Someone To Tell It To
Tom Kaden ’04, a public relations graduate, and his friend Michael Gingerich, felt led by God to combat the epidemic of loneliness with the power of listening. In 2012, they co-founded Someone To Tell It To (STTIT) to turn their vision into a reality. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the nonprofit offers listening and training services to those seeking guidance, support and encouragement.
Whether at a coffee shop or over the phone, Kaden says his staff meets people wherever they are most comfortable to share their troubles.
STTIT also offers training services, available online and in person. Its clients include organizations such as Mainline Health, Forgotten Voices, Hershey Medical Center and New York Life Insurance Company.
We’re finding that our work is needed in high-stress positions where there’s burnout. We’re here to listen and teach the importance of being a good listener,” said Kaden.
STTIT also employs Messiah interns interested in seeing how a nonprofit organization operates. A business administration major with a concentration in entrepreneurship, Jireh Bagyendera ’20 spent the summer and fall working as a business strategy intern to increase STTIT’s reach.
“Michael and Tom have created an atmosphere that encourages me to question usual operations and suggest improvements,” said Bagyendera. “This level of trust has certainly built my career confidence and drawn me to put my heart into helping develop a thriving organization.”
STTIT vs. counseling
While the staff at STTIT are not licensed counselors, they do offer guidance and support. STTIT strives to encourage the individual to reach his or her own conclusions. Unlike traditional counseling, STTIT relies on donations, making sure individuals receive unlimited listening services free of charge.
Gingerich said, “Our values are the values of Jesus. Everyone matters, has a voice and needs to be heard. Someone To Tell It To has a heart for outreach, and we are called as listeners to connect with a larger world.”
— Emily Koontz ’20 and Anna Seip