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What The Camino Taught Me

Two years ago, my dear friend and I were doing what we have done for decades…..we were walking. Our walks have always been our therapy. Together, we have walked through raising young children, celebrated life’s biggest moments, cried through heartbreak, solved countless problems, and dreamed about what might come next. Somehow, putting one foot in front of the other always helped us move forward.

During one of those walks, we stopped and laughed. “How can we possibly be only two years away from turning sixty?” Where had the time gone? That simple question led to another. How should we celebrate this milestone? Without much hesitation, one of us suggested walking the Camino de Santiago. Within minutes, we had the beginning of a plan.

Preparing for the Journey

Over the next two years, we spent hours learning about the Camino. I joined Facebook groups, talked with friends who had already made the journey, and read everything I could find. Along the way, I discovered that more than 500,000 pilgrims travel to Santiago de Compostela each year to visit the tomb of the Apostle James.

One piece of advice came up again and again. “Don’t compare your Camino to anyone else’s. Every journey is unique.” Those words stayed with me.

With more than 400 different routes through France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, every pilgrim truly does have a different experience. We chose the Portuguese Coastal Route from Porto because it covered the required 100 kilometers, or about 65 miles. While many people dream of the famous French Route that stretches nearly 500 miles over five weeks, this route felt right for us. Looking back, it was exactly the right choice.

Life Had Other Plans

In late February, I had an accident and tore my calf. Suddenly, walking disappeared from my life. For weeks, I wondered if our dream trip would even happen. Then I slowly began physical therapy and finally started walking again on May 1, only thirty days before leaving for Portugal. Before our trip, the longest walk I managed was just three miles. Needless to say, I had doubts. Could I really walk sixty-five miles? Even so, I never considered canceling.

What began as two friends celebrating a birthday soon became seven women walking together. Three came from Los Angeles and four came from New Jersey. We were all Catholic, and several of us were celebrating our sixtieth birthdays. Many pilgrims begin the Camino carrying grief, loss, or heavy burdens. They hope the journey will bring healing. That wasn’t my Camino.

Instead, my hardest journey had already happened. The months of pain, uncertainty, and recovery came before Portugal. By the time I arrived, I wasn’t searching for answers. Rather, I felt grateful for a blank slate. My only goal was to be open to whatever God wanted to show me. That alone felt like a gift.

A Beautiful Beginning

Our first morning of the Camino happened to be the Feast of Corpus Christi. As we stepped onto the streets of Portugal, church bells rang across the city. Mass played through loudspeakers while schoolchildren sang in Portuguese. Meanwhile, beautiful flower petals covered the streets for the procession.

It felt as if God was sending us on our way with a blessing. Of course, the magic quickly met reality. My longest training walk had been three miles. Our first Camino day covered nine. Fortunately, my friends became my biggest cheerleaders. They slowed down when I needed them to, celebrated every mile, and never once made me feel like I was holding anyone back.

Each evening followed a familiar routine. First, I searched for ice, which was surprisingly difficult to find in Portugal and Spain. Next, I elevated my leg and rested before another day on the trail. Thankfully, pain never became the center of the story. Instead, every evening ended with laughter, wonderful dinners, and conversations with people from everywhere.

The Gift of Slowing Down

Every day brought new scenery. Sometimes we walked beside the Atlantic Ocean. Other times we wandered through forests, vineyards, tiny villages, and quiet farms. Before long, we would arrive in charming beach towns where fresh bread, seafood, and paella reminded us to slow down and enjoy the moment.

However, the greatest gift wasn’t the scenery. It was the walking itself. Walking gave me time to think. Soon, I noticed things I normally rushed past. Most importantly, I found time to simply be. Along the route, we stopped in small churches that had welcomed pilgrims for hundreds of years. Inside each one, I lit a candle, sat quietly, and prayed.

While we were away, I learned that my beloved aunt, a Holy Child Sister, had become seriously ill. Because of that news, every church became another chance to place her in God’s hands. Each prayer brought a little more peace. At the same time, I felt my mom’s presence in a way I hadn’t expected. She has been gone for more than twenty years, yet I knew she was walking beside me. Although I cannot explain it, I never questioned it either.

The Hardest Day

Day Four tested me. Thirteen miles stretched before us, and my calf reminded me of every step. I remember thinking, What have I done? Can I really do this for four more days? Then something beautiful happened. My friends stayed beside me. No one rushed ahead. No one complained. Instead, they walked with me.

In that moment, I realized the Camino was never about how fast we walked. It was about never having to walk alone. After that day, everything felt different. The finish line finally seemed possible.

What the Camino Taught Me

We arrived in Santiago around four o’clock in the afternoon. After taking pictures and cleaning up, we returned to the cathedral for the Pilgrim Mass. We arrived an hour early. I’m so glad we did. Pilgrims from every corner of the world filled the church. Different languages echoed through the cathedral. Different stories had brought people there. Yet we were united by one shared journey.

The joy was impossible to miss. The gratitude filled the room. Most of all, God’s presence surrounded us. People often ask what I learned from my Camino. My answer is simple. It wasn’t the destination. It was the journey. More importantly, it was who I shared that journey with. Friendship carried me. My faith strengthened me. The encouragement of others kept me moving. Along the way, God’s grace met me every single day.

Life isn’t much different.

Every one of us is walking our own Camino. Some people carry grief. Others carry hope. Many carry both. We rarely know what someone beside us is carrying. However, we can always choose to walk with them. After all, that may be the greatest lesson of all.

We are all walking one another home.

CHARITY MATTERS.

 

This piece was originally written and published for The Angelus Magazine.

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Charity Matters Inspiration

The Child I Never Planned

Fifteen. How did that happen?

It feels like only yesterday you were a tiny spark of an idea. Now, somehow, you are a teenager. Like every parent, I find myself wondering where the time went while marveling at how much you’ve grown….Charity Matters.

When a child is born, we quietly write a script for their life. We dream about who they will become. As we cradle that newborn, we see training wheels, the first day of kindergarten, middle school graduation, driver’s licenses, prom, college, careers, and families. In our minds, the story unfolds before the first chapter is even written.

Then we do something a little crazy.

We tuck that script away. We don’t share it with anyone not our spouse, not our child, sometimes not even ourselves. Instead, we simply hope life follows the plan. I can’t explain why parents do this, but I know I wasn’t the only one.

When Life Goes Off Script

Sooner or later, the script begins to unravel. Maybe the baby doesn’t crawl “on time.” Perhaps a milestone comes later than expected. Suddenly, panic sets in because something has gone off script.

Susie doesn’t love piano, even though we were sure she would become a concert pianist. Joey quits baseball, and somehow our entire future seems to collapse with his Little League uniform.

Looking back after raising three incredible sons, I finally realized something important. Each one arrived with a script of his own. Eventually, they handed me a copy, smiled, and essentially said, “Buckle up, Mom.”

Thankfully, I listened. So when this fourth child entered my life  (Charity Matters) I decided to do something different. I would try and let the story unfold.

A Child With No Script

Fifteen years ago, the only vision I had was to find people who started nonprofits and tell their stories. Remember, Google wasn’t what it is today. Finding those remarkable people wasn’t easy, and neither was learning how to build a website or start a blog.

Those few simple ideas were the only pages I had written. Everything else came one small step at a time.

First came a logo. Then a brand built around the simple belief that helping others matters. After that came the first website, a first post, then another. A Facebook page followed, and eventually social media, newsletters, interviews, and countless new adventures.

Like a toddler taking uncertain first steps, Charity Matters kept growing. Meanwhile, every New Year’s Day, my old habits would return. I’d make plans, create goals, promise growth, and try to control the future. Thankfully, this child had other ideas.

 

The Greatest Gifts Were Never Planned

You see, Charity Matters has always been much more than a blog. You are my diary, my creative outlet, my classroom, and the place where I get to imagine the kind of world I hope we can create together.

That’s a lot of pressure for a fifteen-year-old. Yet, just like my children, you carved out your own path.

Because of you, I’ve met extraordinary people. Better yet, many of those remarkable nonprofit founders have become real friends. They have filled my life with joy, purpose, compassion, and hope. None of that was in my script.

Did I ever imagine you would become a podcast? Not for a second. Honestly, I didn’t even know what a podcast was. Then one day, there it was.

Not only did Charity Matters become a podcast, but it grew into one of the top-rated nonprofit podcasts in it’s category the country. Watching that happen felt like sitting in the stands as your child scored the winning touchdown. No one was more surprised, more grateful, or more proud than I was.

Once again, life reminded me that the best moments almost always happen off script.

More Than I Ever Imagined

Along the way came a monthly column for FORCE Magazine. Then came a bestselling book, Change for Good, on Amazon.

After that arrived opportunities to speak on stages, interview hundreds of nonprofit founders, and build a community of people who believe kindness, generosity, and service truly can change the world. Those accomplishments are wonderful and still a bit of a mystery. However, they aren’t the greatest gifts.

The greatest gifts have been learning how love grows through service. They have shown me that compassion is contagious. Most importantly, they have revealed that a life lived for others becomes a life filled with purpose.

Those are the treasures Charity Matters has given me and, I hope, all of us.

Happy Birthday, My Fourth Child

As we celebrate fifteen incredible years, part of me still wants to pull out that old script. I could fill its pages with dreams of creating a Substack, speaking on more stages, writing more books, and finding even more ways to spread the message of kindness and service.

Then I remember the greatest lesson this remarkable child has taught me. Put the script away. Trust the journey. Enjoy the ride. Allow the magic of life and the power of giving to unfold exactly as it’s meant to.

I could not be more proud of this fourth child or more grateful for all the good Charity Matters has brought into the world over the past fifteen years. The truth is, I have no idea where this journey will lead next. And for the first time, I wouldn’t want to know.

