The 3W Podcast: Frankie Rankin - Part 2

Rent is due, daycare is expensive, the car needs gas, and somewhere in the middle of all that a single parent is supposed to finish a degree. We sit down with Frankie Rankin from the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas to talk about what actually helps parents stay in school and why the real obstacles are rarely academic.

We unpack how their single parent scholarship program works from application to interviews, including the community volunteer panels that turn a stressful moment into one filled with support. Then we get specific about the 360 approach that makes this nonprofit stand out: scholarship dollars can cover tuition, but they can also cover rent, utilities, childcare and other essential bills that determine whether a parent can keep showing up. Frankie also explains the wraparound services that change day-to-day life, including free mental health counseling for recipients and their children, plus a “dry pantry” stocked with essentials like toilet paper, detergent, and hygiene products that SNAP benefits often cannot buy.

We also talk education pathways across Northwest Arkansas, from NWACC and the University of Arkansas to online programs and fast credential tracks in allied health and the trades. Finally, Frankie shares the behind-the-scenes story of landing a $1 million challenge grant and pushing a capital campaign toward a new Springdale location, the Pat Walker Center for Success, built to bring services under one roof and closer to the families who need them.

If you care about breaking the cycle of poverty through education, listen, share this conversation and help us spread the word. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what support would make going back to school possible for a single parent you know?

Transcript

Spark Of Hope Event Preview

Speaker 0:05

Hey everyone, welcome back to part two with my dear friend Frankie Rankin from the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas. Frankie, welcome back. Thank you. When I closed the second or the first podcast, I didn't say thanks for joining me, but thank you for watching. I was really offended by the it's amazing you're back for part two. I know. Yeah. It's amazing. Okay, we're gonna just dive right in to all things single parent. Great, love it. So you have an event coming up this month. Yes. Spark of Hope. Yes. How many years?

Speaker 1 0:34

That's a great question. I mean we say like 20 words. Yeah, we're 20 plus. Yeah. Yeah. We just wanted to. I'm gonna say we're 23 or 24, but okay. Yeah.

Speaker 0:43

It's a good event, usually on a Thursday evening. Yes, it is. It's a quick in and out. Yeah, yeah, we we keep it to two hours. I know, I love that for people's time. You're honoring our dear friend, Linda's dear friend, Jene, as her husband.

Speaker 1 0:57

Yes, Jene and Chris. They are just incredible people. Um, so we were super excited that they agreed to let us honor them this year because they are very humble as well. Very humble. Um, so yeah, we're really excited. But they have made such an impact. I mean, they've been making an impact for many years, but I think really just took it to another level this year with their support and getting other people involved with single parent. And so we're super excited to be able to honor them. I love that. And we have three recipient speakers. So we actually have two recipients and then a child of a recipient that will be um sharing stories.

Speaker 1:34

That's gonna drive up the donations. Yeah, which is always let's hope so. It will, yes, it will. Yes.

Speaker 1 1:39

But also it's just so great to hear their stories and the impact that the organization makes and that the donors are making on people's lives. So everyone It's life-changing. Yeah. Y'all are breaking cycles over

The Generational Impact Of Education

Speaker 1 1:50

there. Yeah. What's your favorite part about single parent? That generational impact. Okay. Like, because, you know, I think we talked about in part one how much like I love working with children and helping children. And so the fact that we're getting to help their parent, but then also the children are watching their parent work so hard to get their education and to have a better career so they can create a better life for their families. Um, it really changes their mindset. Like we hear that from the kids how important it is for them to realize like, oh my gosh, I do have opportunities after high school. Absolutely. I can go to college, I can, you know, I can better my life, I can live out of poverty. Um, and so that to me is huge because then you're breaking a cycle of poverty and you're affecting generations of people to come.

How Applications And Interviews Work

Speaker 2:38

So talk about like the process for single parent. Yeah. Like it's an application pro like, talk about it start to finish. Just take one imaginary recipient and talk about their process. Okay.

