Remembering Our Roots

Community Action has lost its father. Last week, the world mourned the loss of R. Sargent Shriver, Jr. at the age of 95. Mr. Shriver was a distinguished public servant and a visionary leader whose work laid the foundation for the Community Action movement as we know it today.

As Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity in the Johnson Administration in the mid-1960s, Shriver developed a multi-faceted “War on Poverty” designed to transform the economic and social roots of the conflict over civil rights in America. Like the Peace Corps, the programs of the War on Poverty - including Head Start, Job Corps, VISTA, Community Action Program, Legal Services to the Poor, and Foster Grandparents - continue to serve Americans today.

This man serves as an inspiration for those everywhere who wish to make a difference in the world. This quote pretty much sums up his work:

"It is not what you get out of life that counts. It's what you give and what is given from the heart."

More than anything his death serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back. I hope you will do the same!

You can read more about his Community Action legacy here.

A Second Chance?

A few weeks ago we heard the heartwarming story of a homeless man who gained national attention for his “golden voice” after being discovered by the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch.

The man, Ted Williams, went from panhandling on the side of the road to an overnight sensation. As I read deeper into his story, I found out that this man once had a successful radio career, but lost everything due to drug and alcohol addictions. He fell into a cycle of homelessness and was reduced to begging on the side of the road in Columbus.

It’s amazing how life can change drastically in the course of one day. Since his “discovery” Williams has received queries from big names like the Cleveland Cavaliers, MTV, Entertainment Tonight, and others.

This story illustrates the power of a second chance. People become homeless for any of a number of reasons. Maybe if more people changed their attitudes about homeless people (and people down and out in general) the world might be a better place.

Click here to watch the CBS interview, where he shares his journey.