Gentle Art Of Leadership Podcast – Craig Secher

Craig is a counselor, therapist, and the founder of Realities for Children. Through his extensive experience as a kids’ chemical addictions counselor, child protection investigator, and case manager, Craig witnessed firsthand how many vulnerable children were slipping through the cracks of the system. Faced with the high burnout rate among child protection workers, Craig was driven to create Realities for Children to address the systemic issues and provide much-needed support. Their primary focus is providing emergency services by establishing a county-wide safety net when other resources run dry. Craig aimed to unify organizations working towards the same cause, reducing competition for limited donations, grants, and fundraising dollars by engaging the business community as a supportive partner. Despite initial opposition from the nonprofit sector, these business partnerships have allowed Realities for Children to cover all administrative costs, ensuring that every donated dollar goes directly to services for children. Craig finds immense reward in witnessing success stories and positive growth from his work. He also addresses the significant spike in child abuse post-pandemic, and its mental health implications.