Speaker 1 2:52

So um we have an online application. So um what an applicant would do is go online, fill out our application, um, and then one of our program managers would reach out to them to set up a pre-interview. So they ask some more in-depth questions, um, get more information, and then we use volunteers from the community to come in and do panel interviews with our applicants. And so that's such a great way to engage community members, um, not only just for the organization, but they get to share their encouragement to these applicants who are like really making a life-changing decision to go to school. And humbling and hard. Right. And they're very vulnerable, like that's a really hard decision to make. Um, and especially so often they're coming out of situations where they've had, you know, I mean, just going through divorce is traumatic and can and can be very stressful. But then a lot of our recipients are, you know, coming from all kinds of life situations. So, you know, maybe they're um a widow or maybe they had a child as a young, as a young person, and they're seeing that they really need to make a change in their life to get to the next level um and to be able to provide for their family. So they would come in for that panel interview with volunteers, um, and then they would get lots of encouragement and support and also some guidance and some tips. Absolutely. Um, and then we'll decide, you know, which applicants are getting a scholarship. And I'll just say so. This year for the fall semester, we had 252. So we're getting ready. We just wrapped up our applications for this coming fall. Okay. We had 252 applicants. Wow. For fall scholarships. Is that a lot? It sounds like a lot to me. Okay. Yes. So 78 of those were new applicants to the program. Um, and so our our recipients do have to reapply every semester for degree programs. Um, so yeah, so then they would find out if they get the scholarship, and then we really pour into

Scholarship Support Beyond Tuition

Speaker 1 4:54

them.

Speaker 4:54

So scholarship isn't just scholar, it's not just tuition. Right. Which I think somebody from the outside just looks at it as tuition. Right. Because that's what we've been ingrained to do while we're growing up. Scholarships are for tuition in books. Right. But you all take a 360 approach. Absolutely.

Speaker 1 5:12

Yeah. So we, you know, a lot of our recipients can receive Pell funding and other scholarships to help with tuition. Our scholarship can be used for that if that's what they need it for. But we also know single parents have other barriers that they're facing and other things that they need support with. So they can use our scholarship for rent or housing, utilities, car payments, childcare, whatever their needs are, they can utilize those funds to meet those needs because that's what's going to get them to completing their degree. Right. You're open-ended. Yes. And so that I think is a really unique and special thing about our scholarship. So thanks for bringing that up.

Speaker 5:51

Yeah, it's that's my favorite part of it. Yeah. Is if you need a gas card, and it doesn't even have to fit under their scholarship. If you reach out, they reach because they have a coordinator, yeah, and they're like, oh my gosh, I'm struggling with XYZ, and here's what's going on. You all usually can help with the XYZ. Right. And outside, like there's no like, we're in this box, here's the money, it goes to this. It's very gray. Right. In the best way.

Speaker 1 6:19

Yeah, yeah. And then also we work really hard to partner with other organizations that can support them. So, you know, if they're needing food assistance, then we're gonna connect them with resources for that, depending on where they live and what's gonna be the best option. Or um, you know, if so our program um managers do a tremendous job of really making sure that every recipient's needs are met, that we can help support. Um, and then we also have services internally that we provide assistance.

Speaker 6:50

So, like we have free mental health counseling, which is all of this is gonna live under one roof soon, and we're gonna dive into that. Yes, but go on to those services. I'm sorry. No, that's because I'm very excited about those.

Speaker 1 7:02

Yes. Um, and that's free for our recipients and their children. So if they have a need for that, the whole family. Our counselor is certified in all kinds of therapies to be able to provide services for children with play therapy needs all the way through adults. And so it's really uh she's a really unique and special therapist. Which she obviously passed the personality test for people. Right. She thought that was really funny too when I told her that she was like, I think more people should do that. Um, so yeah, we had a good laugh about that. I'm sure you yeah, she was, I think, in agreement that I probably wasn't the right.

Counseling Pantry And Partner Services

Speaker 7:38

Yeah. Let's talk about these services that are eventually gonna live under one roof, per se.

Speaker 1 7:45

Yeah, so we have we have that counseling space. Um, we also have a dry pantry, which that's the one that is, I think, really sort of that lifeline for our recipients sometimes, because it's things that you can't get with SNAP benefits or government assistance programs. And so laundry detergent and I was just gonna say, what are those examples?

