My Dream in Life...

So, a lot of people say a dream is a dream, something you wish upon a star at night and *if you're lucky* it comes true.  I say fooey!  A dream is another word for a goal and for a goal, you must put in hard work, be dedicated and sometimes there will be some tears, but more importantly- it will all be worth it when you reach that goal.

My goal in life is simple: to bring out the best in people...  Whether it is my family, friends or a stranger.  I want to make a positive impact on others.  Yes I have goals for my family, being a wife and mom, but I also have career goals.  And these goals are not just some arbitrary dreams.  I will make them my reality.

So what is my goal, my dream, my "calling" if you will?  I love people, I love helping, I love giving back.  I try to do as much as I can because I can.  I don't do it for the kudos, I don't do it to be recognized, I don't do it for any self gratification, I do it because I hate it when others say "well SOMEONE should..... blah".  Well you are that SOMEONE, I am that SOMEONE and it is time to make a difference and give back.  This world is filled with "takers", we need some "givers", some people to remind others that it isn't about the ONE, it is about us ALL.  We all coexist together, so let's make the most of it.

I want to run/open a homeless shelter.  I decided this weekend I wanted to narrow that focus, initially at least, and focus on homeless families.  There are many of you who view the homeless as "moochers" sucking the taxpayers money, as leeches on society, as people begging for handouts.  If you are that person, please remove my name from your friends list.  I have spent the last 2 years researching and focusing on those in NEED...not want, not the government welfare recipients who collect food stamps but drive escalades and buy lobsters with government aid...  Those in TRUE NEED are the ones who NEED government help, but the majority do not receive it!  Those in NEED are wanting a better life, but are just stuck.  Those in NEED of mental health programs due to PTSD (old vets) but have no idea where to begin.  THAT'S who I want to help!

I believe there are the few bad apples, the moochers... But I believe even more that most of the homeless or those on the brink of homelessness, want to do better, they want to be contributing members of society.  The more people who are contributing, the better we ALL are.

In my research, I have found that homeless families make of about 1/3 of the nation's homeless population and of that 1/3, about 50-55% are not sheltered due to lack of units.  Most units are based for "individuals" and not set up to accommodate families.  This leaves children and babies on the streets, exposed to disease and illness... This means kids are missing school if they are even enrolled! This means insurmountable stressors on the family and on the children which causes mental health issues, developmental delays, behavioral issues, etc.  Our children should not live like this.

Homelessness happens for many reasons.  Most may think it was due to irresponsibility on the parent's part.  Well over 80% of homeless families' are headed by women.  Of that 80+%, over 50% are running from domestic violence and have no where to go.  Other reasons for homelessness are due to loss of a job, draining of savings due to the recession and the economy, and health and medical bills.  These reasons for homelessness could happen to any one of us!

America has become so self centered, so individualistic, so ME, ME, ME.  What can I get out of it?  I agree the government takes more than it gives...  And I am not asking for federal mandates or a completely socialistic government.  But I do think it is our job, as HUMANS, to WANT to help others.  I don't understand how people don't want to help bring others up, empower them, push them to do better...  I am not talking about money, though that helps... I am talking about compassion and empathy.  I am talking about MAKING time for your family to volunteer and help in your community.  Everyone is busy, but if you WANT to do something, you will find a way.  I WANT people to WANT to help!  It benefits all of us for people to be healthy because then there is less risk of us getting sick. It benefits us for people to be educated because that helps our country's innovation and keeps us on par with the global economy.  It helps us to get people off the streets because it means less tax money for programs.  It helps everyone to us to help everyone!

My goal with this shelter is to not just create an overnight sleeping place, but to offer classes like parenting to help parents understand the impact this experience is having on the kids, finance/budget classes to help them understand better ways of being financially responsible, job placement/skills training to help them learn a new skill for a job or form ties to local employers to help them get jobs, group counseling sessions to help them see others and hear others and maybe it will help build a network, and kid friendly events such as story time or movie nights.

The shelter would have quiet rooms for children to read and do homework.  In my research, it was noted many times that kids fall behind in school when their family is homeless.  They report not having a quiet place to accomplish work or avoid the commotion of the adults.  It would also have daycare set up where a parent can drop children off to go to interviews or for work.  This would have to be verified by the interviewer/employer by a signature, stamp, etc so the system is not taken advantage of.

We would also offer fresh fruits and nutritious snacks (even if I have to make them!) because all families were reported as being under/malnourished!  This is not ok for children especially!

We would have a loaner closet for "business" attire clothing (retrieved from thrift stores and donations) that members could "sign out" when needed.

Weekly counseling and psych appointments would be offered (psychiatrist willing to donate time and do volunteer work).  Many families battle mental health issues, especially mothers.  By strengthening the psyche, it aids in rebuilding the self.

Of course there will be milestone dates, rules and such that members need to meet in order to stay.  It will be a drug free/alcohol free facility with testing.  It will also have available jobs within the shelter that members can be employed to.

These are all ideas Paul and I have been tossing around.  And I think we have a great start.  This program we want to build isn't a forever program, people will have to meet milestones and rules in order to stay.  They will have a target date to be self sufficient again.  And they will come out of it stronger.  I know they will.  This program/shelter is about empowering people, believing in them and making them believe in themselves.  Truly believing in someone is the best medicine for this situation...

To everyone who reads this, I hope it plants a seed in your mind to help others- especially by offering your time.  Money is money... It buys things, yes, but offering your time shows you care and it means something to you.  I would ask you to plan one Saturday for 4 hours...  Find a local soup kitchen or shelter and go volunteer.  Don't just go through the motions, talk to the people like they are PEOPLE, get to know their stories, understand them.  You will come out of it thinking differently...  Involve your older kids, too.  Build their humanity and compassion.  Let's make this world a better place...  We can do it... One person at a time...

Love to all,
Katie <3