Archive for Charitable Giving
FORECLOSED PETS
I think the saddest thing I’ve heard about is the pets
that have been the victims of the real estate meltdown. I was reading about a Realtor in California who has taken it upon herself to take these animals to shelters and see that they are given the medical attention they need and hopefully adoption. This is amazing and she’s doing a wonderful thing. I hope all realtors who run into this are as compassionate.
I know it’s the easy thing to do. Leave a pet behind. If you cannot afford to take care of your human family, how are you going to take care of an animal. I do understand, I just don’t agree. People who leave their pets behind are just too lazy and selfish to take them to a shelter or even their vet and say that they cannot take care of them. Don’t just leave them in the home to starve to death.
These animals are so vulnerable. They don’t understand what is happening. This agent in California said that when she goes into a home, the animals are so happy to see someone human. It’s so sad.
I do not work on distressed properties and I know that if I did and found these animals left behind, I’d have so many dogs in my house that my husband would leave!
Anyway, there are options. Don’t just leave them. They are a part of the family as well.
Aimee & Jayden Update
It’s been awhile since my last update. I will be spending time with Aimee & Jayden tomorrow. They would like to go to the science center…..I don’t think I’ve been there in 8 years!
Aimee has hooked with a group called Open Table. Their mission is “From Homeless to Wholeness…” They are going to help her find new housing and hopefully get her started on getting back to school. She wants to be a paralegal. As I’ve mentioned, I’m very impressed with this young woman and how much she is getting accomplished with her limited resources at this point. I have made contact with the group and am hoping that I can be of greater help.
This is a faith-based organization that is sponsored within churches and perhaps synagogues within the city. They form a committee — an Open Table — of consultants to help a young person strive for a better life. It’s a process and Aimee is moving along. Her Open Table has 15 members which is great. That means 15 more people are there to help her.
She’s been working a lot which means Jayden is in daycare a lot. He’s a very happy boy, so I don’t see any ill effects. She was living in a 2-bedroom place — then the case worker moved a 17 year old pregnant girl in with her and Jayden (not too fun for them!). However, they’ve moved her into a 1-bedroom and she’s happier that once again it’s her and Jayden.
I’m going to try to figure out how I can raise money to get her a car….or to get a donated car. I think that would be her salvation. A car means a freedom that nothing else does. She’s a little concerned about insurance and upkeep, but we’ll work though that as well.
It will be a beautiful day tomorrow and I want to take advantage of every nice day before the heat gets here and stays here…..
AIMEE & JAYDEN UPDATE
I spent a few hours with Aimee and Jayden yesterday. We didn’t have any plans, I just went over to her apartment to spend time with them. As I mentioned, Aimee’s got a good head on her shoulders. Jayden is a sweet little boy. He’s very comfortable around people; a great sign. He’s a typical toddler boy who likes to climb and throw and has a great little arm….he throws really straight!
I brought him a giant coloring book and large crayons. He had fun just handing me crayons and letting me draw. We went out into the yard and spent time on the jungle gym. He loves to swing and play peek a boo. I really enjoyed playing with him which allowed Aimee was reading a book on toddlers.
We got to talking and it seems that she has to take in a roommate because the apartment is 2 bedroom. Hello…..what is Jayden? Isn’t he another person? I cannot believe that the State would force her into rooming with another girl (supposedly a pregnant) one in this tiny, tiny place.
In May, when Aimee turns 21, she has to find other living arrangements. She’s only been here since December. Her financial responsibility is $200 per month. She makes less than $9.00 per hour, so you do the math. The apartment is filled with furniture that is not hers as most of these young women are moved from place to place, have no car or family to speak of, so they have to be mobile.
I know Aimee wants more for herself and Jayden. She will get there and I hope I get to see it. I’m going to try to take some photos, because Jayden’s so darn cute!!!
More to come…stay tuned!
GIVING BACK UPDATE
Yesterday, I spent time with a young lady who has been assigned to the Community Advisor Program of which I’m a volunteer. Aimee is 20 years old with a 20 month old son. She has spent a good deal of her youth in group homes and within the CPS system. I do not know exactly why and perhaps when I get to know her better, she’ll tell me.