Speaker 8:07

Because some of us just have, I have no idea. I've never received a SNAP benefit. So I don't know what you can and cannot get. Yeah.

Speaker 1 8:15

So like hygiene products, cleaning products, um, toilet paper, paper towels, those you cannot get those. No. Wow. And so it's just basically limited to food and certainly. For the most part. And then, like, you know, some some you can get diapers and you know, um baby baby things, but um, but yeah, for the most part, it's limited to food. And so, but you think about like, I mean, everybody needs toilet paper. Right, and everybody needs laundry detergents. And that side of the store is usually way more expensive than the food side of the store. They're very costly items. Yes. And so, um, so we have a very small space right now. We have very limited on spaces to where we can fit that. So that's one of the things that I'm really excited about with our new space that we're gonna build. Um, is we will have a dedicated pantry that we are hoping to be able to get larger donations of items from some of our um I think you're gonna get all kinds of naming rights and large donations and exclusivities once your building is built.

Speaker 9:20

Yes. And this would what do you call it? A dry pantry? Yeah, that's what we call it. Okay. Yeah, like a consumables pantry. Like the opportunities are gonna be endless for naming rights on this. Yeah, I feel like. Yeah, let's hope so. Fingers are crossed, right? I love this.

Speaker 1 9:36

Yeah. Um, and that's really key. I mean, we have recipients come to our office to see what we have in the pantry before they go shopping. So because they know like every single dollar counts. Um, and if they can get something that they can save $15 on buying laundry detergent, then you know that's so much that they can do. Yes. So I love that service. We also have community partners who um provide, you know, all kinds of uh health things. So like we we partner with some dental clinics that provide for your low-cost services, um, a chiropractic office that provides that. Um, you know, so just we really have built some great community partners and always looking for opportunities to build more relationships.

Speaker 10:21

Like we said, it's a holistic approach. It's not just really tuition in books is just not the thing. Yeah, right, right.

Speaker 1 10:29

I mean, it's everything else that they need to be able to survive. Yes, because also our recipients work still. I mean, they are not only going to school, but like 80% of them are working, uh, most of them full-time. And so and they're taking care of their kids. So they basically have three full-time jobs. Yeah, they're working full-time, they're taking care of children full-time, and they're going to school. Right. So their lives are really hard. Yes. Every minute of the day is important for them, and every dollar that they have is important for them.

Where Recipients Go To School

Speaker 11:02

Where would you say the biggest? Gosh, I don't even know how to ask this, or get my words correctly. Where let's hypothetically, let's say your dollars mostly go to tuition, even though they really don't. But where do you where do most of your recipients go to school at? Is it NWAC? Is it online? Is it the U of A? Is there a concentration in a cer at a certain institution?

Speaker 1 11:29

Yeah, I mean, so we really try to, we'll say we have five top schools. Um NWAC is usually number one because it's a great place to start. And so they can go there and get their two years' associate's degrees. And they have a great transfer. Um, you know, they're they're very transferable to our other colleges in the area. U of A is a big one for us as well. So kind of that transferring to the U of A to get those things. But um we we have, I think, 30 schools that we currently fund. And so a lot of those are online programs because you can imagine single parents have time. And so if they can do their classes late at night while their kids are asleep or whatever, then that's sometimes what they have to do because they're also working full-time jobs, right? So um, but yeah, and then also we do credentialing programs, and so our scholarships are not just for degree

Credential Programs And Trade Pathways

Speaker 1 12:22

tracks. So let's talk about a credentialing program. Yeah, so that might be something like a medical billing encoding certification credential. Okay. Um, so those programs are typically shorter, so maybe they go credentials go from six to 32 weeks. Okay. So it could be something like a med Allied Health is what we kind of call a lot of them. Um, there's some educational tracks that fall into that. So CDAs, which work in pre-K um areas. Okay. Um HVAC, welding, like there's a lot of programs that fall within that. So NWTI is a big partner for us. Okay. Petroallied Health is a big partner for us to help with those credentialing pieces. Wow. Yeah. That's fascinating. Yeah. It's so, and so really, because not everybody is college bound, but you can still get a career that's going to move your family, you know, lift your family up out of poverty. Right. W with getting a credential.