Thank you for walking alongside me. Thank you for reading, listening, encouraging, and believing that small acts of kindness really do matter. You have helped raise this child every step of the way.

Happy 15th Birthday, Charity Matters.

Because after fifteen years, Charity Matters has taught me that the best stories are never the ones we write they’re the ones we have the courage to live.

CHARITY MATTERS.

 

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Charity Matters Inspiration

How to live

My aunt is dying.

Then again, I suppose we all are, depending on your perspective. The difference is that my Aunt Sheila knows her time is short. She has Stage 4 liver cancer, and the doctors have told her she has only a few months left. The news has settled over our family like a heavy blanket. Each of us is trying to make sense of it in our own way. Most of all, she is.

Death has always arrived suddenly in my family. My grandfather was gone in an instant. So was my mom. There were no long conversations. No final questions. No chance to say everything that was left unsaid.

This time is different.

As heartbreaking as it is, there is also an unexpected gift. We have time. Time to say thank you. Time to laugh. Time to remember. Most importantly, time to tell someone what they have meant to your life while they can still hear the words.

There really is more than words can say….I will try.

A Life Unlike Any Other

I knew my Aunt Sheila was super special when I was five years old. On my very first day of kindergarten, she walked into my classroom wearing her Holy Child habit. Instantly, every child stood, bowed or curtsied, and together they said, “Good morning, Sister Sheila.”

I remember thinking, Wait…everyone knows my aunt? She wasn’t like anyone else’s aunt. Although she is a Holy Child Sister, that isn’t what makes her extraordinary. Plenty of women become nuns. Very few become Aunt Sheila.

She is the fourth of seven children, right in the middle, and she has always been filled with energy, joy, and a smile that could brighten any room. She has always loved sports, especially tennis, and later, as my school principal, she could often be found outside shooting baskets with the boys instead of sitting behind a desk.

People have always mattered more to her than titles.

Actions, Not Words

The Holy Child motto is simple: “Actions, not words.” No one has lived those words more completely.

After becoming a school principal before the age of thirty, Aunt Sheila left everything familiar to become a missionary in Nigeria. She fell in love with Africa and never wanted to leave. Malaria eventually forced her home, but not before the people there had forever changed her heart.

Later, as a psychologist at St. Luke’s Institute in Washington, D.C., she found herself walking beside clergy and victims during one of the darkest chapters in the Catholic Church. She saw unimaginable pain. She carried stories that most of us could never bear. I still remember the day she accepted a position helping survivors of clergy abuse.

With tears streaming down her face, she looked at me and asked, “How will I be the keeper of such pain?” Only someone whose heart was built for healing would even ask that question. She never sought recognition for that work. She simply showed up, listened, prayed, and loved. Thousands of people found healing because she chose compassion over comfort.

The Quiet Teacher

I have never heard my aunt raise her voice. She almost whispers. Yet somehow everyone leans in to listen.

She has a remarkable gift that feels almost impossible today. She is completely present. When you speak, she isn’t thinking about what she will say next. She simply listens. Then she pauses. She reflects. Finally, she offers a few thoughtful words that somehow become exactly what you needed.

After my mom died, Aunt Sheila quietly stepped into our lives in ways neither of us ever discussed. She became another grandmother to my boys. She celebrated birthdays, attended school events, and simply showed up. One afternoon I came home upset over some ridiculous mom drama at preschool.

She listened patiently before softly saying, “Heidi, people who are hurting, hurt.” That was it. One sentence. One lesson I have carried for decades.

What Really Matters

Watching Aunt Sheila live has taught me far more than listening to anyone preach. She knows exactly what matters. Faith. Family. Friends. Everything else waits its turn.

If someone is suffering, she is there. Not just for the first visit, but for the next one…and the one after that. Sometimes her care lasts twenty years. She has met Popes. She has appeared on Oprah. She has led schools, hospitals, ministries, and organizations. She has also cleaned bathrooms, washed dishes, and quietly done countless unseen acts of kindness.

To her, none of those accomplishments carry much weight. Serving people does. That is her life’s work. That is her joy.

Her Greatest Lesson

Today, cards arrive every single day. Scholarships are being created in her honor. Buildings bear her name. People from every season of her life are writing to tell her how she changed theirs. While she appreciates every note, she isn’t interested in the recognition. What fills her with joy is hearing that someone is helping another person.

That matters. Love in action has always mattered.

The other day I asked her, “Aunt Sheila, I know what I think your legacy is. What do you think it is?” She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she looked at me with those beautiful blue eyes, lifted her hands, and formed the shape of a heart.

“Love.” Just one word. No long speech. No list of accomplishments. No résumé. Simply love.

As I watch someone I deeply love prepare to leave this world, I realize she is giving us one final gift. She is still teaching us. Not how to die. How to live. Perhaps that has been her lesson all along.

A life isn’t measured by titles, awards, or recognition. Instead, it is measured by the people we love, the burdens we help carry, and the kindness we leave behind. If that is true, then Aunt Sheila has lived one of the most beautiful lives I have ever known.

What a blessing to tell her that while she is still here to hear it.

CHARITY MATTERS.

 

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Causes

Episode 107:Southeast Community Foundation

Sometimes the experiences that shape us begin long before we understand their meaning. For Julie Coyne, that journey started at just two years old when polio paralyzed her from the neck down. Her parents were only 21 years old, and the March of Dimes helped pay Julie’s medical bills. Decades later, Julie can clearly connect the dots between receiving help and becoming a helper. After a successful 45-year career, she also discovered that success and passion are not always the same. Her passion is helping children and making sure that where a child is born does not determine where that child is going.

Today, Julie leads the Southeast Community Foundation and helps children build critical math and reading skills. However, her work goes far beyond academics. As Julie says, “We’re changing futures, not just test scores.” Her students run to tutoring, raise their hands in class, and slowly begin to believe in themselves. Through this work, Julie has learned the power of truly seeing another person. Her story reminds us that changing a life does not always require a grand gesture. Instead, it can begin with one child, one book, or one person simply saying, “I see you.”

 

 

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

 

Charity Matters: Tell us a little about what SouthEast Community Foundation does?

Julie Coyne:  Southeast Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) located in Los Angeles, and we focus on the Southeast community. Our mission is to work with underserved children and help them get the academic skills they need to move forward in life.

We focus on math and English and partner with local communities and LA Unified. The teachers assign us students who are falling behind, and we work with them one-on-one and in very small groups to get their skill set up. What we have is something very special. It’s almost a boutique way of educating these kids because I feel strongly that they have to have quality tutoring. It’s not just putting 15 kids in a room. It’s one-to-one and small group interaction.

We’re changing futures, not just test scores. It’s where they’re going in the future. When you feel good about yourself and you have self-respect, it changes everything.

Charity Matters: What experiences did you have as a child that influenced your work?

Julie Coyne:   I have an unusual circumstance. I first found out about nonprofits when I was two years old and I had polio. My parents were 21 years old, and I was paralyzed from the neck down. If it had not been for the March of Dimes, my bills would not have been paid, and I would not be sitting here now.

Most people don’t know I had polio, and there are not very many people like us left, but I learned about nonprofits very quickly. My mother always served and did things in schools. I am also 100% publicly educated, all through my graduate degree in the state of California.

I got involved with the startup of Leadership America, a national organization to develop women leaders. I was one of the founding people for Women in Philanthropy at UCLA, an organization to teach women of means how to feel comfortable donating to causes they have passion for. I was on the board of the American Diabetes Association in Los Angeles and served as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Ultimate Health Organization.

Through all of those experiences, I realized that my focus was going to be underserved children in either education or health.

Charity Matters: What was the moment you knew you needed to act and start The SouthEast Community Foundation?

Julie Coyne:  There were many small moments, but one moment became very clear. I started a business with other partners 35 years ago in an underserved community. As a result, I got to know that community well. Then, around 2011, the Los Angeles Times ran a front-page article comparing that community to Manhattan Beach.

The article compared education, income, and health. Manhattan Beach ranked near the top in income and education. Meanwhile, my community ranked near the bottom. Imagine being a child and seeing that story on the front page. Kids came up to me and said, “We’re the fattest, stupidest, poorest kids in the state of California.”

I was devastated. I felt I had to do something.

First, I created a scholarship program. We sent 49 kids to colleges such as MIT, UCLA, and Berkeley. They graduated, but I learned something important. Even our top students weren’t academically ready for college. These students had 4.4 grade point averages, yet they struggled with English scores on the SAT. Consequently, getting them through college took a tremendous amount of work.

I finally realized we needed to address the problem much earlier. Southeast Community Foundation grew from that lesson. Since 2015, teachers have sent us students who are falling behind. We work with those children to build the skills they need to move forward.

Charity Matters: What are your biggest challenges?

Julie Coyne: The biggest challenge is funding. Children do not pay for our tutoring. Although we partner with LA Unified and other districts, that funding does not cover the cost of quality tutoring. Our program focuses on one-on-one and small group support. Therefore, providing this level of education costs money.

We go directly to the community for help. That’s why we’re a community foundation. This isn’t my foundation. I want the community to own this work and feel the joy of helping its children move forward. Still, funding stays on my mind. I wake up thinking, “How can I get the word out? How can I help people feel connected to this work?”

People are generous and want to help. Yet, many also wonder if an organization is real. We are real, and what we do matters.

Charity Matters: What fuels you to keep doing this work?

Julie Coyne: I’m doing something I love. I spent 45 or 50 years working, and I was good at what I did. However, being good at something doesn’t mean you love it or feel passionate about it.

Now, I see a child’s face when they finally start reading. I watch a student learn how to solve a math problem and see the light in their eyes. These kids run to our tutoring sessions. They aren’t dragged. I’ve watched children run off a bus because they thought they might be late for tutoring.

