Meet Robert Banghart | Director of Community Engagement/ Outreach Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert Banghart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert, how do you think about risk?
I believe faith in myself and those around me has helped me to be more willing to chase after goals that I didn’t think were ever possible and the responsibility of being an example to me means going after all of those goals so anyone coming in after me will know that anything is possible too.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a person in long term recovery from substance use disorder and homelessness I have very similar experiences to those we serve at Shine A Light and Crossroads. I am able to relate to their experience and share my journey to inspire others to achieve similar goals. I started at the bottom, working my way up and learning as I grew. Working in recovery and Outreach is not easy but very rewarding to watch people rebuild their lives and go on to be active in the community. This inspires me to keep going and to chase every goal possible because I understand that my journey is an example to others of what is possible and I take that responsibility very seriously. I’ve learned along the way that not all stories will have a happy ending and that most people will struggle before they are able to recover but if they remain willing they can and to never give up on anyone regardless of the circumstances. I know that we have created a continuity case management program that allows us to support our friends throughout their journey, build lasting relationships and work with the community to achieve this.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend as coming to visit I would take them to many of the non profits and community partners we work with to volunteer and to all of the places that I work in and with to show a different side to my city and all of the amazing things being done to help those in need. And alot of restaurants I love food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Paul Vautrinot and Jeff Iverson are both mentors in my life that believed in me long before I was able to believe in myself and have continued to walk with me on my journey

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