Karla Greenway

How long have you been in business: Interfaith Emergency Services has been in business since 1983, or 40 years. I have been overseeing the business for 12 years. I worked for the State Court’s Guardian ad Litem Program for 10 years prior to that and the Church of God Association of Christian Schools and Pre-schools before that. I’ve been in an administrative leadership role for 26 years.

Business: I am the CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, a not-for-profit corporation that provides emergency assistance to low-income households lacking basic needs such as food, shelter, health care, and clothing.

Most memorable times thus far: In 2016 we purchased a medical facility that was adjacent to our property. This expansion of our campus allowed us to offer a consistent location where people lacking health insurance can get medical care, dental care, mental health counseling and prescription medication assistance at no cost to the patient. A close second is the acquisition of an apartment complex which has allowed us to end homelessness permanently for 14 individuals and provide affordable housing to eight others who might otherwise become homeless.

Most difficult times & how you learned to overcome them: The most difficult time I’ve faced in this role was when I assumed the position at the end of a recession in 2011. Our income was down, demand for services was up and many of our donors were struggling financially as well. With God’s help and prayer, I found ways to promote our organization to the masses and increased our donor base to make up the difference. This was themed around a “recession proof” campaign to appeal to those who don’t typically give because they can’t give a large amount. The campaign was called “High $5” and the idea was that almost everyone could afford to give Interfaith a “high five” with a $5 donation. It raised just enough to meet our budget the first year and opened the door to allow many more Marion County residents to feel like they could be a part of our ministry.

How did your favorite charitable causes make a change and impact on your business and life: My favorite causes include a long list of Interfaith’s partner agencies. We work together to address all of the symptoms of poverty and a broken society. For example, The Marion Literacy Council alleviates poverty by teaching people to read and gain a GED so they can qualify for better paying jobs. Also, Hope Clinic and FreeDOM Clinic provide the care in our medical facility that we don’t have the licenses or expertise to provide. Our building would be useless without them. Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection and The Break the Silence on Violence Program through the Marion Children’s Alliance provide assistance to victims of domestic violence. Of course, our partner agencies that work to address the homeless and housing crisis, Salvation Army and Brother’s Keepers, the need is so great that none of us could meet the demand on our own and truly rely on and support each other. Others that we rely on in partnership to address this difficult issue are Project Hope, The Ocala Housing Authority, Shepherd’s Lighthouse, Open Arms Village, and His House for Her. Without all of these agencies working together, we would all hit dead-ends and not be as effective, as we try to serve a variety of people in desperate situations. On a personal note, I have a special love for the Marion Cultural Alliance and the arts community. With so much despair in my everyday job, I need the joy and inspiration that I find in art to offset that. Most exciting place/places you have traveled and why: Several years ago, I was fortunate to be included in the delegation to Ocala’s twin city, Newbridge, Ireland. I traveled with a special group of Marion County residents, mostly first-responders, to learn about their community and participate in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Ireland is such a beautiful country and the friends I made were so special that I’ve gone back twice and hope to return again someday! I love learning how different and how similar people are around the globe. Your Motto in business/life: Serve others as if you are serving Jesus, himself. It truly makes you go the extra mile, with a smile.

Most important goal for your business: Currently it’s to expand our campus to build a central point of access to services for the homeless population and expand our homeless shelter to add more beds so that we can accommodate large families (of 7 or more) that find themselves without safe shelter. What matters most in your business/ life: To be in the perfect will of God. As long as I’m on that path, I know I can’t fail because it’s Him and not me that is really in control.

Favorite things about Ocala/ Marion County: The sense of community and how people truly care about other people. This is a very generous community. And the many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors; from the bike trails to the forest to the horse-farms. It’s a beautiful place to live in every way!

If you could change one thing in your business world what would it be: The demand for our services. I would love to have to close our doors because everyone had what they needed, were safely housed, well-fed and self-sufficient.