That happiness gives me joy. I know I’m doing something I love and something that makes a difference. Teachers constantly tell us how we’re helping their students. Parents are grateful too.

However, the truth is that I’m the grateful one. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in so many children’s lives.

Charity Matters: When do you know you have made a difference?

Julie Coyne: I know when a child finally reads or solves a math problem. You see the light in their eyes. Sometimes, children run to tutoring because they don’t want to be late. Later, those same students begin raising their hands in the classroom.

Our tutors come from the children’s communities. They speak their language, and the students can imagine becoming like them. Because of that connection, trust grows. Children also begin to understand that teachers aren’t scary. They learn that teachers want to help them.

Watching a child finally raise a hand in class is fabulous. Let them see that you see them. That’s a big thing. Children want to be seen. See them.

Charity Matters: Tell us what success you have had and what your impact has been? 

Julie Coyne: You have to look at both the numbers and the feelings. We have tutored hundreds of children and provided thousands of tutoring hours. In addition, our students show dramatic improvement. We see improvement levels in the 85% to 89% range.

However, I also measure success through teachers, parents, and students. We never leave these relationships. For example, one of my former scholarship students now serves on my board. She earned her master’s degree in public administration and works in civil service. Now, she’s giving back and believes in what we do.

The scores matter because they help us receive grants and reach more students. Still, our work is about something much bigger. We’re changing futures, not just test scores.

Charity Matters: If you could dream any dream for your organization, what would that be?

Julie Coyne:  First, I want to keep the quality very high. I don’t want to deliver something that doesn’t benefit these children.

The big dream is to create a model. We want to reach 1,000 students in Southeast Los Angeles. Then, we want to take this model into other underserved communities. I started in Southeast Los Angeles because I knew the community. However, I also want to reach South Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

My vision is local people helping their own communities. I call these locations hubs. Each hub could help about 1,000 students. Local teachers become immediate role models. They speak like the students and understand their communities. Therefore, children can imagine themselves becoming like their teachers. Trust grows, and strong bonds form.

That’s the dream. We want to bring this model to underserved communities throughout Los Angeles while keeping the quality of our work high.

Charity Matters: What life lessons have you learned from this experience?

Julie Coyne:  One lesson is patience, which I have none of. This journey has forced me to become more patient, even when I don’t want to be.

More importantly, I’ve had the privilege of seeing life through other people’s eyes. I’ve been in families’ homes and attended many college graduations. As a result, I’ve seen life from a different perspective. You become humble.

I recognize the advantages many of us have had. At the same time, I see how hard other people work and how many obstacles they face. I have great admiration for them. I’ve also learned that people don’t always value their own skills. Someone may know how to use a computer, tell a story, entertain people, plan a party, or create something beautiful.

Nonprofits need all of those skills. You don’t have to give 100% of your time. Instead, get involved in a small way. Don’t be shy. The gift is being able to start something and then give it away. You give it away so it can continue to grow. That’s a hard lesson to learn.

Charity Matters: How has this journey changed you?

Julie Coyne: It has definitely changed me. I’m much happier. I encourage people to figure out what they are passionate about because most of us aren’t lucky enough to work at our passion.

When I realized how much children, education, and health mattered to me, it lit a fire in me. I’ve become more patient and humble. In addition, I’ve had the privilege of seeing life through other people’s eyes. The truth is that I’m the grateful one.

I also believe in giving children books. A small book doesn’t cost much, but it can become something precious. Give children some joy. Talk to them about the world, the sky, the ground, growing, and what’s out there. Most importantly, let them see that you see them. They want to be seen.

See them.

CHARITY MATTERS.

 

YOUR REFERRAL IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT,  IF YOU ARE SO MOVED OR INSPIRED, WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO SHARE AND INSPIRE ANOTHER. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please connect with us:

Copyright © 2026 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Charity Matters Inspiration

At 250 America is just getting started!

We really are babies.

A few weeks ago, I was walking through Portugal and Spain, surrounded by history that stretches back hundreds and even thousands of years. In Lisbon, I learned about the devastating earthquake and tsunami that leveled the city in 1755. As I listened to stories of destruction and rebuilding, one thought kept coming to mind: all of this happened before America was even born.

Our nation is only 250 years old. By comparison, we are still in our infancy….a mere babie to many parts of the world.

Our Shared Story

My mom’s family came over on the Mayflower, and she loved being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was proud of our family’s lineage and often talked about the history and struggles that her ancestors endured to come to this country.

Her pride was never really about genealogy. Instead, it was rooted in courage, sacrifice, and the determination of people who left everything they knew in the hope of building something better.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this is our shared story as Americans. Every one of us came from somewhere. Whether our families arrived on the Mayflower, crossed an ocean generations later, came through Ellis Island, (like my husband’s grandfather) journeyed from neighboring countries, or arrived only recently, we all share a common thread.

A mother or father made a difficult choice. A family sacrificed for the next generation. Somewhere along the way, someone held onto hope despite uncertainty. Today we call it resilience. In the late 1700s, it was simply survival.

Built by Resilient People

There is much discussion these days about cellular memory and whether we carry the experiences of our ancestors in our genes. I am certainly no scientist. However, I do believe there is something uniquely American that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Part of our national character is toughness. Another piece is our willingness to work hard. Add a little grit and an unwillingness to accept “no,” and you have something that feels distinctly American.

Maybe that spirit comes from generations of people who had to adapt, rebuild, persevere, and begin again.

After all, this country was built by people who believed tomorrow could be better than today. They worked the land, started businesses, raised families, fought wars, and built communities. Through every challenge, Americans somehow found ways to keep moving forward. That determination still lives within us. I love that about being American.

The American Spirit

People around the world may see us as less refined or even a little rude. Yet I think they sometimes misunderstand us. Americans simply expect things to get done.

When we see a problem, we look for solutions. Faced with obstacles, we usually ask, “How can we make this work?” Presented with an impossible idea, many of us instinctively wonder if it might actually be possible.

That attitude has shaped our nation and, in many ways, the world. We have become known for our creativity, our entrepreneurial spirit, our willingness to innovate, and our belief that impossible things can become reality.

This is the country that put a man on the moon. It is also the nation that created countless inventions, built extraordinary businesses, and inspired movements that changed lives around the globe. Of course, we don’t always get it right. No family does, and no country does either. Nevertheless, we keep trying, learning, and moving forward.

That, too, is part of our story.

We Are Just Getting Started

This Fourth of July is about more than fireworks, barbecues, and birthday cake. It is an opportunity to pause and celebrate what we have built together over these last 250 years.  Even more important, it is a chance to remember who we are.

At our core, we are descendants of dreamers and doers. Behind us stand generations of people who sacrificed tremendously. Ahead of us lies endless possibility if we are willing to work together. Perhaps the most exciting part is that we are still young.

At 250 years old, America is just getting started.

The next chapter of our story is still being written, and it belongs to all of us. Therefore, our task is to keep coming together, remember where we came from, and decide where we want to go.

If our first 250 years have taught us anything, it is this: Americans are resilient. We are builders, problem-solvers, and people who believe tomorrow can be better than today. Most of all, when we come together with a common purpose, there is very little we cannot accomplish.

After all, if we can put a man on the moon, imagine what we can do next?

Happy 250th Birthday, America. The best is yet to come.

CHARITY MATTERS.

 

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Episode 106: Bags of Fun

There are moments in life when joy feels out of reach…..especially for children facing illness, fear, and the unknown. And yet, what if something as simple as a bag filled with imagination, play, and possibility could transform that moment? In this heartfelt episode of the Charity Matters Podcast, we explore the powerful story behind Bags of Fun.…..an organization built on the belief that every child deserves joy, even in the midst of life’s hardest battles. This is a story about showing up, about seeing a need others might overlook, and about choosing to bring light into dark places.

What makes this episode so compelling is not just the mission, but the heart behind it. It reminds us that service doesn’t have to be complicated to be life-changing. Sometimes, the greatest impact comes from meeting people exactly where they are with compassion, creativity, and care. This conversation will inspire you to think differently about what it means to make a difference and will leave you asking yourself a simple but powerful question: What can I do, right where I am, to bring joy to someone else?

 

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

 

Charity Matters: Tell us a little about what Bags of Fun does?

Tammy Krause: Bags of Fun are big backpacks full of toys that are very intentional for kids with long-term and life-threatening illnesses. That’s the simple explanation, but really they are custom-created for each child. We started with kids with cancer and quickly expanded to children in the hospital with other medical conditions from kidney dialysis to major organ transplants to chronic illnesses.

Every bag is made specifically for that child. We get lists directly from hospitals, so each bag is age, gender, and diagnosis specific. They aren’t sitting in a warehouse. Each one includes about 17 to 18 items things that are fun, educational, manipulative, something a child can do alone and something they can do with others.

More recently, we’ve expanded into adolescent mental health. In 2021, Colorado declared a state of emergency for youth mental health, and we stepped in to serve that population as well. Those bags are designed differently, but with the same intention…..to bring comfort, engagement, and ultimately, joy.

Charity Matters: What experiences did you have as a child that influenced your work?

Tammy Krause: I was very blessed growing up. I was surrounded by amazing women…..teachers, nurses, people who gave back constantly. Giving was just part of our life. When we went school supply shopping, we always bought extra for other kids. At Christmas, we would go caroling at public hospitals.

My mom actually ran a nonprofit, and she was heavily involved with CASA, advocating for abused children. So I learned very early how important it was to give back.

I used to make fun of her because she signed every single donor letter personally. And now I find myself encouraging the exact same thing. Those early role models shaped everything.

Charity Matters: What was the moment you knew you needed to act and start Bags of Fun?

Tammy Krause: My daughter Gabby was diagnosed with a brain tumor the day before her fifth birthday. She was the middle of four kids. Because of my background in special education, we created a bag for her to take back and forth to the hospital filled with things to keep her engaged and connected to her siblings.

