Fresh Starts and Faith

What would it take for you to feel like you were making a fresh start? We start over so many times in a lifetime – when we begin living independently as young adults; when we first share our hearts with someone; when we start parenting, caring for aging parents; when we take a deep breath and reinvent ourselves. Many of the people whose stories are on the Benevolent site this week are making fresh starts, too, important ones. One that stands out for me is Kena’s story.

“It's just me and God in this apartment.” - Kena

Kena seems like someone we’d all like to know – now. Not so long ago, Kena was living a life driven by her addiction. She tells us about years of making bad choices. Now, however, Kena is in recovery, living independently for the first time, and ready to build towards her future.

As many know, recovery from addiction is a very personal and often spiritual process. In fact, Kena tells us “It's just me and God in this apartment.” She’s sleeping on an air mattress in an unfurnished apartment and working towards employment and stability. She has a part-time job and is working hard to make ends meet.

This is Kena’s fresh start. She’s coming to life in ways she hasn’t been able to in years, and I am touched that she shared it with us and is trusting us to help.

The very first need we met on the Benevolent site was for a woman named Anne who was also sleeping on an air mattress. Laughingly she told us that every night she went to bed fearing that the bed would pop and she’d wake up on the hard floor. 

This fresh start for Kena is about so much more than a bed. It’s about her determination, optimism, hard work and belief in herself. What we can give her is way beyond furniture. When you reach out and enter Kena’s circle, she’ll know that she’s not walking this new path all on her own. Our recipients tell us all the time that just knowing that there are people out there who believe in them makes a world of difference. I’m glad we can be that world of difference for Kena this spring.

I can just picture it. When Kena gets her new furniture and bed, she’ll know that in addition to her and God in her apartment, a little bit of each of us will be there as well, reminding her that we believe in her and in her new start.

- megan kashner

  founder & ceo

  benevolent

  www.benevolent.net

Teaching by Doing

Sometimes when we post a need to the site, there’s more to the situation than what shows on the surface. Elaine’s need is one of them.

In addition to taking care of her mother, Elaine has found herself raising her granddaughter. This means, clearly, that there’s been some stress and disruption in Elaine’s granddaughter’s life and that more than other kids, this young girl needs not only warm, strong, nurturing parenting -- she needs a role model actively demonstrating that learning is both important and possible, and that adults can find reward in their work.

Elaine believes it’s never too late to go to school and learn, and this is not a vague hope for her. Here’s what she told us: “... I decided I have to do something with my life, and that it’s never too late to start. I went back to culinary school last year to get a degree to work in restaurants and one day maybe even have my own business.”  Elaine needs help getting some basic supplies like sturdy shoes to allow her to stand all day, a set of knives, and a mixer that will allow her to practice at home. 

There are many factors that can help set a child up for success in adulthood, but none is as important as the people who are parenting and modeling for that child what’s possible in life and how each of us has value and unique strengths.  As she pursues her goals, Elaine models determination and success for her granddaughter and all the kids in her life.

So when we wonder what we can do to improve educational and career outcomes for children who grow up in low-income households, here’s an answer – help the adults in their lives succeed and thrive as they pursue their goals.

There’s science behind this. A 2006 study found that while learning cognitive skills in school is important to future success, noncognitive elements like motivation, perseverance and tenacity are equally important. Where do kids learn perseverance? Overwhelmingly, from the adults in their lives who model it. (Heckman 2006)

Here’s where we can make a huge difference. When we help parents (young and old) to succeed in their educational and work pursuits, we change outcomes for at least two generations. “Parents who succeed in completing additional schooling or secure a higher-paying job are likely to have children with better health, schooling, and labor market outcomes.” (Magnuson 2007)

It’s as simple as that. Elaine’s got it right. Let’s help her achieve her educational and work goals as she parents her granddaughter, and models perseverance, motivation and tenacity.

- megan kashner

  founder & ceo

  Benevolent

  www.benevolent.net