Kate Amick: Executive Director, Common Ground

Although she is now leading a community service agency that helps neighbors in Jefferson City get out of poverty and reach their full potential, Kate Amick’s story begins in St. Louis, Missouri, where she experienced poverty as a child. After losing her father in the second grade, her mother was left to raise five children alone. Her mother’s stress of being a single parent created financial hardships at home, but Kate found support at school through teachers who recognized her potential.

One of the first to make a difference was her fourth grade teacher, who ensured Kate was placed in the gifted program and that she had breakfast each day. Looking back, Kate also points to her high school track coach who offered guidance and stability. Although they may seem simple, these acts of kindness made a lasting impact.

Fast forward to when Kate moved into a neighborhood near the nonprofit Common Ground in Jefferson City. She knew she wanted to become involved with the organization as a way to return some of the kindness she received growing up, so when a benevolence coordinator position opened at Common Ground, she applied, submitting a cover letter that detailed her personal story and her deep desire to help others. During the interview process, what was supposed to be a brief phone interview about the position turned into a much longer conversation that ended up changing her life.

Kate was hired for the role, and during her time as benevolence coordinator, she met with clients one-on one, heard their stories, and helped them submit requests for support. Her interviews often revealed deeper needs beyond the client’s initial request.

“Through the interview, we get a clearer view of what they need and where they’re at,” Kate says of the process.

Kate’s lived experience has played a part in many areas of her life. Her experience fuels her desire to help others improve their lives and also shapes her decisions as a parent.

“I’m dedicated to breaking generational cycles within my own family and helping others do the same,” says the mother of three.

In addition to her roles at Common Ground, she has also worked to build relationships with other agencies in the city to better serve clients. In the spring of 2024, Kate helped form Agency Connection, a bimonthly meet up where employees from six similar programs discuss shared concerns and work on solutions beyond the scope of a single agency to help the community as a whole.

Her current leadership role as executive director allows her to utilize different personal and professional strengths. She handles numerous administrative duties and fosters relationships with the organization’s volunteers and generous donors. When her small team of four has scheduled time off, Kate steps in to work with clients in the staff member’s absence.

And with such a small team of employees, the organization relies on a group of passionate volunteers to achieve Common Ground’s mission of helping individuals and families achieve sustainable freedom from poverty. A mission of that magnitude requires dedication from the team to educate volunteers.

“Many people’s situations are complex; It’s not as easy as one solution or a Band-Aid fix,” she shares.

Because there can be so many factors in a person’s life, oftentimes clients don’t realize the help that is available to them, but that’s where Common Ground excels — at making sure no one falls through the cracks.