She called it her “bag of fun.” We were very blessed during her treatment with incredible community support. But Gabby noticed something she asked why the other kids didn’t have a bag like hers. So we told her that when she finished treatment, we would make Bags of Fun for other kids.

Unfortunately, she never finished treatment. She was sent home on hospice and passed away about a month later. Three weeks after she passed, I had my first meeting. I didn’t know exactly how to do it, but I knew I had to. We started with volunteers, and the organization was run entirely by volunteers for the first two years.

This was her idea. I was just following through on what she wanted.

Charity Matters: What are your biggest challenges?

Tammy Krause: In the early days, the challenges were everything grief, raising my kids, and starting a nonprofit all at once. My youngest was four, my oldest was ten. But there was also so much healing and community around it.

Our community stepped up in incredible ways. Friends, neighbors, volunteers everyone wanted to help. Our first fundraiser, which we still do 21 years later, was a big family event where everyone came together. Like any nonprofit, the challenges were figuring out events, fundraising, logistics…..but we were very clear about our mission. We were doing one thing: creating custom bags for sick children. That clarity helped.

As we’ve grown, the challenge has shifted. Now it’s about staying focused, being intentional, and not losing sight of our core mission while we expand.

Charity Matters: What fuels you to keep doing this work?

Tammy Krause: The very first bag we delivered told us everything. It was for a little boy named Garrison. He was so excited he could hardly stand it. That moment we knew we were making a difference.

And honestly, it’s the joy. Joy has become a tool. We used to say play is the best medicine, but it’s bigger than that. Joy can exist alongside heartbreak and grief. You can walk into a hospital room with a terrible diagnosis, and joy can still be there.

When you can bring that joy into those spaces, that’s what fuels you. And it’s not just for the kids it’s for families, volunteers, everyone involved. Joy connects all of us.

Charity Matters: When do you know you have made a difference?

Tammy Krause: You see it in the smiles. You see it in the relief on a parent’s face. Stories like Garrison’s……he came back years later asking for a new backpack because his had finally worn out and that’s impact you can’t measure.

We’ve given out over 17,000 bags, but numbers only tell part of the story. The real difference is in those moments of connection and joy. And honestly, it’s also in our volunteers. Watching people come in and build bags kids, grandparents, entire families and seeing their excitement, that’s impact too. It’s creating a community around service.

Charity Matters: Tell us what success you have had and what your impact has been? 

Tammy Krause: We can measure success in numbers…17,000 bags, how many we deliver weekly, the cost of each bag but the true impact is much deeper. We’ve expanded into multiple cities, Kansas City and Omaha, and we’ve grown into mental health services, which now actually exceed our medical bags in demand.

Our impact is also in the communities we’ve built. Volunteers of all ages come together, and they leave feeling connected and inspired. All the pieces fundraising, volunteers, hospitals come together to make it work. That’s what success looks like.

CHARITY MATTERS: IF YOU COULD DREAM ANY DREAM FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?

Tammy Krause: There are always dreams. We want to expand to serve more hospitals, more children, more communities. But at the same time, we have to protect the integrity of what we do. Every bag has to remain intentional and impactful.

One of my bigger dreams is actually creating a nonprofit space a place where organizations can host events and gather. There’s a real need for that, especially in Colorado. And beyond that, I believe in collaboration. There’s enough to go around. We need to “play nice in the sandbox” with other nonprofits and support each other.

That’s a big part of the dream too ….building community across organizations.

CHARITY MATTERS: WHAT LIFE LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THIS EXPERIENCE?

Tammy Krause: One of the biggest lessons is staying focused and intentional. As you grow, it’s easy to get pulled in different directions, but you have to remember why you started. Another is that we’re here to support each other. That’s really what leadership is about.

I’ve also learned the importance of celebrating. We’re always looking ahead, but it’s important to pause and recognize what we’ve accomplished. And especially with our work in mental health, I’ve learned how critical it is to adapt while staying true to your mission. The need is real, and it’s growing.

CHARITY MATTERS: HOW HAS THIS JOURNEY CHANGED YOU?

Tammy Krause: I think I’ve learned that everyone has a story. Every person who comes into our organization donor, volunteer, or family brings their own experience with them.

I hope I’ve become more patient. I’ve learned to trust the community more and to trust that things will work out. In the beginning, it felt like everything had to happen right away. Now I trust that Bags of Fun will continue. We’ve been here for over 20 years it’s not going anywhere.

Letting go and trusting the process has been a big change for me. And understanding that things will change but that’s okay. Because at the end of the day, we’re here to serve. And that’s what matters most.

CHARITY MATTERS.

 

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Walking With my Mom

The Gift of 60

Have you ever heard a man talk about how long he thinks he will live based on the age his father died? I certainly have. In fact, I heard my dad do it for years. Men who lose their fathers often keep one eye on the calendar. As they approach the age their dad was when he died, they naturally begin to wonder what lies ahead.

However, I had never heard a woman talk that way. Until now. My mom died at the age of 60. This past week I turned 60. To say that number hasn’t been on my mind would be a lie. For years, I thought this was something only men did. Then suddenly, I found myself standing at the exact age where my mother’s story ended. That realization has stayed with me and made this birthday sit a little different.

Looking Back

When my mom died, I was only 35 years old. At the time, she didn’t seem old at all. She was a grandmother to three children and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of a fourth grandchild. More importantly, she was thriving.

Joy followed my mother everywhere. She laughed easily, loved deeply, and shared wisdom without ever preaching. Most of all, she had reached a wonderful season of life where she was finally doing what she wanted to do. By then, worries had loosened their grip.

The children were grown. Financial concerns had settled down. Other people’s opinions mattered less. Instead, she focused on what brought her happiness: traveling, working, spending time with friends, and loving her grandchildren. In short, it was finally her time.

Now that I have arrived at this same age, I finally understand what she was feeling. I especially miss her this birthday.

When Time Feels Different

Women spend so much of their lives caring for others. First come the children. Then there are spouses, careers, friendships, volunteer commitments, and eventually aging parents. Meanwhile, the years seem to move faster and faster.

Before long, you wake up and realize you are 60. Something shifts. Suddenly, time feels a little more precious. An alarm bell quietly rings somewhere in the distance. As a result, you start asking different questions.  How many more chances will I have to ski, hike, travel, laugh, and explore?

Perhaps that is why turning 60 feels different. It isn’t really about the number. Instead, it is about recognizing that time is a gift. I am reminded of that old soap opera opening: “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.”

At this stage, there is clearly less sand in the top half than there is in the bottom. Therefore, paying attention feels more important than ever.

Choosing Adventure

Age isn’t a number. Rather, age is an attitude. Even more than that, age is energy.

Each day gives us a choice. We can stay comfortable, or we can keep growing. We can sleep in, or we can get up before sunrise and walk with friends. We can avoid risk, or we can choose adventure. Unfortunately, comfort can quietly become a habit.

Even after tearing my calf while skiing this year, I still cannot wait to get back on a mountain. Recovery has been slow. Some days have been frustrating. Nevertheless, I would rather risk getting hurt doing something I love than spend my life sitting on the sidelines. That choice matters.

Interestingly, my mother lived the same way.

Whether it was walking the Rose Bowl with girlfriends at dawn, swimming in a cold lake, or saying yes to another trip, she kept choosing life. While many people slow down, she leaned in. As a result, she showed all of us what was possible.

Walking With My Mom

I spent ten days walking the Camino de Santiago. Throughout the journey, thoughts of my mother were never far away. In fact, I felt her presence almost every day.

During difficult climbs, I thought about her strength. Whenever my legs were tired, I imagined her cheering me forward just as she always had. Because of that, the trip became far more than a physical journey. It became a gift.

Perhaps the cord between parent and child is never truly cut. Even after death, something remains. Love remains. Memory remains. Connection remains. As I walked through Portugal and Spain, that connection felt stronger than ever. Although she was not physically beside me, I felt her encouragement in countless moments.

Without question, that was one of the greatest gifts of turning 60.

The Gift Is This

After all the reflection, the lesson feels surprisingly simple:

Live.

Not someday. Not when the timing is better. Not when the to-do list is finished.

Live now.

Feed your soul. Nurture your spirit. Call the friend. Take the trip. Watch the hummingbird. Eat the good bread. Furthermore, don’t rush through the small moments. Enjoy the blue sky. Listen to the song you love. Savor a great conversation. Laugh a little longer than necessary.

Those gifts are all around us.

Unfortunately, we are all moving too fast to notice. The Camino reminded me to slow down. It taught me to listen more carefully, notice more deeply, and appreciate more fully. Although daily life makes that harder, the lesson remains the same.

Slow down. Pay attention. Find joy. Choose gratitude. Most importantly, choose life.

My mother’s journey ended at 60. Mine feels like it is just beginning.

As I step into this new decade, I am not focused on how much sand remains in the hourglass. Instead, how I want to make every grain count. Because if turning 60 has taught me anything, it is this: Life is precious and life is short. Joy is available, if we look for it. And every single day is an invitation to fully live. The choice is ours….

CHARITY MATTERS.

 

YOUR REFERRAL IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT,  IF YOU ARE SO MOVED OR INSPIRED, WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO SHARE AND INSPIRE ANOTHER. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please connect with us:

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The Journey Ahead

Walking Into 60

For the past few months, I honestly wasn’t sure what this summer would look like. After my ski accident in February, life suddenly became much smaller. There were surgeries, crutches, a boot, physical therapy appointments, and countless frustrating moments simply trying to do the basic things we all take for granted. As a result, my world slowed down in ways I never expected. When you go from moving freely through life to struggling to take a single step, perspective changes quickly.

