Finding Deeper Purpose through Service on the Sheffield Place Board

Board members Jennifer Hogan (right) 
and Bryan Peterson (left) worked
recently on a house owned by
Sheffield Place.

When I made the decision to move from Minnesota to Kansas City in 2022, I was looking for something more than just a new job. I wanted to find deeper purpose, something that would connect me to this new chapter of my life. 

But, like many big changes, it came with its own set of challenges—new city, new job, and an overwhelming sense of searching for meaning. Then, a co-worker invited me to join her for a luncheon at Sheffield Place, where she helped provide financial literacy to the mothers who called this place home. 

That invitation, simple as it seemed, turned out to be a turning point I didn’t even know I was waiting for. I remember stepping into Sheffield Place and meeting the mothers, hearing their stories, and connecting with the incredible community there. 

It’s true what they say: "Things happen for a reason." I was immediately struck by the heart and resilience of the women I met, and I felt an undeniable pull. I knew, in that moment, that this was where I was meant to be—where I could make a real difference.

Sheffield Place isn’t just a nonprofit; it’s a place where lives are being transformed, and I felt honored to become a part of that story. Sometimes, the greatest purpose comes when we least expect it—through connection, compassion, and the simple act of showing up. For me, Sheffield Place was that unexpected call to action, and it has been nothing short of life-changing. 

Jennifer Hogan 

Board Member