Georgia Mjartan*

Our House had been reaching out to Little Rock's homeless population for almost two decades, but in 2005 it was an organization in crisis. The longtime director had retired, his replacement had been fired for theft, the program was in debt, and a capital building project had ground to a halt because the money had run out.
Our House needed a leader. Into the vacuum stepped 25-year-old Georgia Mjartan.
"I knew I was taking a risk and wasn't sure if it was the best 'career move,'" Mjartan said. "But I was drawn by the mission of Our House and by the opportunity to change thousands of people's lives."
Five years later, Mjartan said, "I found something that is so meaningful and about which I am so passionate that I would do it for free."
In that time, Mjartan had proven herself a more-than-successful fundraiser and administrator. During the past two years, despite the economic downturn that has put the squeeze on most nonprofits, Our House has blown past its fundraising goals. In addition to the $1.4 million shelter project that Mjartan guided to completion after taking the job, she has overseen the $700,000 renovation of two buildings into 13 living units for families of up to six members.
She has raised another $450,000 toward the final piece of the multiyear building program, the renovation of the building that houses a day care center and adult education and work force training programs.
She oversees a staff of almost 40, making good use of Americorp and Vista volunteers who are paid a small stipend by the federal government. Our House has more than 6,000 volunteers, and 35 different faith congregations serve meals to its clients.
"I'm finally 30. I'm finally grown," Mjartan said recently. "I have seen a lot. It's been an amazing five and a half years here, and I feel so honored every day when I get to come in and see the people whose lives we are changing."

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