She does have a mother and father. They are divorced and live in different parts of the State. Aimee does not have an automobile and relies on public transportation to get around. Currently, she is working about 32 hours per week with a local grocery store chain. Her hours are not ideal for raising a small child, but she feels that she’s fortunate to have a job and that Jayden will adjust. Jayden goes to a state run childcare facility because they are open until 10:00 pm which allows Aimee to work her shift which is usually until 9:00 pm. She will be eligible for benefits at her one year anniversary.
I took them to the Railroad Park in Scottsdale. I’ve never been there as it is for small children and mine were too big when we moved here 11 years ago. It’s a lovely park. We spent a couple of hours there. We then went for a bite to eat. Aimee has never taken Jayden to a restaurant and it was quite a challenge keeping him still. He’s a typical little boy. Very curious.
Aimee seems to be a good mom and you can tell that her son loves her. She’s fairly open and seems to have her head on right. Jayden does not see is biological father as Aimee feels he is not a good role model and she worries about his safety. Aimee works hard and would like to go to college to make a better life for herself and her son.
I’m looking forward to learning more about her and her hopes and wishes. I will blog about my experiences in the months ahead.
GIVING BACK
About six months ago I saw an article in a local publication about a program aimed at helping young adults who are aging out of the Child Protective Services sector. These young adults are turned out from their group homes at the age of 18, with little or “life” experience.
I went through the process of interviewing, fingerprinting, reference checking, etc. I felt it was a worthwhile endeavor. I raised two good kids and felt I could lend support to another young person who was trying to make their way in this world.
The program coordinator searches for matches with the people who have offered to donate their time as the Community Advisor. The young adult signs onto the program with the understanding that they must talk to their advisor at least one time per week. We in turn report back to the Program Coordinator and the children are allowed to continue to receive financial support (albeit small) from the state.
I got an email last week that the coordinator wanted to arrange a “match” meeting with a young woman who is 20 years old, soon to be 21. She is living in an apartment for unwed mothers. She has a 20 month old son. She seems like a nice young lady. I will be seeing her and her son this coming Sunday. She does not have a car, so I will take them out. I am going into this with eyes wide open, but I so hope that I can make a difference in this young woman’s life.
I will blog in the coming weeks about our progress. If you feel that you too would like to make a difference, please contact me so that I can put you in touch with the appropriate person. nikki.simon@cox.net
REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER
Follow this link to a newsletter that my broker puts
out. Good information for the New Year and moving forward. It helps to be informed.
In addition, our brokerage supports Love House, a not-for-profit organization that helps children aging out of Child Protective Services at the age of 18. Maureen is an advocate for several girls to help them manuever their life once the State of Arizona has turned them loose. It’s amazing how many of these children do not have the skills to operate. This is where Maureen comes in. In addition, you can make a dollar for dollar tax deductibe donation to her cause.
GIVING BACK
I recently joined Cactus Country Property Professionals. The main reason I liked this brokerage was it’s owner, Maureen Karpinski. She’s the genuine article. She has been in the real estate business for many years and had worked for a large real estate company as well. Maureen is totally dedicated to helping those in need, i.e., children in the government protective services sector.
Maureen has dedicated her life to helping children in need. Recently, I contacted an organization that puts together kids “aging out of the sytem” here in Phoenix into what they call a “Community Advisors” program. I have gone through an extensive background check as well as a training session so that I too can make a difference in a young person’s life. Most of these kids have been in foster care their entire life. Whether shuffled from home to home or living in a group home, they do not possess the skills necessary to function outside of the system that has provided for them most of their lives. At the age of 18, they are turned out into the world to fend for themselves. Those who wish to continue their education are encouraged to do so, but must be in the Community Advisor program and prove that they are indeed going to school and/or working toward being an independent adult and self-suficient. The children (young adults) that agree to become part of the Community Advisor program continue to be supported by the State until such time as they graduate or turn 21. Maureen also donates up to $500 per closed transaction toward her Love House program. Because it is not for profit, they accept tax deductible donations.
I believe these kids are our future and we must take care of them so that they can take care of us. If you are interested in this program and you live in the Metropolitan Phoenix area, feel free to contact me and I can give you the contact information. There are so many kids that need our help. Won’t you please open your heart?
