Sonia McCormick

April 23, 2009 was a lovely, cool spring day in Washington. Jubilee families, Jubilee Jumpstart and Jubilee Housing board members and staff, PNC Bank and Enterprise Foundation leaders, the mayor, and other city officials were celebrating Jubilee Housing’s newly renovated Ontario Court and Jubilee Jumpstart’s opening on the building’s ground floor. 

This was a $9 million project, and PNC Bank was a partner in both the building renovation and the new childcare program. As PNC’s corporate communications manager, I have attended many events, but this one stands out as a powerful moment in my life. 

When Jim Knight spoke, I was struck first by his sense of purpose and his vision. He spoke from his heart about offering affordable housing, childcare, and much more to people in disenfranchised communities.  

Gradually it dawned on me that I was listening to a man driven by his faith. A man with an unusual combination of compassion and determination to see projects through to fruition. His faith touched my own. I felt like I was in church. I felt blessed. Jim teared up at one point, and, I will admit, so did I.  

It was clear this was not just a job for Jim. It was a call. I was moved, realizing that my job, too, was not just a job; that I was part of a team making a difference in lives and in strengthening the community. His gift of vision and determination lifted me up and made a difference in my life too. I am grateful in many ways.