Exclusive Ep8 with KAREN OLSON

Karen, a former corporate executive, founded Family Promise after a pivotal encounter with a homeless woman. Fuelled by her own experience with loss and a desire for meaningful work, she built a nationwide organisation addressing family homelessness.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal tragedy can fuel a powerful drive for social change.
• Grassroots, volunteer-driven models can effectively address complex issues.
• Family homelessness has unique root causes and requires tailored solutions.
• Government partnerships and policy reforms are crucial for large-scale impact.
• Individual actions can contribute to meaningful change in communities.

From Personal Tragedy to Social Advocacy:

Karen's mother's suicide as a child deeply impacted her, fostering empathy and a drive to help others. A chance encounter with a homeless woman led her to leave the corporate world and start Family Promise.

• Building Family Promise:

  Beginning with sandwiches, Family Promise evolved into a national network of 200+ affiliates. It utilises a rotational shelter model in partnership with religious congregations, leveraging volunteers for comprehensive support.  

  
  

• Understanding Family Homelessness:

  Family homelessness, often overlooked, is distinct from individual homelessness. Root causes include poverty and lack of affordable housing. Current housing crises exacerbate the problem, leaving many families "invisible."  

  
  

• Family Promise's Impact:

  With an 81% success rate, Family Promise provides holistic support beyond shelter, including job training and childcare. Its model is cost-effective due to volunteer involvement and community resource utilisation.  

  
  

• Systemic Solutions and Policy Reform:

  Addressing family homelessness requires government partnerships and policy changes. Scaling efforts through increased funding and prioritising affordable housing is essential.  

  
  

• Karen's Ongoing Advocacy:

  Despite retirement and a life-altering injury, Karen continues advocating through speaking and writing, emphasising the need for community involvement and government action. Her book, "Meant for More," inspires readers to create change.

  
  

  Another Extraordinary PASSIONISTA!

  
  

  To learn more about Karen, her organisation 'Family Promise' or purchase her book, click below:

  https://www.karenolsonauthor.com/

  
  

  Loved this episode?

  Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to get all the latest episodes uploaded weekly

  
  

  Connect with me:

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  
  

  Email @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bethtaylor@blissful-transformation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  
  

  Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Passionista Society Waitlist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  
  

  Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Passionate Pioneer Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & get your free workbook on how to begin your journey to a joyful and passionate life.