We will be moving on April 3rd. We have soooo much stuff in our house after being here for 8 years. I was planning on selling some furniture and stuff on Craig's List. My husband said, "Why don't we donate it all instead."
To be honest, at first I thought, "Ya that's a good idea, but we could really use the money to help us with the cost of this move."
But the more I thought about it, he's right...we've been blessed with so much...too much. There are so many homeless families out there right now. It would be good to make a difference in some small way.
I decided to find someplace that will give directly to the families, not just a drop off center that ends up selling the stuff in their stores, but an actual shelter that helps people get back on their feet & into a place of their own.
I found the perfect place!
Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter
I printed up the info and then noticed that they also need volunteers. Once things settle down a little bit, I would love to help with the kids 1 night a week.
I've felt a pull on my heart for a while now to do something for others.
I want to encourage you all to seek out shelters in your area and see if you can make a difference in some way...we all have something to give.
Showing posts with label volunteer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volunteer. Show all posts
Friday, March 19, 2010
Monday, June 9, 2008
An Attempt Is Everything
The title of this Blog really grabbed my attention when I read it in a book. Think about it...AN ATTEMPT IS EVERYTHING! How many times do we sit and ponder the things we would like to accomplish...writing a book, taking a computer class, photography course, starting a non-profit organization, volunteering at a womens shelter or group home, going back to school to earn a degree.
I look back and realize how many things I avoided ATTEMPTING, due to fear of failure. Dreams, hopes, goals...all pushed aside because of that small but powerful four letter word...FEAR. I find myself now, dreaming again, trying to find ways to fulfill my deepest inner passions that have been safely tucked away...sleeping...hiding...running, the desire I felt at 21, still cries out at 41! It will not die...screaming, crying, whispering, prodding, pushing...my future is waiting for me.
Don't waste years of your life gripped by fear, it will be with you forever...but eventually your undeveloped gifts and talents will become so overpowering, ripping through the dark protective barrier...years of hiding will no longer satisfy you...your entire being will constantly shout from deep within, "Go and become what you were meant to be...AN ATTEMPT IS EVERYTHING!"
SOAR ABOVE YOUR FEAR
COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL
ONE STEP AT A TIME
CLIMB YOUR MOUNTAIN
BATTLE YOUR WAVE
AN ATTEMPT IS EVERYTHING
FOLLOW THE PATH
FINISH YOUR DREAM!!
I look back and realize how many things I avoided ATTEMPTING, due to fear of failure. Dreams, hopes, goals...all pushed aside because of that small but powerful four letter word...FEAR. I find myself now, dreaming again, trying to find ways to fulfill my deepest inner passions that have been safely tucked away...sleeping...hiding...running, the desire I felt at 21, still cries out at 41! It will not die...screaming, crying, whispering, prodding, pushing...my future is waiting for me.
Don't waste years of your life gripped by fear, it will be with you forever...but eventually your undeveloped gifts and talents will become so overpowering, ripping through the dark protective barrier...years of hiding will no longer satisfy you...your entire being will constantly shout from deep within, "Go and become what you were meant to be...AN ATTEMPT IS EVERYTHING!"
SOAR ABOVE YOUR FEAR
COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL
ONE STEP AT A TIME
CLIMB YOUR MOUNTAIN
BATTLE YOUR WAVE
AN ATTEMPT IS EVERYTHING
FOLLOW THE PATH
FINISH YOUR DREAM!!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A Life Changing Experience
This year I have decided to once again volunteer and would like to share my experience from last year's life changing and inspiring day...
I decided to volunteer for Working Wardrobes "A Day Of Self Esteem For Woman." I've always wanted to volunteer but just could never step outside of my comfort zone. I finally made the commitment for today, which was a full day of makeup, hair, business attire, jewelry, shoes & purses for women in shelters. They would then get to have lunch and be in a fashion show at the end of the day. The event was held at the local community college. Prior to the day’s event the women had received job training and interview coaching during a six week program. The day also held a job fair, which after the makeover, they went to and applied their new found interview skills.
It was such a moving experience. I initially wanted to sign up for the personal shopper position (you help the ladies put their outfits together). Then I decided to let them put me wherever they needed me. They decided to have me be a photographer's assistant. I was at first a little disappointed, but decided to just go with it. Well I can honestly say that I was able to see life changing transformations. When the women arrived we were told to take before "the makeover" pictures, which was hard because the women didn't want their picture taken. After the makeover, the women's attitude was SO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT! They were happy, confident, excited and lined up asking us to take their picture. I was able to see these women who had come to the event with low self esteem, broken, sad , embarrassed and scared, be transformed not only in looks but most important confidence and self esteem. I realized that the position I was assigned allowed me to see the happiness and change in each and every one of these 125 women in just a short amount of time.
You always hear that when you volunteer, you receive more than you give. I can honestly say that this is true! I would like to encourage each of you to step outside of your comfort zone and find a place to volunteer. You will have a life changing experience!
I decided to volunteer for Working Wardrobes "A Day Of Self Esteem For Woman." I've always wanted to volunteer but just could never step outside of my comfort zone. I finally made the commitment for today, which was a full day of makeup, hair, business attire, jewelry, shoes & purses for women in shelters. They would then get to have lunch and be in a fashion show at the end of the day. The event was held at the local community college. Prior to the day’s event the women had received job training and interview coaching during a six week program. The day also held a job fair, which after the makeover, they went to and applied their new found interview skills.
It was such a moving experience. I initially wanted to sign up for the personal shopper position (you help the ladies put their outfits together). Then I decided to let them put me wherever they needed me. They decided to have me be a photographer's assistant. I was at first a little disappointed, but decided to just go with it. Well I can honestly say that I was able to see life changing transformations. When the women arrived we were told to take before "the makeover" pictures, which was hard because the women didn't want their picture taken. After the makeover, the women's attitude was SO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT! They were happy, confident, excited and lined up asking us to take their picture. I was able to see these women who had come to the event with low self esteem, broken, sad , embarrassed and scared, be transformed not only in looks but most important confidence and self esteem. I realized that the position I was assigned allowed me to see the happiness and change in each and every one of these 125 women in just a short amount of time.
You always hear that when you volunteer, you receive more than you give. I can honestly say that this is true! I would like to encourage each of you to step outside of your comfort zone and find a place to volunteer. You will have a life changing experience!
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