Speaker 13:14

Yeah, I mean, job security in HVAC. Yeah. Right. In all the trades. Right. I mean, uh, we are always paying for things like that. So, like, that is absolute job security for anyone going into the trades. Absolutely. So, what would you say is the biggest um trade and or degree-driven

Why Healthcare Tops Career Choices

Speaker 13:33

track? Yeah, per se. Healthcare is our biggest. Okay. So I was gonna guess nursing is nursing is usually number one. Okay. Um, and why do you think that is? I think that's great because we have a massive healthcare shortage. Also, um job security. Yeah, right. But I have zero desire to ever go into healthcare. Right. Except maybe on the administration side. Yeah. Because I don't want to see the insides of you. But why do you think that is?

Speaker 1 14:03

I think because a lot of our a lot of our single parents are coming to us because somebody has helped them, or they're coming to us for help, and they have such a heart that they want to give back. And I truly believe like that's really cool.

Speaker 14:19

It's a paying it forward. Yes. First and foremost, before they ever stick a needle in anyone.

Speaker 1 14:24

And a lot of times we hear it, it's like, oh, when I had my child, they were in the NICU, or I had complications, and so it was this nurse who who helped me. And so I like they impacted my life, and now I want to be able to impact others' lives like that. So our top, like um, our top degree fields are always like nursing, education, another helping field. Okay. Um, social work or um counseling is usually a really big field for us. So um, a lot of those top fields that our recipients go into are helping fields. Wow. Which is incredible because then all of us realize like they are impacting our lives on a daily basis. So when we're needing to go to the doctor or our kids are going to school, like they are people that are supporting supporting us in that way.

Speaker 15:10

And don't you have some recipients on staff?

Speaker 1 15:12

We have in the past. Yes. We don't now, but we do have a great alumni network also. So when our recipients graduate, they can become a part of our alumni network and then they find ways to give back to our current recipients. So, like they do encouragement cards, they share their stories so that others can like feel like okay, they've made it through. I can I can keep going and make it too.

Speaker 15:35

Um Is there a max year in your programs? I know they have to reapply every year, but it's open-ended from that sense as well. Right. Okay.

Speaker 1 15:44

Um, because it usually is gonna take longer. Yes. I mean, right? Like they're doing all the things. So um our scholarship, you do have to take at least six credit hours for a degree scholarship. But if you're I mean, you know, if you're taking six credit hours, it's gonna take you twice as long to get there. Absolutely. So um, I know we had one of a recipient recently, she just graduated in May, but she was in our program when I started. So wow. I mean, so it's been eight or nine years now that she's been in the program. Um, but she's gotten through and she's finally completed. And so it's like it took long. Think about that dedication and hard work, like just the perseverance to keep going. I've done it. It's incredible. So I yeah, kudos to her. Right. All of them. I mean, and that's just like one example because I'm like, oh, I remember her from way back in the day. But

The $1M Challenge Grant Sprint

Speaker 1 16:33

yeah.

Speaker 16:33

Let's talk about this amazing grant that you just secured. Yeah, congratulations. Thank you. Hi to you. Okay, start at the beginning of the grant. The maybe grant.

Speaker 1 16:44

Okay. Yes. So um, we are in the midst of a capital campaign to build a new building in Springdale. Um, so we can leave Oh, it's for $7.4 million is our goal to raise for the campaign.

Speaker 16:58

Absolutely gonna make up a totally different number.

unknown 17:02

Okay.

Speaker 1 17:02

Okay. Um, and so we really needed to do that because we serve Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties, and we need to be centrally located. We're in Benton County now, pretty far north in Bentonville, and so it's really a challenge. It's not. Um, and so we realize that if we're gonna be able to provide quality services to our recipients, we need to be more centrally located. I mean, it's gonna be really hard for somebody to come from West Fork or Huntsville for counseling services in our office, right?

Speaker 17:35

So like impossible.

Speaker 1 17:36

Right. So um, and they're not gonna drive an hour to come pick up toilet paper that they desperately need, but they can't afford gas to come and do that.

