In Giving We Receive BY TARA MENDANHA
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They learn that money and possessions cannot provide happiness...
n July of 2019, Mindy Mohlenbrok shared a mere vision of Shine with Purpose with a friend. “I wanted a place where kids could come and know what it felt like to serve and learn their true purpose, [where they could] learn independence and have the opportunity to serve with their families,” she says. Fast forward to January 2020 and this vision was realized when Shine with Purpose in Granite Bay officially attained nonprofit status. Mohlenbrok had been saddened by the fact that children were so busy with school, sports, and other activities that they didn’t really get the opportunity to learn the true gift of giving back. “We live in a society where many are chasing money and possessions and not learning about purposeful lives,” she laments. To counter this imbalance, Shine with Purpose aims to empower and inspire families to serve and support community projects and other local nonprofits. “[We’re the] conduit connecting the community and its needs,” she says. Mohlenbrok gleaned from research that children and teens who serve are less depressed and more successful in their studies and careers. “They learn that money and possessions cannot provide happiness...they feel true happiness by contributing to something that matters to them and their community,” she says. “I pray that [my children’s] generation is the ‘serve and be purposeful’ generation.” Prior to COVID-19, she had no inkling of what would be in store for them. Initially, they provided over 100 backpacks and school supplies to Sacramento Children’s Receiving Home, books and toys to Shriners Hospitals for Children, and visited Country Day Home in Granite Bay with miniature therapy ponies and “thinking of you” cards. When the pandemic hit, though, things took on another dimension. “We reached out to many nonprofits knowing that the senior population they relied on for volunteer help might not be so available now,” she says. They have since filled the void and provided over 3,500 meals to various local shelters and centers, as well as households in need. They’ve also partnered with leadership classes
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| SEPTEMBER 2020 |
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All photos courtesy of Shine with a Purpose.
Shine with Purpose
