Sarah Ardis has a heart to serve others and a love for all things Louisiana.
“My community has made me who I am,” she said. “While I had opportunities to leave the area, I simply couldn’t. My heart is and always will be in Louisiana. I love that Bossier is growing and provides a lot of big city amenities while maintaining a tight, close knit community.”
As the Director of Development and Community Relations for Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission, she oversees all of the Mission’s fundraising efforts, marketing strategy, volunteer program and public relations.
“I decided that I wanted to be a part of something that really made a difference in our community. I love my community and I wanted to see it become the best place possible for her to grow up,” Sarah said. “God placed a desire in my heart to help the most hurting and broken in our community and that desire lead me to the Mission.”
Let’s find out more about Sarah:
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- She came to work for the Mission is 2012 at an entry level position and quickly rose through the ranks. In a matter of only two years, she was promoted to Director of Development and Community Relations and became the second youngest professional to hold that position.
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- Her favorite thing about the Mission is that it’s more than a shelter, it’s a full Life Recovery Program that gives their guests the tools they need to break the cycle of homelessness. In her 7 years at the Mission, she has loved seeing it evolve and grow to meet the needs of Bossier and Shreveport.
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- Her favorite things about her job are teaching the financial literacy course to the women in the Mission’s New Beginnings Program, as most of the students come to the Mission having been stuck in unhealthy relationships without the means to support themselves. Sarah says she loves being able to empower them with the tools to be self-sufficient and independent. Secondly, she loves telling the guests’ stories to our community, saying “It takes a lot of trust on our guests end to allow me to tell their story, and I am honored that they entrust me to tell their story and tell it well.”
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- Some of her professional goals for the future include becoming a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a prestigious certification for fundraising professionals.
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- A graduate of Caddo Magnet and LSUS, she has a connection to Barksdale through her grandfather’s service, but that was strengthened after marrying her husband, Glen, who works on base and served in the Air Force for more than 20 years.
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- Her daughter, Sophie, is a 4th grader at Curtis Elementary.
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- Her hobbies include exploring the community and checking out the local shops, restaurants and coffee shops. She also has a love for exercising, particularly CrossFit.
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- Professionally, she serves as the President of Association of Fundraising Professional North Louisiana Chapter, and in her community she serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Noel Neighborhood Ministries Food Pantry.
- Her favorite thing about Bossier is the people. She says that Bossier’s connection with Barksdale, means it has gained the reputation as a community that welcomes new residents with open arms. Sarah said, “The community truly embodies what it means to have neighbor helping neighbor.”
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- Her favorite hang out is the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets, noting it will always be a special place to her because it is the place that she and her husband had their first date. “They truly have something for everyone in my family and they have the best view of the Red River,” Sarah added.
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- Finally, she said while it’s easy to complain that there’s nothing to do in Bossier, she wants to people to know that’s not true. Sarah said Bossier has something for everyone and continues to find new, innovative ways to grow. She said, “We can help continue that process of growth by supporting our city and supporting our community businesses.”
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Want to read about the trailblazers in our community? Read all about Bossier Millennial Pro Meagan McDuffy.