Speaker 17:43

So, um we're gonna be located in Springdale in the harbor area of Springdale, right off 49. Right, yeah. So great.

Speaker 1 17:51

We're so excited. So as we were working in the campaign, um, we wanted to we knew we wanted to apply for the Maybe Challenge grant. Um, and they have really interesting guidelines. But uh so we applied last year. Okay, probably around March to um and um to request that grant from them. And so we were awarded in April of last year that we would we were awarded a $1 million challenge grant. Right. And what we had to do to secure that grant was raise a little over $1.8 million within that 12-month time frame to be able to receive that million dollars. And so we did it. Like it's so exciting, it's still almost unbelievable. Does it feel just like do you have the money yet? No, so they we will get the money once we break ground. So they have specific guidelines on how they do that.

Speaker 18:44

But um Does it feel feel surreal?

Speaker 1 18:48

It does, and I think once we break ground, it'll really all like like feel like, oh, this is really happening.

Speaker 18:55

When you got that, you know, you had to raise 1.8. When you got that, those last dollars of the 8.8. Yes, what did you feel like? Like what was that?

Speaker 1 19:06

It really just felt like so much weight was lifted off of my shoulders because I really thought, like, I don't think we're gonna. I mean, we really came down to the last day. Like it it was oh, super stressful. I mean, like the last couple of days. So um we had gotten an extension. So we were awarded a six-week extension. Okay. And that's one thing that they would do, you know, we had to submit some information, but um, so we got down to literally like our deadline was a Wednesday. On Monday, I was like, I don't think we're gonna get there. Like we're six almost six, like a little under $600,000 short. Like this isn't gonna happen. Like, um, like who else can I call? I know. So on Tuesday we made a lot of calls, and we made a lot, well, and Monday and Tuesday, but like it was really intense. And so um, it was exciting to get like that final conversation that put us over the edge to go okay.

Speaker 20:05

Were you nervous making that one that when you look back on it, not knowing that would be your last call, just right of the challenge, right? Because you're so good. I didn't expect John at all to be the last call. Right, of course not. So when you look back on it, are you like, oh my gosh, were you were you nervous or were you just on autopilot?

Speaker 1 20:23

I think I was I was definitely anxious, like, how's this gonna go? I wasn't expecting it to like go as well as it did. Um, you know, I definitely wasn't expecting the answer that we got from that donor um to finish us off for the for the match. Um, but it was also I was also like, we'd been playing phone tag for two weeks, so I was also like, okay, I finally got to like we're finally doing it.

Speaker 20:50

So I was nervous that when broke it broke the broke the excuse me, broke the like tension because you're like, oh my gosh, we're finally getting to it.

Speaker 1 20:59

Yes. Yes. And so, and even that day it had been like voice, I left a voicemail, they'd left a voicemail. So, I mean, it really was just this continuation. So when when the donor actually answered the phone, I just like I think I felt relief, like, oh, we're finally gonna get to have this conversation. Yes. Um, and then to end the end the phone call with like literally being told, go enjoy your dinner, we're we're gonna take care of the rest of this. Oh my god, was unbelievable. Did you cry? Um, no, I was out, so I was actually at college orientation.

Speaker 21:32

Oh, right, you told me this. You were so distracted during his orientation because of this. That's cry up.

Speaker 1 21:39

I have no idea what happened, other than they said, this is how you pay up. Like that was the only thing that my mind on the first day. Thank you. Um and so I was standing out like on a little balcony area at one of the buildings on campus, and there was no one around, and I I think I just literally started jumping up. Down by myself, and anybody that walked by probably thought I was a complete for sure. You know, just she's special. Or she's cute, she's special. Like, what's she doing? Yeah. Um, but it was incredible.

Speaker 22:12

And okay, we're not gonna talk about who the donor is, but um, well, we are, but not specifics. Is it a local person that you have like this? It's not even a local person that you have this amazing relationship with. No, and I mean that in the most possible way.