That is why preparing to leave for the Camino feels emotional in ways I never anticipated.

In just a few days, I will head to Portugal with dear friends to begin walking the Camino de Santiago as part of celebrating my 60th birthday. Even writing those words feels surreal. Only a few months ago, I couldn’t walk at all. Now, however, I am preparing to walk one of the world’s most historic pilgrimage routes one step at a time. Honestly, it feels like such a gift.

The Journey Ahead

For centuries, pilgrims from around the world have walked the Camino searching for something meaningful. Some walk for healing, while others seek faith, clarity, forgiveness, adventure, or transformation. Along the way, each traveler carries their own burdens, hopes, questions, and stories.

Lately, people keep asking me what I am hoping to find on this journey.

The truth is, I’m not walking in search of anything.

Instead, I hope to simply be present enough to receive whatever the journey wants to offer. Somewhere along the road between Portugal and Spain, between quiet mornings and aching feet, between laughter with friends and moments of silence, I trust there will be lessons waiting.

After all, life teaches us when we slow down enough to listen.

Perhaps that is why the Camino has drawn people in for generations. In a world that constantly tells us to hurry, produce, achieve, and consume, the Camino invites something entirely different. Walk slowly. Carry only what you need. Notice the people beside you. Pay attention to the beauty around you. Trust the next step.

There is something deeply beautiful about that rhythm.

As I stand on the edge of turning 60, I realize this season of life may be inviting the same thing. Less rushing and more presence. Less proving and more gratitude. Less noise and more purpose.

Lessons From Recovery

Without question, these past few months have reminded me repeatedly that health is not something to take for granted. In addition, community matters deeply. Purpose matters too. During difficult moments, you quickly discover who truly shows up for you.

Some people text encouragement. Others pray faithfully. Many bring meals, offer support, or simply remind you not to give up. Throughout this recovery, I have felt incredibly carried by love.

At the same time, another unexpected gift arrived this week that left me emotional in the very best way.

The Charity Matters Podcast was recognized by Million Podcasts in multiple national rankings for 2026:
#7 Best Charity Podcast in the United States
#15 Best Philanthropy Podcast
#44 Best Nonprofit Podcast

Additionally, the podcast was recognized in categories focused on changemakers, social impact, advocacy, kindness, nonprofit leadership, and philanthropy.

Gratitude For This Community

When I first started Charity Matters all those years ago, my only hope was to shine a light on good people doing extraordinary things to help others. Back then, I never imagined where this journey would lead. More importantly, I could never have imagined the incredible community that would grow from it.

According to Million Podcasts, their rankings are based on audience engagement, consistency, authority within the space, ratings, reviews, and podcast activity. Behind every one of those statistics are real people. More specifically, all of you.

Many of you listen faithfully each week.
Others generously share stories and encourage friends to tune in.
Still more continue showing up because you believe kindness matters and goodness matters. Because of this community, we continue putting more good into the world together.

That recognition felt like the most beautiful early birthday gift because it reminded me that this work matters. Stories matter. Encouragement matters. Service matters. Most importantly, goodness matters.

Buen Camino

As I head off toward Portugal and begin walking into this next decade of life, my heart is filled with gratitude. Gratitude for healing. Gratitude for friendship. Gratitude for this beautiful community. Most of all, gratitude for every lesson these difficult months have brought.

Although I don’t know exactly what the Camino will teach me yet, I do know this: life itself is a pilgrimage. In one way or another, we are all walking each other home.

If I have learned anything over these past sixty years, it is that the journey becomes infinitely more meaningful when we walk it with love, purpose, faith, and kindness.

I promise to share more reflections when I return.

Until then…Buen Camino.

Charity Matters

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Causes

Episode 105: Ripple Effects Artists

What if art wasn’t just something we experienced but something that moved us to act? This week’s Charity Matters episode introduces you to Jessie Fahay, a true “Ripple Effects Artist” who is transforming the way we think about theater, storytelling, and service. Jessie doesn’t just create powerful productions ….she creates experiences that spark conversations, challenge perspectives, and connect audiences directly to the people and causes working to change our world. Her work sits at the intersection of art and advocacy, reminding us that when we feel something deeply, we have a responsibility to do something with it.

Jessie’s journey is a beautiful example of what happens when passion meets purpose. From performing in meaningful productions like The Diary of Anne Frank to asking herself the life-changing question, “What is my life actually for?” She found a way to use her gifts to elevate others. In this inspiring conversation, Jessie shares how one idea turned into a 15-year movement, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why even one small ripple of action can create lasting impact. This episode will leave you thinking differently about the power of creativity and your own ability to make a difference.

 

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

Charity Matters: Tell us a little about what Ripple Effects ARTISTS does?

Jessie Fahay: We are predominantly a theatrical production company, but what makes us unique is that everything we produce is rooted in purpose. We create theater and sometimes film or radio plays, that raise both awareness and funds for human rights organizations and advocates.

After every production, we host talkback conversations which are panels that feature leaders whose work directly connects to the themes of the show. So it’s not just about experiencing art and walking away. It’s about engaging, asking questions, and creating a space where audiences can connect what they’ve just seen to real-world action.

Charity Matters: What experiences did you have as a child that influenced your work?

Jessie Fahay: There wasn’t just one moment….it was really a collection of experiences that shaped me.

One of the most impactful was touring as an actor with The Diary of Anne Frank. It was an educational production for students, and after every show we would have these deep, thoughtful conversations about prejudice, bigotry, and history. I saw firsthand how powerful theater could be not just as entertainment, but as a catalyst for dialogue and understanding.

Then there were experiences in high school, like when Columbine happened. We did a production called Bang Bang You’re Dead, which explored the root causes behind school violence. That was another moment where theater wasn’t just art but it was a way to process, question, and try to understand the world.

And living in New York, I’ve had the privilege of seeing incredible theater. Shows like The Normal Heart left me emotionally undone…..but more than that, they left me wanting more. I didn’t want the experience to end when I walked out of the theater. I wanted to keep talking, keep unpacking, and ask, “What now?” That feeling stayed with me.

Charity Matters: What was the moment you knew you needed to act and start Ripple Effects ARTISTS?

Jessie Fahay: It really came down to a question someone asked me: What is your life actually for? That question changed everything. It shifted me from thinking about what I wanted to do to thinking about what I was here to contribute.

I realized I understood powerful theater. I knew what meaningful storytelling looked like, and I also knew there were incredible nonprofit organizations doing important work that needed a platform. And it just clicked. I could bring those two worlds together.

All of my past experiences funneled into that moment. It wasn’t just one play or one experience, it was everything combined. But that question gave me clarity. It gave me direction. It made me see that this wasn’t just a career idea it was my contribution.

Charity Matters: What are your biggest challenges?

Jessie Fahay: In the beginning, the biggest challenges were simply figuring everything out. The logistics, the paperwork, how to even become a nonprofit….it’s a lot. We didn’t officially incorporate until 2013, even though we started in 2009. And beyond that, you have to be okay wearing a lot of hats. You’re an entrepreneur, a producer, a fundraiser, a marketer…..you’re everything.

You’re constantly pitching, not just a product, but a mission. You’re asking people to give their time, their money, their energy. You’re building something that depends on other people believing in it. And that’s both the challenge and the beauty of it. You’re constantly connecting people to something bigger than themselves. But it takes resilience, and it takes a willingness to keep going even when it’s hard.

Charity Matters: What fuels you to keep doing this work?

Jessie Fahay: It’s the moments when I see the model actually work. When we have a talkback after a show and the audience is engaged and when you can feel that something has landed, that something has sparked…..that’s everything.

It might be a small theater, it might be a modest audience, but when people get it, when they connect the dots, there’s nothing better than that. It’s similar to what teachers describe when a student finally understands something. That moment of clarity, that moment of connection….that’s what fuels me.

Charity Matters: When do you know you have made a difference?

Jessie Fahay: We’ve actually looked at some data, and about 5% of our audience takes immediate action during the show…..signing petitions, committing to volunteer, or deciding to donate. But beyond the numbers, it’s those connections that matter.

It’s when someone discovers an organization they’ve never heard of even though it’s right in their own city and decides to get involved. It’s when people from completely different worlds come together and realize they care about the same issue.

That’s when I know we’re making a difference…….when awareness turns into action, even in small ways.

Charity Matters: Tell us what success you have had and what your impact has been? 

Jessie Fahay: We’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and we’re heading into our 17th season. That alone is something I’m incredibly proud of. We’ve created a model where art and advocacy work together…..where theater becomes a platform for real-world impact.

We’ve helped bring visibility to organizations that people didn’t even know existed. We created spaces where audiences don’t just consume art, but engage with it and act on it. And while the numbers matter……the attendance, the funds raised, the actions taken…..it’s really about those moments of connection. Those are the true measure of success for me.

 

Charity Matters: If you could dream any dream for your organization, what would that be?

Jessie Fahay:  I would love to see Ripple Effect Artists on a Broadway stage…..creating work that is not only artistically excellent, but also deeply impactful. But beyond that, the bigger dream is that this model becomes something widely adopted—that the arts and advocacy become more deeply connected across all disciplines.

There is so much powerful art being created, and there is so much important advocacy work happening. Bringing those two together creates something even more meaningful. I truly believe that can elevate both the credibility of the arts and the reach of advocacy. That’s the vision.

Charity Matters: What life lessons have you learned from this experience?

Jessie Fahay: One of the biggest lessons is that this work isn’t for everyone…..and that’s okay. Not everyone wants to engage with heavy, thought-provoking theater. Not everyone wants to be involved in this kind of work. And I’ve learned not to try to convert people.

If I could go back and tell myself anything, it would be: don’t spend so much energy trying to make people fit. Let them find their own path, and focus on finding the people who align with yours. That shift would have saved me a lot of time and energy.

