Why We Do What We Do...

The Vision...

It has always been my desire to give to others in a way that I myself have received. I grew up poor, on welfare, ate at food kitchens and lived at shelters yet no matter where I was or how bad off we may have been there was always someone there to lend a helping hand.

Regardless of what has happened to me in life - good or bad - I've never forgotten these random acts of kindness. There is no way I can ever thank them nor could I ever repay them because you see I do not know their names. All I know is that God sent these individuals to look after me and my family. 

Through him these people blessed us with food, they blessed us with a warm place to lay our heads on those cold Chicago nights, and they blessed us with clothes to put on our backs. When I was younger I didn't really understand or appreciate it as much as I should have because... well I was a child.

At the time I was constantly complaining about something. Not out loud but in my head because to me it wasn't good food - usually just sandwiches on stale bread, old meat and cheese or anything they could fix in bulk. 

Oh.. and it wasn't a nice place to stay - usually I slept in a big room with a group of strange people I didn't even know! I either slept on a cot, in a sleeping bag or if I was really luck I just slept on some blankets on the floor. We'd stay at a church or a shelter on and off through out the winter months until it was warm enough for us to go back to our heat-less house. 

And let's not forget about the clothes! Boy did the kids tease me! The clothes were not nice - usually some one's old hand me down which of course were not in style! Sometime they smelled and had rips or  tears in them. Then there were the times were we were given "clothing allowances" so we could shop at the salvation army or good will.

I say this with a tinge of sarcasm because at the time that's how I felt. What I realize now is that I was BLESSED beyond anything I could ever measure because while I wined and complained about what I had - someone else was somewhere complaining about what they did not have.

As I complained about my 'horrible meals' there were kids my age who went to bed hungry. As I talked about my 'rotten' living conditions there were families who remained outside, while the wind chill was 32 degrees below zero, wishing they were somewhere - anywhere, where it was warm. Now the funny thing about how much I complained about the clothes I wore is that my son and daughter now pay top dollar$ for the same jeans that years ago I thought were beneath me.

Yes I feel shame but I honestly did not know better. I just wanted a better life. One that was free of welfare, food stamps, shelters and most importantly  - poverty. While I can not roll back the hands of time to thank these 'angels' I can help someone else who is now where I once was and hope that they too will do the same by passing it on...

The Plan...

In 2007 Chris and I launched The Lawhorne Foundation to fill the needs of several under-severed marketed. You an find out more about the details of each program when you click on the links below.

• Youth Empowered To Succeed!
• Women Empowered To Succeed!
• The "Why Not Me?" Educational Assistance Program

In 2008 we will apply for 501c3 status for this foundation and will set up a corresponding website. We'll also provide you with additional details on the programs, how you can get involved, and how you can get assistance if you need it! Continue to check back for updates and additional information as we get this organization off and running. We're also looking for board members so if you're interested in serving on our board please click here to email me directly.

These programs are near and dear to my heart because they serve a group of individuals who I feel are sometimes over looked. These individuals do not always get the assistance they need to help them improve their lives. Sometimes individuals are merely diamonds in the rough, waiting to be polished. You never know what someone may turn out to be if you give them an opportunity. I'm proof...

Thank You! 

Pam Lawhorne

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