In our abundant society, no one should be living in poverty. But many do. If you want to help in changing this, consider volunteering at Twin Cities RISE! (TCR!). I have volunteered with this wonderful organization since 2008.  

Founded in 1994, TCR! is an anti-poverty program for low-income adults living in generational poverty. Its mission is to provide employers with skilled workers by training under- and unemployed adults to earn and retain jobs that pay an annual living wage of at least $20,000 plus benefits.

Most participants spend 12 to 18 months with TCR! to learn personal empowerment and core work skills in classes and individual coaching.

In addition to making a difference for the better in the lives of its participants and their families, TCR! provides a benefit to our state. The return on investment for Minnesota is 671 percent, or $7.71 for every $1.00 invested.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

 — Winston Churchill

I earned the 2010 volunteer of the year award from Twin Cities Rise! for restructuring the mock-interview process, teaching staff and volunteers on interview best practices, conducting interviews and donating more than 50 hours. I was selected from 200 volunteers.

Chilren’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation

I wrote the cover and inside content for this Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation fundraising mailer designed by Peggy Lauritsen Design Group.