Charity Matters: How has this journey changed you?

Jessie Fahay: This journey has required me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve had to learn how to embody different energies…..to be compassionate and open-hearted, but also strong, clear, and sometimes firm.

Running a nonprofit means making tough decisions, setting boundaries, and leading with clarity. You can have a big heart and still be a strong leader. And I’ve also learned to meet people where they are and to accept what they can give, without expectation or judgment.

At the end of the day, this work has made me more resilient, more grounded, and more committed to the idea that we all have something to contribute. And when we find what that is, and give it away, that’s when real change happens.

CHARITY MATTERS.

 

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What Matters?

Progress not perfection: A 2026 Progress Report

 

At the beginning of this year, I shared something very personal with you. I shared my dreams for 2026 and my commitment to making this year different. Not because last year was bad, but because sometimes life calls us to step forward more intentionally. And as I approach a milestone birthday, turning sixty next month, I knew deep down that I wanted to close out this decade with purpose, courage, and a little bit of adventure.

So today is simply a progress report.

Since July of 2011, you have walked alongside me on this journey through Charity Matters. You have been my sounding board, my encouragement, my accountability partners, and quite honestly, my inspiration. When I wrote my Dreams for 2026 post, it felt a bit like standing at the edge of a new chapter. I wasn’t entirely sure what it would look like, but I knew that if I was going to dream big, I needed to act.

The first promise I made to myself this year was to grow. To do something that scared me and stretched me in ways that show vulnerability. For me, that meant committing to something that both excites and terrifies me…..public speaking. I like to talk and maybe a little too much sometimes. While I do speak to nonprofit groups, leadership conferences, and audiences who care deeply about service. I really want to improve, to refine the message and  become a better storyteller.

In February, I committed to taking a public speaking class. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to get better. I wanted to sharpen the message of service that has changed my life and that sits at the heart of Charity Matters. I wanted to better craft the stories that remind people that helping others is not just something nice to do, it is often the very thing that heals us.

Each week in class we work on refining stories, clarifying our message, and identifying the tools we can give an audience so that they leave not only inspired but empowered to act. It has been challenging and invigorating all at the same time. Some days I leave feeling confident, other days humbled, but every week I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Because if we believe in growth, we have to be willing to do the work.

Like many of us, I set great New Year’s goals around health and fitness.  I had big plans…exercise, strength, preparation for the adventures ahead. And like so many things in life, those plans hit a bit of a detour. Right now, instead of running around at full speed, I find myself learning to walk again since my ski accident in February. The crutches are gone and now replaced with a cane.  This was certainly not part of the plan. In fact, if I’m honest, it has been a lesson in patience and humility. But as we all know, the best laid plans sometimes take their own path.

Healing takes time, and perhaps this is simply a reminder to slow down and listen to the body as much as the heart. There hasn’t been much choice.  I have been working so hard in physical therapy because I have had a clear goal for healing and regaining strength for what lies ahead. And what lies ahead is something I am incredibly excited about.

This year, in celebration of turning sixty, a group of friends and I will be traveling to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago together. If you have ever dreamed about walking the Camino, you know that it is more than just a physical journey. It is a pilgrimage. One that offers reflection, friendship, laughter, and a chance to reconnect with what matters most.

Until recently, it was a little unclear if I would be able to make it. Doctors said that I am good to go. As a result, I have been working so hard physically to rehab. This trip is the result of one of the best decisions  made this year  which was scheduling our fun first. Instead of waiting for the calendar to magically create space for joy, we put it there ourselves. We made the commitment to adventure, to friendship, and to celebration. Now life is simply filling in the cracks around those moments. And honestly, that might be one of the biggest lessons of this year so far.

Too often we plan work first and hope life fits in somewhere later. This year we flipped that script. We planned the joy, the connection,  the memories and the rest will come. So while the year is only mid way through, I can say this much:  this year has tested me in ways I have not been tested before. Growth is happening. Dreams are moving. Healing, physical therapy and training are all underway. And adventure is on the horizon.

Most importantly, I am reminded once again that dreams don’t come true simply because we write them down. They come to life because we take small, brave steps toward them each day. Thank you for continuing to walk this journey with me. As always, your encouragement reminds me that none of us dream alone.

And if the first few months of this year are any indication, 2026 is going to continue to test me and to stretch me.  Here is to hoping that we all come out stronger on the other side!

CHARITY MATTERS.

 

YOUR REFERRAL IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT,  IF YOU ARE SO MOVED OR INSPIRED, WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO SHARE AND INSPIRE ANOTHER. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please connect with us:

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Health

I’ve been thinking…

“I’ve been thinking…”

My husband believes those are three very dangerous words. Perhaps he’s right. Over the past few months being unable to walk, being sick, and being tested……I’ve had more time than usual to sit with my thoughts. Life has felt like a funnel, with so much pouring in and only a slow drip coming out the other end.

Lately, it feels as if I’ve been placed in the observation chair and told to sit, listen, and take everything in. No driving, no constant motion…..just observing.  This is unfamiliar territory.

Normally, I’m in the driver’s seat, pedal to the metal, moving full speed ahead. What I’m beginning to understand is that when you move that fast, it’s almost impossible to truly see or hear what’s around you.

From Full Speed to Stillness

Recently, life has gone from sixty to zero.

This season has become a lesson in patience, in slowing down, and in surrender. Accepting help has not come easily. That delicate line between independence and dependence feels thinner than ever.Asking for help feels vulnerable. It stretches every part of who I think I am.

And yet…

Kindness has met me at every turn. Strangers hold doors as I navigate on crutches. Friends show up with meals. Messages, check-ins, and small gestures appear daily, each one meaningful. Being on the receiving end of so much generosity has filled me with gratitude. More than that, it has renewed my belief in humanity.

When we slow down enough, goodness becomes impossible to miss.

When You Can’t Speak, You Listen

One of the greatest lessons during this time has been learning to listen. Not just to my body, but to everything happening around me.

Last week, I collapsed and ended up in the ER. I’m fine now, so no need to worry. Still, the experience left a lasting imprint. As paramedics loaded me into the red truck, everything became blurry. Awareness faded in and out. By the time we reached the emergency room, I couldn’t open my eyes or speak but I could hear everything.

What I heard is something I cannot stop thinking about.

The Woman Behind the Curtain

Inside the ER, doctors and nurses moved quickly around me. Their voices blended into a steady rhythm of urgency and care. Beyond the curtain next to me, another story quietly unfolded.

The patient beside me was an elderly woman. From her voice alone, I could sense her grace, her precise words  and her calm tone. The doctor explained that she needed surgery immediately. Then came a simple question: “Who can we call?”

Silence followed.

After a moment, she said she needed time to think. Gently, she explained that her concern wasn’t who to call. Instead, she worried about who would take care of her cat. My heart broke.

As the doctor and nurse reviewed forms, I could hear her discomfort. Pain slipped through her voice as she responded. A single thought kept repeating in my mind: Who is helping her? Wanting to speak, to advocate, to do something….I couldn’t. Tears streamed down my face as I listened.

A Life of Order, A Moment of Uncertainty

Soon, a social worker arrived. Questions began about the cat….its age, food, medications, and care instructions. Each answer came with remarkable clarity and detail. The woman described exactly where everything was and how it all worked.

Impressed, the social worker commented on her organization. With quiet pride, the woman replied,
“Of course there is a system for everything. I would like you to know, young lady, that I was a librarian for over forty years. Everything has a system.”

In that moment, I could see her clearly. Her life, her order, her independence and her dignity. Still, one question would not leave me…

Who would take her home after surgery?
Was there anyone to check in on her ?
Who would care for her?

The Questions That Stay With Us

That moment has stayed with me. It returns in quiet spaces and unexpected pauses. Beneath it all lies a deeper question:

How does someone end up alone?

Human beings aren’t meant to live in isolation. We are wired for connection, built for community, and designed to belong. But over time, however, connections fade. People move. Life shifts. Loss enters. Gradually, sometimes without notice, the circle grows smaller. Eventually, it can become just one person… and a beloved cat… facing a moment no one should face alone.

The Power of Asking and Receiving

Here is what I keep coming back to and what is dropping out of the funnel. The power of asking for help… and the power of connection. These two forces are deeply intertwined.

During this season, asking for help has stretched me in ways I never expected. What I’ve discovered is that asking doesn’t weaken us but rather it creates space for others to step in with love. Offering help matters just as much. Noticing someone. Reaching out. Showing up before the need is spoken.

Because not everyone can ask.

What We Can Do

So what do we do with this awareness? We reach out, we check in and  we build connection before we need it.  Then we step into someone else’s world when they do. Notice the neighbor you haven’t seen in a while. Call the friend who has gone quiet. Offer to pick up groceries, share a meal, or simply sit and listen.

Connection begins with small choices. Every act of kindness, no matter how simple, carries weight. Sometimes, those small acts are the difference between someone feeling invisible… and someone feeling seen.

A Final Thought

I don’t know what happened to the woman behind the curtain. Whether someone showed up for her. If her cat was cared for. Or whether she had someone waiting on the other side of surgery. What I do know is this:

She changed me.

That moment reminded me that life isn’t about constant motion or endless productivity. True meaning often reveals itself when we pause long enough to notice others. Maybe my husband is right…” I’ve been thinking” can be dangerous.

Because once awareness begins, it doesn’t stop. Once you truly see… you cannot unsee. And what becomes clear is this: We need each other. Always.

In the end, the smallest act of kindness may simply be making sure someone knows they are not alone.

CHARITY MATTERS.

