Meet Brandi Johnson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandi Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brandi , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My mother has always been the optimist in my family, and I inherited it from her. I believe in optimism, but I also believe in being realistic to avoid toxic positivity. Every day is a new beginning, and I’m fortunate to witness our participants getting second-, third, and even 99th chances. I love that my work challenges the idea that success can only come on the first try. By working with individuals facing challenges such as housing insecurity, houselessness, addiction, mental health issues, incarceration, and food insecurity, I have gained a unique perspective on what success can look like.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the Executive Director of LoveOne, which is a non-profit organization that helps people in need in Clackamas County. We offer various programs such as laundry, shower, trash, outreach, housing, and a weekly food pantry. In early 2023 I became the ED of The Father’s Heart Street Ministry, which is another non-profit organization providing day shelter and transitional hotel shelter housing programs in Clackamas County. Before joining the non-profit sector, I worked as a legal assistant in a local general civil law practice for 14 years. I hold a degree in communication with a focus on advocacy and relational communication from Marylhurst University, as well as a certificate in conflict resolution. Additionally, I am currently serving as a Board member of the Homeless Solutions Coalition of Clackamas County.

In my spare time (lol) I am a wife, a mom, a dog mom, and a human who believes that gratitude is an action word!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are 1) Mediation and conflict resolution education, training, and practice; 2) Direct, boots-on-the-ground service work, and truly (and literally) meeting people where they are at, and lastly- a heavy dose of humor.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, absolutely- we love partnering with individuals, families, community partners, businesses, organizations, or anyone moved or affected by the work that we do! The best way to reach out for collaboration would be to visit our website: https://www.loveonecommunity.org/ or email [email protected]. Some of the most helpful ways to partner are financial donations, donations of hygiene supplies, as well as volunteering with us and helping spread the word about what we do, and why it matters to our community!

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