Growing up in Georgia, I was raised that you don't take support from others; "hand-outs" are bad. It was more of my parents wanting me to be self-reliant and strong-willed than them being mean-spirited and cold.
I can relate more now that I'm older, and I wasn't an easy kid; I was definitely on the broken side after several bouts of self-destruction through escaping my pain at the end of a line of cocaine and binge drinking. I eventually learned to cope and stand on my own two feet, catching my stride. As I caught my stride, one thing that stood out to me was that not everyone else in my circle had. It was of no fault of their own. Sure, some of them were self-sabotaged, but even still... the times have changed, and times have been changing for a while now, and will continue to. We need support now more than ever; odds are mounting against us as a community, and we need to enable and spread awareness to organizations and programs that make a difference. I am now in the midst of my spiritual journey of making a difference, and my wife and I are committed to contributing 10% of our revenue to charities and churches. As I researched some candidates, I wanted to spread awareness to a few that I came across that resonated with me.
We've even enjoyed brainstorming with someone I am blessed to call a brother, Chris Turvey, on his idea inspired by his late friend, Steve. Black Sheep Shed is a promising initiative supporting young men from broken homes. I have already pledged 1% of our revenue to his cause, although it is a fledgling idea at this point in time. I am excited to see where it goes. I do it to make a difference, I do it for God.
Support for Every Walk of Life
- Giving Kitchen: A haven for individuals exploited in kitchen jobs, offering financial aid during hardships. Many of my good friends come from kitchen jobs or other less-appreciated professions. They deserve better, and even though they probably won't get it, they can find support in the meantime through this organization.
- Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support: For survivors of abuse, organizations like the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault are invaluable resources. Many of the women in my life who matter to me have had a brush with abuse in some form or another. Some of them endured indescribable acts of malice, and they can find respite and support here.
- Genesis Joy House Homeless Shelter & Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia: Genesis Joy House aids homeless female veterans, while the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia provides a faith-based recovery program for men, women, and children facing addictions, violence, and other life challenges. Having faith when life has all but fallen apart is all you got. Sometimes, God puts you in a season where you have nothing but Him to guide you and shape you into the person you were meant to be. You're not alone, and these organizations will help you in that tough season.
- Frankie and Andy’s Place: This charity reflects the solace animals provide, akin to the comfort my own dog, Champ, brought during some of my toughest times. This place offers emotional healing in the shape of an old pooch for those who need love and affection while also sheltering those same old doggies.
Black Sheep Shed: A New Beginning
Black Sheep Shed is dedicated to aiding young men from broken homes, offering stability and healing. This organization embodies the essence of support and rehabilitation. The key here is to find freedom from the pain often formed at the start of life and to help guide young men to find their purposes to make a difference ultimately.
Support for the Unjustly Accused
We're currently working with a family friend; we contribute to those unjustly accused and sentenced, including funding bibles for inmates without access and providing spiritual comfort in difficult times.
We hope that with your help, we can make a difference truly, one candle at a time. Thank you for listening. I look forward to the next one.