 

YOUR REFERRAL IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT,  IF YOU ARE SO MOVED OR INSPIRED, WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO SHARE AND INSPIRE ANOTHER. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please connect with us:

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Causes

Episode 102: JDS Creative

We often think of the arts as something extra….something creative, expressive, maybe even optional. But what if the arts were actually the bridge to confidence, communication, independence, and purpose? In this powerful and inspiring conversation, I sit down with husband and wife Diane and Scott Strand, the founders of JDS Creative Academy, who are using the arts in the most extraordinary way…..to transform lives. What began as two creatives working in Hollywood, juggling long hours and raising a young family, turned into a simple “what if?” and that one question has now grown into a thriving nonprofit that is changing the trajectory of lives every single day.

Through filmmaking, acting, digital media, and storytelling, Diane and Scott are giving people, especially adults with developmental disabilities, the tools to find their voice, build real-world skills, and step into a life they may have never believed possible. This episode is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the greatest impact doesn’t come from grand plans, but from saying yes to one person, one opportunity, one moment at a time. Their story is filled with heart, humility, and hope and it will leave you inspired to look at your own gifts and ask, “What if I used them to help someone else?”

 

 

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

 

Charity Matters: Tell us a little about what JDS Creative does?

Diane Strand:  JDS Creative Academy is a nonprofit 501 c3 with a mission of using visual, performing, and digital arts to enhance life, creativity, and business. We serve youth, teens, and adults both mainstream and special needs through hands-on programs that allow people to step in and immediately be part of the creative process.

The goal is not just learning the arts for fun, although there is joy in that. It is about giving people tools they can use for career pathways, workforce development, and independence. We want people to understand the power of the arts….not just as expression, but as a way to build a life.

Charity Matters: What experiences did you have as a child that influenced your work?

Diane Strand:  I always say you cannot connect your dots looking forward you have to look back. For me, those dots go all the way back to first and second grade. I was a little girl who just wanted to play Betsy Ross in the school play, and everyone told me I couldn’t. I was a struggling reader, an undiagnosed dyslexic, and school was not easy for me.

But the arts were my connection. They kept me engaged in learning and gave me a way to grow beyond my challenges. At the time, I couldn’t articulate why it mattered so much, but now I see it clearly. The arts gave me a voice when I didn’t have one in other areas.

Later in life, when Scott and I were in Hollywood and becoming successful, the environment wasn’t always kind. Something in me instinctively knew I wanted something different something rooted in kindness and purpose. Looking back, all of those experiences were pointing me here.

 

Charity Matters: What was the moment you knew you needed to act and start JDS Creative?

Scott Strand:  It really started with a “what if” moment. Diane and I were both working long, exhausting hours, and we had just had our son. I was taking him to auditions in a stroller, and Diane was leaving before he woke up and coming home after he was asleep. It just wasn’t sustainable.

One night, after I finished my film degree, I said, “What if we sold everything, moved, and built our own production company? You know how to produce, I know how to film….we can do this.” She said yes, and that started our entrepreneurial journey.

The nonprofit came later, and it happened organically. We had a successful production company and an actor studio that grew out of a drama club we were running. People kept asking us to do more teach writing, filmmaking, theater. We kept saying yes.

Then one day someone asked, “What if you worked with an adult with developmental disabilities who wanted to learn audio?” We said, “Let’s try it.” And once we saw what was possible, it became, “If we can teach one, we can teach many.”

That was the moment. It wasn’t a grand plan……it was a series of “what ifs” that we chose to answer.

Charity Matters: What are your biggest challenges?

Scott Strand: One of the biggest challenges is capacity. The need is so much bigger than what we can serve. When we started, we had five adults in the program, and very quickly that number grew. Once people saw what we were doing, the applications started coming in.

It’s a good problem, but it’s also a hard realization that you cannot meet every need. No matter how much you want to help, you can only serve as many people as your resources allow.

Another challenge is building the right team. Not everyone understands the nonprofit space or shares the same vision right away. We had to grow into leadership that allows people to be creative while still supporting the mission. Now we have a team that truly believes in what we are doing, and that makes all the difference.

Charity Matters: What fuels you to keep doing this work?

Diane Strand:  For me, it’s the people. It’s our students, our families, and our team. Some of the people who stepped in during the early years are still here today. That kind of loyalty and belief is incredibly powerful.

Our own children fuel us as well. They grew up in this environment…. in the arts, in the theater, in this mission and they’ve bought into it completely. That tells me we’re building something that matters.

And truly, the more you serve, the more you receive. That has been one of the greatest lessons of this journey. You give and give, and somehow your life becomes fuller in the process.

 

Charity Matters: When do you know you have made a difference?

Scott Strand:  It’s in the small, real moments. It’s when you see the light bulb go on. I had a moment recently where I walked into the studio and saw a group of students some neurotypical, some adults with autism sharing their ideas for films they wanted to create.

They were listening to each other, supporting each other, and fully engaged. I stopped and thought, “This is it. This is why we do this.”

It’s not about numbers it’s about those moments where someone feels seen, heard, and capable.

Charity Matters: Tell us what success you have had and what your impact has been? 

Diane Strand:  Of course, we’ve had awards and recognition, and those are wonderful. But our real success is in the lives we’ve seen transformed.

We’ve had students who didn’t speak much at home start coming home and sharing their day with their families. We’ve had individuals placed into internships and jobs. We’ve seen people gain independence and confidence in ways they never thought possible.

I always say, “Help one person every day,” because that one act creates a ripple effect. When someone grows here, they take that growth home, into their families, into their communities. It changes everything.

 

Charity Matters: If you could dream any dream for your organization, what would that be?

Diane Strand:   We created JDS Creative Academy to outlive us. The dream is legacy. We want this work to continue far beyond our time.

I would love to see programs like this across the country arts-based workforce development programs that help adults with developmental disabilities build real skills, find independence, and thrive.

We are working toward making the organization self-sustaining so it can continue without relying on us. That’s the dream that what we’ve built lives on and continues to serve.

Charity Matters: What life lessons have you learned from this experience?

Diane Strand:  Patience has been one of the biggest lessons. I came from a fast-paced, results-driven world, and this work requires a different kind of leadership one rooted in patience, kindness, and compassion.

It has also taught me to be more open. For most of my life, I worked around my dyslexia and didn’t talk about it. Now I can share that part of my story and recognize that it’s not something to hide, it’s part of what shaped me.

Kindness, clarity, and perspective those are the lessons I carry with me every day.

Charity Matters: How has this journey changed you?

Scott Strand: It’s allowed me to become more myself. I’ve always been a performer at heart, but for a long time I felt like I had to be more guarded as a business owner and leader.

Now I can lead with humor, creativity, and openness. I can be playful, and that actually makes me a better leader. It creates an environment where people feel safe to express themselves and grow.

This journey has shown me that when you help someone step into who they truly are, it doesn’t just change their life it changes yours too.

CHARITY MATTERS.

 

YOUR REFERRAL IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT,  IF YOU ARE SO MOVED OR INSPIRED, WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO SHARE AND INSPIRE ANOTHER. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please connect with us:

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Charity Matters Inspiration

World Health Day: Caring for ourselves, Caring for our world

Each year on April 7th, the world pauses to recognize World Health Organization’s World Health Day, a global reminder that our health is our most precious resource. Established in 1950 to commemorate the founding of the World Health Organization, the day highlights critical health issues affecting people around the globe and encourages governments, communities, and individuals to take action toward healthier lives.

But while the name may sound global and grand, the truth is that world health actually begins in very small, very personal places: in our homes, in our neighborhoods, and in the choices we make every single day.

Health is something we often take for granted….until we don’t have it. Whether it’s a sudden diagnosis, an injury that slows us down ( yep)  or watching someone we love struggle with illness, those moments remind us how fragile and precious our well-being truly is. Our health is the foundation that allows us to show up for the people we love, pursue our dreams, and serve others in meaningful ways.

Without our health, everything becomes harder….trust me something I am very aware of these days.

The purpose of World Health Day is not simply to recognize doctors, hospitals, or health organizations….although they certainly deserve our gratitude. It is a call for all of us to take responsibility for our own well-being and for the well-being of our communities. Because health is not just about medicine. It is about lifestyle, environment, connection, and care.

Healthy communities create a healthier world.

When we take care of ourselves we are better equipped to help others. A parent who prioritizes their health can be present for their children. A teacher who protects their well-being can inspire generations of students. A volunteer who feels strong and energized can serve their community with compassion and purpose.

Health creates capacity. In many ways, caring for ourselves is one of the most important acts of service we can offer the world.

Around the globe, access to healthcare, clean water, nutritious food, and safe living conditions remains a challenge for millions of people. These disparities remind us that health is not simply a personal issue but it is a collective one. When communities work together to improve health resources, advocate for better systems, and support those in need, we move closer to a world where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life.

But change does not always require sweeping global initiatives. Sometimes it begins with simple acts within our own neighborhoods.

Check in on an elderly neighbor who may be isolated.
Bring a healthy meal to a friend recovering from surgery.
Support a local health clinic or nonprofit that serves vulnerable families.
Encourage children to play outside and stay active.
Take a walk with a friend instead of meeting over coffee.

These small actions ripple outward in ways we may never fully see.

Health is also deeply connected to kindness and connection. Loneliness and isolation are now recognized as serious public health concerns. When we reach out to others, build community, and foster meaningful relationships, we strengthen not only emotional well-being but physical health as well.

In other words, caring for each other is a form of healthcare.

The past few years have reminded the world just how interconnected our health truly is. A virus that began in one corner of the world quickly affected every community on the planet. We learned that protecting one another through science, cooperation, and compassion was essential to protecting ourselves.

Global health begins locally.

When we make choices that strengthen our own well-being getting enough sleep, moving our bodies, nourishing ourselves with healthy food, managing stress, and nurturing relationships…..we are contributing to a healthier society. When communities prioritize parks, clean air, safe neighborhoods, and accessible healthcare, they build the foundation for future generations to thrive.

