08/19/2026
One year. One whole year of being the Executive Director of ReInspire.
Never in my life did I think I would be able to do this job. What simply started as me wanting to volunteer and help our youth back in 2019 turned into me taking over the entire organization after our founder suddenly passed away.
This has been one of the biggest lessons of my life. Itās crazy to think about how God places you exactly where youāre supposed to be, even when you donāt understand it at the time.
Since being a part of ReInspire and our Launch Pads program, we have gone through plenty of obstacles, but weāve also had far more success than I ever could have imagined.
Right now, our program is FULL. And when I stop and think about what these young ladies have accomplished, Iām so proud.
One of our young ladies graduated high school in 2026, and I got to sit in the audience and cheer her on. Another is finishing out her high school journey with us this year. Both came to us after experiencing homelessness at only 17/18 years old.
Two young ladies were able to purchase their own vehicles ā CASH.
Two are currently enrolled in programs to earn their high school diplomas.
One regained full custody of her child ā CASE CLOSED.
Two enrolled in college.
Two earned their driving permits and are currently waiting to start driverās ed.
Every single one of them has a bank account, along with savings.
But some of the accomplishments Iām most proud of are the things that may seem small to everyone else. Theyāre learning how to cook, save money, build credit, use a washer and dryer, prepare basic meals, budget, and take care of themselves.
Things that most people think are ācommon senseā can feel like a completely foreign language to young adults who were never taught them. Weāre helping them learn the basic life skills they need to become successful, independent adults.
And something that means more to me than I can explain is that even the young people who have left Launch Pads still stay in contact. They update me on their lives, reach out when they need resources or guidance, and sometimes simply ask if they can come back and volunteer. To me, that says everything. Launch Pads may be a temporary program, but the relationships we build with these young people donāt end when they move out.
Our work doesnāt stop with the young people living in our Launch Pads program either. Weāve been able to help many other young people in our community get their permits, apply for jobs, build resumes, and get the daily essentials they need to become the best version of themselves.
And none of this would be possible without the support of our community, our donors, and the people who continue to open doors for ReInspire.
Without all of you, we couldnāt do this.
We wouldnāt be able to provide a safe home for these young people. We wouldnāt have access to many of the resources they need. And we wouldnāt be able to make sure that when a young person walks through our doors, they have people standing beside them who are willing to help them succeed.
Every donation, every resource, every connection, every volunteer, every person who shares our mission, and every organization that partners with us plays a part in these young peopleās stories.
We are so thankful for organizations like Seeds for Success, Mentors Care, ECC, our Johnson County school districts, and so many others who work with our youth in some capacity to make sure they have what they need to succeed.
This really does take a community, and I will never be able to say thank you enough to the people who continue to believe in ReInspire and, most importantly, believe in our young people.
One year later, I still have days where I wonder, āHow did I get here?ā But then I look at these young people and everything theyāve accomplished, and Iām reminded exactly why Iām here.
Iām proud of them. Iām proud of ReInspire. Iām thankful for every single person who has helped us get here. And Iām so excited to see what the next year brings. ā¤ļø
