trauma with a community invested in the healing of their whole being. Tashmica, her board, and the ever supportive donors and volunteers have truly come to make this mission a reality and priority. All of the small tasks I worked on through my time at Firecracker were so much more than what I was assigned to do for the day, they were what needed to be done to help our strong survivors heal.

I am still ecstatic to be able to have worked with The Firecracker Foundation and would recommend it to anyone willing to get neck deep in non-profit work. The fiery and persistent diligence of this organization has made it a success, and a truly essential part of the community it serves.”

–  Alyssa Honeycutt, Non-profit Administrative Management Intern, Fall 2014

We are looking for Summer interns! Want to incite riots or generosity and help spread awareness about childhood sexual trauma? Join our team! Submit a resume, cover letter and an essay on a topic related to pediatric sexual trauma to info@thefirecrackerfoundation.org. Candidates are also required to submit a DHS Central Registry Clearance as well as proof that they are not included on either State or Federal Sex Offender registries. Internships start June 1st.