Change the World One Family at a Time
By MoreMerchant on Oct 9, 2007 in Featured, Ministry, Misc, Non Profit
As you may know I have a day job. I love my day job. I am the Corporate Business Manager for a start-up engineering firm. With this though I am a person who loves people. I am a pastor by heart. I want to help the whole person. 
So I have been thinking and dreaming on how I could start a not-for-profit that helps people. How can I help? I want to provide training and job resources for those less fortunate. I want to help them get the training they need to find a job that can support their family. I want to help them find affordable housing and even help them with the deposit etc.
On the whole house idea I think I can raise money that will help them get into the house. Many families can’t afford first, last, and the deposit. So we raise money and help pay this. We work out a deal with the landlord to then give us a certain amount back each month from their rent. This will then be reused to help someone else.
On the whole job training, the sky is the limit. I work at an engineering firm. We have CAD (computer aided drafting/design). We have the expensive software ($6000 per Autodesk 3D license). All we need is teachers. We also need security for the workplace. Something to protect the server and all the work files from damage.
Then as we train people we help them find jobs. I would be able to hire some CAD people. I also know many other corporate executives from engineering firms, oil companies, and more. You see I would hope this grows out of just CAD, and into other areas. Electricians, plumbers, administrative, and more.
The sky is the limit. We can make this world a better place. What I think the first step is to do is begin getting some money together to form this non-profit. This will allow people to donate and get the appropriate tax benefits. This money will help us get this awesome idea going and will help the world be a better place for moms and dads and their children.
Would this idea be of interest to you? Would you like to donate money or time or both? With the resources I already have your donation will go along way.
We have been given many luxuries and benefits in life. It is time that we give back. Some people haven’t been afforded the same things we have. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
Jenny | Oct 10, 2007 | Reply
Hmmm, if this reaches the point where you are looking to provide career training I’d be interested in a conversation. I can’t imagine much that would have a larger impact although from experience I know it is a huge undertaking but I think your model would have a good chance if it focused on one or two families at a time. I’d imagine financial training would be another huge bonus for said families.
MoreMerchant | Oct 10, 2007 | Reply
Jenny,
I would love to hear your ideas. I believe we have most of the pieces to pull this together.
Water Blog | Oct 11, 2007 | Reply
very nice of you, this would be huge and useful contribution to the world,
If i lived somewhere close to you I would come and contribute few hours a week to this project.
Jaya | Oct 11, 2007 | Reply
I already work at a non-profit organization that helps young people learn the life skills they need to make it on their own. One of the problems we encounter is that often WE staff want our clients to succeed more than the clients themselves do. And that doesn’t work for any of us. But I think in large part that is due to the young age range we’re working with (16-24)… a lot of them are still in the adolescent rebellion stage. They just don’t have the INNER motivation that’s needed. So that’s a question we ask ourselves a lot doing this work: how can we help these kids to find the motivation to do what needs to be done to reach their goals?
I think what you are talking about, in providing high skill training, such as working with CAD, is an excellent idea. It would inspire more pride in the work that is being done than flipping burgers at a fast food joint, not to mention providing a better salary which could actually pull someone out of poverty level living.
MoreMerchant | Oct 13, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for all the great words everyone. I will be working on this idea over the coming months. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
dee | Oct 27, 2007 | Reply
I think what you are doing is wonderful. I happened upon your blog by chance while reading about the One Child at a Time program with MPM. If you are interested in a free way to fundraise, MPM offers this service free of any charges MPM is an awesome charitable company that caters to programs like yours. I have included the website address where you can get further information and I wish you much success in making a difference.
MoreMerchant | Oct 27, 2007 | Reply
I am very interested. Tell me more.
BroTee | Dec 14, 2007 | Reply
This is very thoughtful of you. I wish you good success in this project. Cheers