Hello, Beloved. I’m Sarah.

I’ve always been a question-asker.

As a kid, I asked my teachers so many questions that they started telling me that they would give me extra credit if I brought an answer back the next day. 

I proudly finished sixth-grade history with a 103%.

That’s a clear picture of who I’ve always been. I want to understand things. I want to know the “why” behind the “what.” I want to dig a little deeper.

I am also a detailed person.

My brain notices the extra space, the sentence that doesn’t quite flow, and the little details that other people might miss.

And honestly? I like that about myself. Because details communicate care and stewardship– and those are two things I value deeply.

But most of all, I love sitting down with someone and hearing their story. I love asking questions. I love discovering the moments that reveal what makes a person unique.

Because when we take the time to truly understand a story, we can share it in a way that helps others connect.

And connection changes everything.

That curiosity, detail-oriented mind, and love for people have followed me throughout my life—and they have become some of the greatest gifts I bring to nonprofit work.

In many ways, I think they were preparing me long before I realized it.

For fifteen years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in the nonprofit world.

My journey began at the H.E.R. Shelter, a domestic violence and homeless shelter in Portsmouth, Virginia, where I served as the Children’s Program Manager.

My role was to give children stability, love, advocacy, and moments of healing after they had experienced circumstances no child should have to face.

During that season, I painted a sign above my desk that read:

“Every child has a story, waiting to be told.”

At the time, I thought those words were simply a reminder of the children I was serving. I didn’t realize they would become a thread woven throughout my entire career.

Years later, I joined Cookson Hills, who provides home, school, and therapy for children who are at risk.

During my ten years there, I had the opportunity to lead the Storytelling Group, helping share the stories of the children, staff, and mission behind the work.

That season taught me something I will carry with me forever: Stories have the power to change the world.

A story can help someone see hope where they may have only seen hardship. A story can invite someone to become part of something bigger than themselves.

Donors are not just people who provide financial support. They are people who care.

They have values, passions, and a desire to make a difference in this world.

Not everyone is called to work inside a nonprofit organization. Not everyone can spend their days serving the mission firsthand.

But generosity creates another way to participate.

Good fundraising communication is not simply asking someone to give money. It is inviting them to become part of the story.

People often ask where the name Beloved comes from.

For me, it’s a reminder to start from a place of knowing I’m already loved. When I begin there, I show up differently.

That perspective has shaped the way I approach every relationship— with nonprofit leaders, donors, and the people whose stories I have the privilege of sharing.

It’s also the heartbeat behind Beloved Fundraising Co.

Because I believe every person connected to a mission deserves to be seen, valued, and cared for.

Maybe that’s why I’ve always been a question-asker. Every person has a story.

And I think those stories are worth telling.