When Neil Pendersen retired after a career in engineering, automation and business leadership, he wasn’t looking to slow down. He and his wife were looking for a meaningful way to serve.
”We were looking at what are big contemporary issues that we need to help with,” Neil says. “Certainly homelessness is near the top of that list.”
Their search led them to egm’s Poverty 101 class, where they listened, asked questions and gained a deeper understanding of poverty, homelessness and relational care.
Neil says the class showed him how much there was to learn. He was encouraged by egm’s commitment to listen carefully, study the realities people face and keep adapting its care.
Now one of egm’s newest board members, Neil is bringing his experience to the work while continuing to listen, learn and share egm’s story throughout the community.
“I hope egm continues to reach people, touch people and change people,” he says. “People talk about housing, roofs and meals. It’s more than roofs and meals. It’s the human spirit and it’s nurturing that.”
We’re grateful for board members like Neil, who bring their experience, questions and commitment to this shared work.


