Meet Vimla Homan: The Neighborhood Bridge’s New Development Director

When Vimla Homan moved to Oak Park in 2020, she wanted to dive into her new community and immerse herself in causes — large and small — that were important to her. As a career veteran of nonprofits, her previous Chicago-area roles in that sector included relationship manager, adviser, counselor, and director. Each role cemented her commitment to a career in the nonprofit field.

 After becoming a parent, she was looking for a change and a new role close to home and found one in The Neighborhood Bridge (TNB).

She was impressed that TNB had an approach that didn’t focus on being a savior to those in need. TNB’s vision of being a bridge that connects people to resources they need resonated with her.

 “I’ve always wanted to work in mission-driven spaces,” Homan says. “I love the mission of TNB. There’s a community response and mutual aid model here.”

 With a B.A. in Sociology and Criminology and an M.A. in Conflict Resolution from Dominican University, her most recent role was as an independent consultant for emerging nonprofits, raising funds for economic justice, affordable child care, women’s rights, and immigration reform.

 So she is well aware that some volunteerism can be problematic. But she was impressed that TNB had an approach that didn’t focus on being a savior to those in need. TNB’s vision of being a bridge that connects people to the resources they need resonated with her.

 She’s only been on the job since mid-January, but is already looking forward to what’s ahead. Citing TNB’s February 22 Black History Month event, she says seeing people use their power and privilege to affect real change is extremely gratifying.

In the near future she views the TNB volunteer training program as a solid way to reduce harm and forge long-term relationships.

 Another aim is supporting existing organizations that are already at work in the community.

 “We’re trying to uplift the 40+ partners who are already doing good work, developing and deepening those relationships,” she says. “That’s the sort of program I want to fundraise for.”

Homan adds that it’s an exciting time to be at TNB. Getting in on the ground floor gives her a real opportunity to influence the organization. Though she’s still learning where the printer is, she likes the challenge of starting something new.

 “It’s the opposite of boring,” she says with a laugh.

 In the future, Vimla Homan is looking forward to the ribbon-cutting for the newly-imagined space in the St. Catherine-St. Lucy rectory. Also on her long-term to-do list: planning fundraising events for TNB.

 “Thinking about how we invite people into the work is very exciting.”

Learn more about Vimla Homan by reading her bio here.