Spotlight: Catherine Meek
Catherine Meek was the Executive Director of the nonprofit School on Wheels from 2009 until 2019, where she still retains an executive advisor position. It was immediately clear to me when I spoke with her that she is passionate about supporting the homeless and providing educational resources. School On Wheels is a nonprofit based in Los Angeles in which homeless children, within the shelter system, are tutored to ensure that they do not fall behind in school while they lead a very transient life. I had the honor of volunteering with them years ago and have never forgotten the experience. What set them apart was not just the mission but the obvious passion backing it. It was immediately clear to me that this was a small nonprofit making a very large impact.
Naturally, I couldn't wait to meet one of the women behind this nonprofit's origination, and Catherine did not disappoint. Immigrating to the United States from Scotland, she comes from a tough background. Still, between her education and her entrepreneurial achievements, it is very clear that she did not in any way allow that to hold her back. What is equally amazing is the work that she has done within School on Wheels. After surviving cancer, she looked outwards to how she could help others, and she met Agnes Stevens, the founder of School on Wheels, and became their first tutor on Skid Row in Los Angeles. As a volunteer tutor initially, she began to spend so much time on the project that she eventually worked with them full time, but still as a volunteer. Since that time, the office has grown from a staff of 5 to 32. Catherine has taken her vast experience and success in business and strategic consulting and transitioned these skills into ensuring that School on Wheels continues to be an impactful resource for women and children in homeless shelters.
I grew up a step away from homelessness. I had 5 siblings, and education is what brought us out of poverty. So I had a vested interest in homeless kids and education.
Catherine is excited by the mission of Enable Mothers and has offered support. From her experience in working with the homeless population, she believes that this program's timing is incredibly important as the educational system is currently changing and may permanently become a hybrid of at-home study. She also stated that, unfortunately, there would be an uptick in homelessness due to all of the currently unemployed. She went on to say that in her experience, even when women can get jobs, the lack of transportation and stability are the largest obstacles to a woman retaining that job. But a lack of respect and self-esteem also contribute to setbacks for these mothers. She stated that so many women out there need an opportunity, an opportunity that working from home may provide.
Catherine maintains positivity despite the currently dim situation. She recounted numerous success stories to me of children who went through their program and have since continued to attain degrees from well-known universities or have made significant contributions within the nonprofit world. But she highlighted a very important detail that success is relative. Sometimes a child simply attending school, or learning to organize their backpack, or doing their homework is a success. Accomplishing something that they previously struggled with will show them they can overcome obstacles. And I would add that when a child feels like someone cares, that can make all of the difference in the world. And Catherine Meek obviously cares.
