“The greatest leaders are the greatest servants.” – Orrin Woodward
Reading is a fundamental life skill and is the foundation for all learning. That is why the literacy movement that Life supports for the Life on Life Initiative is so important. We believe that people from every socioeconomic situation is worthy of freedom, namely functional freedom, which meets the basic needs of people and leads them to a better quality of life. Literacy is at the helm of achieving functional freedom in society.
A homeless shelter in Raleigh, North Carolina also believes strongly in literacy as part of their goal to help homeless families regain their functional freedom. In fact, not only does Family Promise care for and take in families that are on the streets, but the staff and volunteers help the families develop the life skills necessary to transition them back into functioning members of society.
Family Promise of Wake County began in 1994 as Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network, a 501(c)(3), providing church-based emergency shelter and meals to Wake County families experiencing temporary homelessness. Since then, they’ve expanded their services to include:
- Emergency shelter
- Life-skills classes and training
- Budget and finance counseling services
- Case management by experienced social workers
- Support for employment searches
- Staff facilitated support groups
- A day center that provides laundry services, school transportation, a mailing address, private offices for meetings, access to food, hygiene and cleaning supplies, lockers for personal belongings, a playroom, TV room, library, etc
- Transitional housing and continued case management support
During the week of October 31st – November 4th, 2016, Life decided to support Family Promise by holding a book donation drive at the World Headquarters. Employees were encouraged to donate some of their personal, professional, spiritual, and financial development books as well as children’s books that could be given to the shelter. Also, since Life publishes books specifically to help people develop important life skills, the company decided to donate a copy of each of its Obstaclés Press publications.
“I am so proud of the incredible staff at Life who organized another Life on Life Initiative to advance the cause of literacy.” – Chris Brady
Then, on Friday, November 4th (the final day of the book drive), several Life employees took time out of their busy schedules to write an encouraging note in each of the books for the recipient readers at Family Promise. This gesture added a more personal touch to the donations and really blessed the Life staff, as it helped them to think about the underprivileged person or child that the book might go to.
“Participating in the book drive was so much fun, I love working for a company that takes the time to do special things like this. Every Life on Life event is a good reminder that the work we do is not just work, but is about helping people in all areas of their lives. My favorite part of this specific Life on Life event was writing encouraging and personalized notes for the people who will be reading the donated books. I know if I was reading a book and suddenly found a nice note, it would make me want to keep reading.” – Gabriela Theriot (Spanish Media Production)
“I had a great time putting some of my favorite quotes in the books. I think there is so much that can be imparted through a meaningful quote or positive message. I know the recipients will be so happy to know that someone took the time to share something uplifting with them.” – Camille Walker (Buyer/Logistics Coordinator)
“I really enjoyed writing the little notes inside the books. I thought it was a very thoughtful way to donate.” – Aaron Williams (Accounting Assistant)
“We, as a society, often overlook the high price of illiteracy, and it affects us all. Therefore, it is important that we encourage people to learn how to read and make a habit of reading. It’s great to be part of a company that supports the simplest but most important needs in our society.” – Jay Russell (Director of International Operations)
The Life corporate team is dedicated to setting people functionally free through the Life on Life Initiative. This is only one of many future events that will take place locally in order to promote literacy and serve the needs of people who need help functioning in society.
Brandon Perry says
You guys at the office are amazing, thank you for being a light.
Leslie Gebhart says
Love that picture, those are some Life Changing Books right there!!!
Donna Adcock says
Great job, Life Corporate! As one who works with homeless ministry, I KNOW literacy and it’s attending issues of lack of self confidence, lack of know-how, lack of both life and job skills, feelings of frustration and defeat…often lead to unemployment, substance abuse, crime and domestic abuse. Then the cycle repeats if there are children involved. It’s a battle worthy of fighting. Keep your sword sharp!
Leah Karin Stadel says
I love it! Flooding the world with encouraging truth and hope! So proud to be part of this amazing organization!
Yitz Weiss says
What a beautiful idea! Kudos!!
Sonya Strawn says
What a beautiful gift! You are the light in this world.. thank you for living the principles that are being taught.