Burnout Should Never be the Cost of Offering a Helping Hand.
KOSQS- Strengthening the Heart of Nonprofits
Empowering Nonprofit Leaders while Transforming Communities
KOSQS exists to nurture the community that serves the community—by lifting up neighbors while protecting those who serve them. We create programs that strengthen the well-being and quality of life of underserved communities, while also advocating for and supporting the nonprofit workers who make that service possible. Through education, volunteer engagement, and community-driven solutions, we ensure that help is available—and that those who provide help are not forgotten, overworked, or burned out.
Lifting Up Birmingham with Safety, Skills, and Support
We bring together research-driven, community-focused, and lived experience to support nonprofit workers and the communities they serve.
It’s simple: “We nurture the community that serves the community—by lifting up neighbors while protecting those who serve them.”
Board of Directors
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Dr. Cyd C. Howard, President /Chief Executive Office
is a nonprofit leadership expert and author of Exhausted but Essential. Rooted in lived experience, she champions practical solutions that strengthen underserved communities and the professionals who serve them. Through KOSQS, Dr. Howard leads safety education, technology/STEM training, workforce development, and research-informed burnout prevention for nonprofit staff and volunteers. Her work blends academic rigor with compassion to build resilient people, healthy teams, and sustainable impact.
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Renee Crenshaw
Chief Financial Officer Treasurer (CFO)
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Jewel Farris
Recording Secretary
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📣 Leadership Opportunity: Join the KOSQS Team
KOSQS is seeking two dedicated individuals to join our leadership team.
We are looking for compassionate, community-minded leaders who are committed to uplifting underserved neighborhoods and improving the well-being of those in need.Ideal candidates are:
Committed to service and community empowerment
Connected to initiatives that strengthen quality of life and support vulnerable populations
Contributing through their talents, time, and innovative fundraising ideas
Collaborative, mission-driven, and passionate about making a measurable impact
If you believe in serving others, supporting communities in need, and helping build a stronger Birmingham, we invite you to join the cause.
To express interest or learn more, contact us
Services
Safe Haven Ring: doorbells and safety training for seniors & disabled residents. (*2026 initiative)
2. Roosevelt City Technology & Empowerment Center: Digital access, STEM learning, and workforce skills. (*2026 Initiative)
3. KOSQS Community & Economic Development Workshop Calendar: Lift Up. Learn More. Live Better.
KOSQS 2026 Community & Economic Development Workshop Series (January–December 2026)
Roosevelt City Recreation Center, 5904 Higan Avenue, Birmingham, Alabama 35228
10am-12;30pm
(These are the ONLY events included in this series so don’t miss them.)
1. January 18, 2026—Rise & Thrive: Goal Setting & Personal Development Workshop: Kickoff session for all participants.
2. February 15, 2026—Financial Literacy & Credit Building: Money management, budgeting, and credit repair basics.
3. March 15, 2026—Entrepreneurship & Small Business Startup: Introduction to launching micro- and small businesses.
4. April 19, 2026—Emotional Intelligence & Relationship Building: Skills for managing conflict, communication, and teamwork.
5. May 17, 2026—Drug Abuse Prevention & Community Safety: Education for teens, parents, and community members.
6. June 14, 2026—Teen Talk Leadership & Decision-Making Workshop: Youth-focused development and mentoring.
7. July 19, 2026—Healthy Eating, Chronic Illness & Home Maintenance: Diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, meal planning, and basic home care.
8. August 16, 2026—Vocational Training & Apprenticeship Pathways: Guest speakers from trades, certifications, and workforce partners.
9. September 20, 2026—Mental Health & Stress Management: Well-being strategies for adults, seniors, and caregivers.
10. October 18, 2026—Mentorship for Youth & Adults: Building mentoring relationships and community support networks.
11. November 15, 2026—Why Volunteer? Community Service & Civic Engagement: Highlighting volunteer pathways and service opportunities.
12. December 13, 2026—Community Celebration, Recognition & Resource Fair: Closing workshop with awards, certificates, and partner recognition. (10:00am-1:30pm)
4. Nonprofit Burnout Prevention Workshops & Training Series—Research-informed training and tools to sustain those who serve.
Based on the Book Exhausted but Essential
By Dr. Cyd C. Howard, DBA, MBA, PMP
Service Description:
Our Exhausted but Essential workshop and training series is a powerful, research-based program designed to help nonprofit organizations recognize, prevent, and respond to burnout in the workplace. Based on the groundbreaking book by Dr. Cyd C. Howard, this series delivers actionable insights and tools that empower teams to protect their passion, strengthen their resilience, and enhance organizational performance.
These interactive sessions are tailored for nonprofit professionals at all levels—from frontline staff to executive leadership—and are ideal for team retreats, professional development days, conferences, and board trainings.
Topics include:
Recognizing the Signs and Stages of Burnout
Workload Management and Organizational Culture
Leadership Strategies for a Healthier Workplace
Setting Boundaries and Building Support Systems
Implementing Fair Policies and Mental Health Practices
Reclaiming Purpose Without Sacrificing Well-being
What’s Included:
✔ Live or virtual facilitation by Dr. Cyd C. Howard
✔ Printable workbooks and digital toolkits
✔ Real-world case studies and nonprofit-specific insights
✔ Post-training debrief and implementation strategies
✔ Certificate of Completion (eligible for CE credits where applicable)
Training Formats Available:
Half-Day or Full-Day Workshops
Lunch & Learn Sessions
Keynote Presentations
Custom Multi-Session Wellness Series
Ideal For:
Nonprofit staff and volunteers
Executive leadership and HR teams
Grantmakers, board members, and sector advocates
Why It Matters:
Burnout isn’t just a personal problem—it’s an organizational risk. Investing in your team’s well-being boosts morale, improves retention, and ensures mission sustainability. Let’s create a culture where nonprofit workers don’t have to choose between their purpose and their peace.
Book Dr. Cyd Today:
📧 cyd@kosqs.com | 🌐 www.KOSQS.com | 📍 Virtual or On-Site Options
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!