And when we look after the most vulnerable among us, we honor the idea that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life.

This World Health Day, perhaps the best thing we can do is pause and ask a simple question:

What is one small step I can take today to care for my health and the health of my community?

Maybe it is scheduling that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off.
Or choosing to move your body and enjoy the outdoors.
Maybe it is checking in on someone who may need encouragement or support.

Health is not built in a single day. It is built through daily choices, shared responsibility, and the understanding that we are all connected.

When we take care of ourselves, we strengthen our families.
And when we strengthen our families, we build healthier communities.
When communities thrive, the world becomes a healthier place for us all.

Because in the end, a healthier world begins with each of us. 🌎

CHARITY MATTERS.

 

YOUR REFERRAL IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT,  IF YOU ARE SO MOVED OR INSPIRED, WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO SHARE AND INSPIRE ANOTHER. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please connect with us:

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Charity Profile

Episode 101: Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Most of us tuck our children into bed each night without giving it a second thought. A warm blanket, a pillow, a place to rest….these simple comforts feel like basic parts of life. But what if you discovered that thousands of children in communities just like yours don’t have a bed at all? That realization changed everything for Luke Mickelson. What began as a small Christmas project in his garage with a few teenage boys and a power drill has grown into a global movement dedicated to making sure no child sleeps on the floor.

In this powerful episode of the Charity Matters Podcast, Luke shares the unforgettable moment that opened his eyes to the hidden crisis of child bedlessness and the little girl named Haley whose first bed changed the trajectory of his life. From one bunk bed to more than 425,000 beds delivered to children around the world, Luke’s story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the simplest acts of kindness create the biggest ripple effects. This conversation will inspire you to look at the world a little differently and maybe even pick up a hammer and help change a child’s life.

 

 

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

 

Charity Matters: Tell us a little about what Sleep in Heavenly Peace does?

Luke Mickelson:  Sleep in Heavenly Peace started as a family Christmas project in a garage, and now it’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that’s been around since 2012. Our main and only mission is to see that no kid sleeps on the floor in our town. Of course, we want “our town” to be everybody’s town. So what we do is build and deliver twin beds and bunk beds for kids ages three to seventeen.

The name came around Christmas time, and it really fulfilled two things. It’s what we wanted those kids to feel like when we left, and it had a little tie to the one person we know who didn’t have a bed when He was born. It’s simple, but that’s the whole idea: no kid should be sleeping on the floor.

Charity Matters: What experiences did you have as a child that influenced your work?

Luke Mickelson: The answer is absolutely and not really. What I mean by that is I grew up in a very small town—about 4,000 people. The beauty of growing up in a small town is you know everybody. The crappy thing is, you know everybody. But because you rub shoulders with people everywhere you go, you learn to support each other. I didn’t know any different. That built a desire in me to want to help people. That’s just what you did.

I also grew up most of my school years with my mom as a single parent. There were five of us kids. We didn’t have much. I remember one Christmas, right after my parents divorced, I was pretty sure we weren’t going to have much at all. I went out to the mailbox for my mom, and there was an envelope with $1,500 in it. We knew where it came from. We knew it was our community, people who had donated. Those are the things that happen in your community that change you.

So I didn’t grow up thinking, “I’m going to be philanthropic.” I just grew up in a place where helping each other was normal. I played sports, was team captain, student body president, and I loved being involved. I loved big groups, loved people, loved serving. It was ingrained in me.

I’ve always felt that if there’s one common denominator among all of us, it’s that we’re human. We’re all just humans. Deep down, I think all of us have some desire to help our own. I had a mission president tell me once: if you want to enjoy your career, look at it as a way of service. That stuck with me. If you show up looking at your work as service, it changes everything.

Charity Matters: What was the moment you knew you needed to act and start Sleep in Heavenly Peace?

Luke Mickelson: I was about thirty-five, and on paper my life looked great. I had a good job, had moved into the corporate office as executive vice president of sales and marketing, was coaching my kids, serving in church, and even planning to buy the business. Everything looked awesome. But internally, there was a hole being developed in my heart. It was a slow erosion over a couple of years, and even though I’m a happy, service-oriented guy, I could feel myself slipping.

Then one night at church, a family was mentioned, and in passing someone said, “The kids don’t have beds.” I stopped her. “Wait a minute, what?” She said they were sleeping on the floor. It hit me like a two-by-four. I went home, drew up a simple bunk bed plan off my daughter’s bed, got the boys together, and we built one. Delivering that bed filled something in me instantly. A few days later, when my own kids were asking for another Xbox, I walked straight to the garage and said, “I’ve got leftover wood. I’m going to build another bunk bed, and you’re going to come help me.”

We didn’t know who to give that second bed to, so I posted it online. What stunned me was how many people responded and how many knew children sleeping on floors, couches, pallets, anywhere but a bed. Then I met Haley, a six-year-old girl who had never slept in a bed, only in the backseat of her mom’s car. When I saw the pile of clothes in the corner where she slept, I almost lost it. But when we put her bed together, she hugged it, kissed it, and her mom stood there crying. That’s when I knew this was way more than a bed.

On the drive home, I told my buddy, “No kid can sleep on the floor in my town if I have anything to do with it.” That Christmas we built and delivered 21 beds. There was no going back.

Charity Matters: What are your biggest challenges?

Luke Mickelson: When you’re passionate about something, passion can be contagious, but it can also act like a bulldozer. You gain friends and you lose friends. Some people wanted to keep it local, and I was thinking, “No, I need to do this.” That’s hard.

Another challenge was my job. Every vacation, every spare minute I had, went to helping the charity grow. My employer saw that this wasn’t slowing down. Eventually my boss sat me down and basically said, “I know you. This isn’t going to stop. You either quit the charity and go to work, or quit work and go do your charity.” At the time it was hard, but it was a gift.

And then as we grew, the challenge became scale. We could build beds fast, but delivering them, organizing volunteers, funding chapters, building a structure that’s real work. Even now, the need is huge. There are 155,000 kids on our waiting list, and we only geographically cover 27% of the United States. That means most of the country still doesn’t know child bedlessness is even a thing.

Charity Matters: What fuels you to keep doing this work?

Luke Mickelson: I live by this mantra: if you want true joy, stop looking at yourself and see how you can help someone else out. Your problems won’t go away, but they won’t seem nearly as heavy.

That’s what this work did for me. It filled something in me that nothing else had. I didn’t care about the paycheck anymore. I didn’t care about the zeros behind it. What fueled me was knowing this mattered. I also had support at home. My wife at the time supported me, and not everybody would support someone saying, “Hey, I’m quitting my job and we’re going to sacrifice for a while.” But she knew this was what made me happy.

Then the mission got a megaphone. Mike Rowe’s Returning the Favor aired our story to 10 million people. We went from seven chapters to 125 in a year. CNN Heroes, Good Morning America, People Magazine….all of it furthered the mission. But at the center of it, what fuels me is still the same thing: helping one kid at a time.

Charity Matters: When do you know you have made a difference?

Luke Mickelson: I knew right there in Haley’s room. When a little girl hugs and kisses a bed, and her mom is crying because for six years she hasn’t been able to give her daughter that, you realize this is way more than furniture.

A bed means physical rest, mental peace, dignity, security, and a sanctuary. These kids sleep better, go to school better prepared, and feel like they matter. They can have friends over. They’re not hiding their lives. So when I see a child’s face, or a parent’s tears, I know we’ve made a difference.

And honestly, I also know it every time a volunteer delivers a bed and comes back changed. The mission helps the child, but it changes the person serving too.

Charity Matters: Tell us what success you have had and what your impact has been? 

Luke Mickelson: We started in 2012 with one family Christmas project. We made it a charity in 2014 because we couldn’t finance it ourselves anymore. By the end of 2017, we had seven active chapters in five states. Then after Mike Rowe’s show aired, it exploded.

Now we’ve trained over 440 chapters in four countries. We’re in almost every state, and this year we’ll pass 425,000 beds built and delivered. We’re the largest bed-building charity in the world. That’s remarkable, especially when you realize I found only one other charity in the country doing this when I first looked.

The success is huge, but the impact is still one child at a time.

Charity Matters: If you could dream any dream for your organization, what would that be?

Luke Mickelson: The dream is simple: that no kid sleeps on the floor. Right now 70% of the country still doesn’t know who we are. I want every family, every teacher, every counselor, every foster agency, every church, every volunteer to know there is a solution.

If someone’s sister in Miami has a child sleeping on the floor, I want them to know exactly where to go. I want chapters everywhere. I want awareness everywhere. I want this epidemic to stop being invisible.

Charity Matters: What life lessons have you learned from this experience?

Luke Mickelson: I’ve learned a lot about people, about passion, and about myself. Skill set matters, but passion matters more. I’ve learned the value of people’s hearts.

I’ve also learned that founders have to grow. Your role has to shift if you want the mission to outlive you. That’s hard, because your mission and your identity get fused together. But growth isn’t loss. Growth is legacy.

And I’ve learned that tiny moments matter. We dismiss them too easily. We think, “I don’t have time,” or “Someone else will do it.” But those little moments of inspiration can become something massive if you act.

Charity Matters: How has this journey changed you?

Luke Mickelson: A million percent it changed me. I value success differently now. I used to think success was the stuff you had and the zeros behind your paycheck. I don’t believe that anymore.

I believe more deeply than ever in humans helping humans. I wish everybody would adopt that. We’re all human first. If we could put differences aside or even celebrate differences….we’d be so much better off.

And maybe the biggest thing is this: I can now step back and see that if I died tomorrow, the mission would keep going. As a founder, that’s one of the greatest gifts you can ever have.  It means what started in a garage as one family Christmas project became something bigger than me.

CHARITY MATTERS.

 

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