Speaker 1 22:26

No, no, they they actually they don't live here. Oh my gosh. Um, yeah. And it was a it was a moment of um our board member a board member has done such a great job sharing their passion for our work and what we do that this person became passionate about the work that we're doing. Oh my gosh. And has been a donor. Yes. But like just really But not like a local one that you just dropped right now. It's not like he's come by the office and we've or you know, we've gone out like I mean we've no. So just again, great job for board members who do their job and share the mission of the work and the passion that they have for it. So my gosh, it was incredible.

Speaker 23:09

This is amazing. Yeah, I had no idea. Yeah, or would never have known, but that's awesome. Yeah. So your work isn't done.

Speaker 1 23:17

No, we still have a little over 700,000 to raise. Okay, but ultimately, like that seems like nothing. That's totally doable. Absolutely. Um, so please help us do that. Yes, yes, please.

Speaker 23:27

Our work is not done.

Speaker 1 23:28

Right, it's not done.

Speaker 23:29

Okay, so when, so you have 700 to go, right? So ish. Um, when are we breaking

New Springdale Center Plans And Timeline

Speaker 23:35

ground? Do you have to have the 700 raised before you break ground?

Speaker 1 23:39

So we're hoping to break ground in the next four to six months. So we're working on finalizing architectural plans, um, you know, just those last details, working. Are you involved in that? Yes. Okay. Yes. Is it fun? It is fun. Is it stressful? Like it is exciting, I think, because we've really taken had the opportunity to take a look like, okay, what do we need to support our recipients? Like, what's changed from the day one to today? Yeah. Yeah. So that's been really fun to have those conversations with the staff and the team and just kind of go through, like, oh, we need, you know, what would be great is if we had an application room so people could come in and apply, because not all of our single parents have access to internet or um computers and things like that. And so I don't think about. Right. And so to have a space for that. So like we've got to go through that exercise and really think about like what needs do we have. So we're making some of those tweaks to the plan now. Um, but it's it's really exciting. Okay.

Speaker 24:36

So what when you break around, what's your timeline, Russ?

Speaker 1 24:39

I I probably 14 to 18 months building time. Yeah. So not bad. No. So like hopefully we'll be in there in 2028. Like early 2028. Yeah. That's the goal. So it's like crazy to think about that because it seems so far away sometimes, but then also it's like, oh no, this like year, I can't believe it's June. It's July. Yeah. You know, like yes. Yeah. So how did this happen? Yes. So it'll be here before we know it. Wow. Yeah.

Speaker 25:06

Wow. So that's really it's exciting. It is exciting. Yeah. So you get the 700 and then and you build the building, and then it will be paid off immediately. Is that how that works?

Speaker 1 25:18

Nope. So we have donors that are making pledges. So we actually have partnered with Chambers Bank, is our uh gonna be our lender. Oh, okay. And so we'll have a loan with them while because donors can make gifts with a five-year pledge payout. Gotcha. Um, and so we'll be able to do that. And um, we have a lot of those payments have already been received, so that's gonna be great too. But yeah, that's so exciting. Yeah, I love it.

Speaker 25:41

And I feel like the center has a name. Am I making that up? It does.

Speaker 1 25:44

No, you're not making that up at all. Yeah, it's the Pat Walker Center for Success. Um, thanks to the Willard and Pat Walker Foundation, they made our lead gift, and so um, so we're really excited, especially in Springdale, was it's just so important for Mrs. Walker. And so yeah, so such a great um way to honor her and recognize the just what she's done for the community. Right. She loves so exciting. She loved children. Yeah, and she really loved the or our organization. So um, so we're really excited that um they were able to come in early and help support the campaign and get us kicked off. Yes.

Speaker 26:21

Like over a year ago.

Speaker 1 26:22

Yes. Oh, yes. So um, so that was really exciting. Um, like that was our first, like, this is huge. We've got you know this is huge. And we could go, you know, and then we got the maybe challenge and we were able to go public. And so a lot has happened in the last year with the cookies.

Speaker 26:38

Yes. I mean it's been exciting. Talk about an exciting year as

CEO Reflections Purpose And Gratitude

Speaker 26:42

CEO.

Speaker 1 26:42

Yeah.

Speaker 26:44

And all the new things. Like it has been, I was thinking about you kind of get to take credit for everything, like pageant wave. You're like, yeah, look what I did.

Speaker 1 26:50

Well, I don't know. Let's let's hope it all ends well first, and then I'll take credit, right? Yeah. But um, but no, it has been um it's been an exciting year to be CEO for sure. Like I've learned so much, and then we're in like so much transition, and we're really trying to evaluate like how do we support our recipients in the best way and and serve more people. Um, and so it's been it's it's been a great challenge. Um, and I've really loved every day mostly. Yeah. You know, there's obviously days where you're like, what was I thinking and why did I do this? Um, but most of the days it's like this is incredible. And like, look at the lives that we're impacting. But do you ever stop to give yourself credit? Well, I don't know that there's things for me to give myself credit for. I mean, like the the campaign has been exciting, and I we have an um I mean, like, I have an amazing team of people. I know you do.

Speaker 27:43

Yeah. But do you ever just drive down the road up north and you're like, oh my gosh, look what I've done. Like, and I don't mean I have single-handedly done all this for single parent, but look at my life. I'm happily married, my parents are healthy, my two children, I'm CEO of a nonprofit. I absolutely love with every fiber in my body. We have raised this money as a team. We're going to build this amazing building as a team. Like, look at my not look what I've done, but just like pat on the back. Just pat on the back. Well, I feel very fortunate.

Speaker 1 28:19

Like, I just feel like so I just okay, yeah. So I mean, I but I feel that. Right. I really do feel like I don't know why I've been put in this place in my life, but you know, I'm thankful that God's put me here and that I'm getting to experience this. I'm all also always like, what's gonna happen now? Is like what what's coming my way. But um, but no, I do. I'm just like, I think it's crazy. Like you're a CEO of this amazing organization. And I never thought that would be something I would be. Like it was never in my fancy. Not that I have a vision board because that's not me either. Like that's too much forethought out like today. A lot. Yeah. But I never envisioned myself in a in that in this role. Right. Like it wasn't something that I was aspiring to do, but like I'm I do feel so fortunate that I've gotten this opportunity. I love that. Because I really, really love it. You do really love it.

Speaker 29:14

I really, really love it. And you you have first hand experience, well, secondhand experience, watching a family member um navigate single parent, yeah, going back to school situations from a long time ago. So, like it personally is you've seen it touch in family. So that's why you jumped all in. Because I was like, why? Yeah, what's your why? Yeah. You have your why immediately.

Speaker 1 29:35

Yeah, absolutely. I love her. Well, then I have so many more now. You have gotten to me. But originally you're not.

Speaker 29:46

And I don't think many people do know their whys. Yeah. And so I have always admired that why. Oh of you. I love that. Thank you. Yeah, you're so welcome. Yeah. You're a treasure. Oh. What she meant to say was, thank you, you are too.

Speaker 1 30:05

That's right. Hashtag bless.

Speaker 30:06

Hashtag bless. Oh my god, I can't think of a better place to stop.

How To Support And Final Thanks

Speaker 1 30:12

Yeah.

Speaker 30:12

Oh, but your work isn't done. Her work is not done. She still needs they always need money. So in the best way. Positive. Yes. Absolutely. Just so that they can keep giving and changing lives and breaking the cycle of poverty. So check them out. Check out 3W's website. They've got Spark of Hope coming up really soon in July. It's always a fun event, a quick in and out. And I mean that in the best way positive or best way possible too, because we are all pulled in so many different directions every second of the day. And to be able to go in, support an amazing organization, and still spend time with your family is a win-win, in my opinion. So check them out. They have golf tournaments and jingle mingle, a holiday social that I have yet to make it to in all these years. Sadly, I'm like, I support you from afar, but I'm trying to put the magazine to the printer. So yeah, not the best time. I'm not a very festive human in December, but that's okay. It is the season. Anyways, thank you for joining me for part one and part two. I appreciate you. I loved being here. I loved being here. I love you. I love the treasure in the community. Stop by Walmart and pick up your Hershey salty snacks. You always need those to get through July and celebrate America. Happy Independence Day. Happy birthday, America, happy spark of hope. Yes. See y'all next time.