We recently interviewed Debbie Harvey, Co-Founder of Helping Haitian Angels, and selected her to be our May Passioneer of the Month.  In support of her nomination, 25 supporters wrote in testimonials/quotes, some which we share below.  She will be joining our Blog Talk radio show as a guest on June 2, 2010. Here are some of the many quotes from supporters who “voted” for Debbie with their emails.  We also share her Passion Q&A below.  Thanks Debbie and Happy Passioneering!  You can reach her at www.HelpingHaitianAngels.org,

Dial in live via 347-205-9038 or the Blog Talk Radio radio show site:  www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Quotes from Supporters for Debbie’s Passioneer of the Month Award

• They have been faithful to help those less fortunate than themselves and have a great passion for those Haitian orphans! They have regularly put this mission before their own comforts and desires.
• She is more passionate about helping these needy children than anyone I know or have ever known. She is truly doing God’s work, asking nothing in return.
• Reading about Helping Haitian Angels and e-mailing back and forth with Debbie Harvey I can feel her passion for their angels and for HHA’s mission. Someone who has inspired me and I am sure others that you truly can make this world a better place.
• Debbie is a wonderful, caring person who has committed so much time and energy to helping the children of Haiti.
• She’s passionate about street kids in Haiti!
• UNselfish efforts in the behalf of the less fortunate and personal time and finances to make a difference in the lives of these children. Tireless efforts not to accept defeat even in the eyes of the Earthquake that just occurred in Haiti.
• Bill and Debbie have been successful at getting the word out about the great need in Haiti. You can’t mention their name in our town without people knowing that they are the couple with the orphanage in Haiti.
• Unequivocable Determination!!
• Long before the earthquake, Debbie and Helping Haitian Angels were there lending support to the Haitian people. She has made this her life’s work. She is an inspiration to many of us. Her spirit and generosity is infectious.
• This is the most amazing group of volunteers — what started as a simple mission trip a few years ago has led to a mission to help so many orphaned haitian children. They have founded and funded an orphanage, built playgrounds after the devastation in haiti with this last earthquake. They have hired a full time pediatrician to provide medical care, food, clothing and schooling for these children. They rebuilt a home and raised funds to provide new, healthy mattresses for the children to sleep on. The list goes on & on. Debbie Harvey is an inspiration and example by which so many should follow. It’s all about paying it forward, and she does that beautifully in a way that makes a difference in the lives of so many others. She is truly a GREAT PASSIONEER!!!
• The Harvey’s manage to help others around the world while being busy with their own families, kinds, and careers.
• I had the pleasure of assisting with the cause in Jan, and I fell in love with all involved. As I mentioned before, I have never been surrounded by so many selfless people at one time.
• Debbie is a tireless supporter of the children in Haiti – she displays such passion and excitement and outright LOVE when she speaks about them – she is not only a great help to them, but a real inspiration to her family, friends and community. She is an ANGEL herself!
• Debbie has personally helped the orphans in Haiti by working with them by helping improve their living conditions. She has also shown strong leadership here in the U.S.on behalf of the Haitian orphans by doing news shows and public speaking forums to help spread the news regarding the great need in Haiti.
• A woman who is changing the lives of children, housing them feeding them, educating them so they too may become productive citizens in their home land of Haiti
• I am a part of this awesome passioneer. I love these kids, and will always do my best to make their lives better. I support them monthly, and go to Haiti to see them 3 times a year. I am one of their mamas, and being a part of this has changed my life for the best.
• This organization has done so much in helping the beautiful orphaned children of Haiti. They’ve brought the children clothes, provided monies for food, education and even built beautiful playgrounds. It’s an honor to nominate Debbie and the entire staff of Helping Haitian Angels.
• Bill and Debbie are selfless and caring people that want the best for humanity. They back-up their beliefs with action and positive results.
• Her devotion, enthusiasm and constant daily thoughts and actions for Helping Haitian Angels is EVER PRESENT. It’s amazing and contagious!
• She has always ‘walked her talk’, and is continuing to do so much to help others. She follows her intuition/Spirit, which has led her to playing Tibetian and crystal bowls in both concert settings and individual healing sessions. She is a constant source of motivation for the possibilities that await someone if they just ‘go for it’! She’s a beautiful person and very much deserving of recognition. Thank you for providing a means by which that can be done publically and ‘officially’.

Debbie’s Passion Q&A

Debbie:  In 2008 I went to Cap Haitien, Haiti and found 40 starving, dying, abandoned children squatting in an abandoned building.  I decided I had to see that these kids did not die.  Without thinking (that’s where the passion comes in!) I had a party, raised enough money to feed these kids, applied for a 501c3 and now have an orpahange where these same children (and many more) get 2 meals a day, education, church, and LOVE.

SO: Your definition of “passion” – your “WHY” for being on the planet?

I believe passion is an energy that’s observable and cannot be faked. It means taking a leap of faith. It means doing something you love for hours and the time flys by.  It means holding and loving profoundly poor children that have no one.  Some tell my that my passion is “contagious” and that’s why I’ve gotten the support  I’ve been blessed with.

SO: Your biggest passions for serving others, and how you’re expressing them (include hobbies, volunteering, if you wish)?

Helping Haitian Angels is my passion…serving orphanaed, hurting children in Haiti.  I also serve the youth at Park Valley Church in Haymarket, Va.  I lead the Bull Run Middle School EDGE club (a middle school teen christian club).

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in expressing your passions for serving others and how you’ve addressed them?

My biggest challenge is knowing that there are so many abandoned, abused, and starving children in Haiti.  I would love to  help them all.  I know that’s not possible.  We are working now on opening a second orphanage in the country area of Cap Haitien.

SO: They say that when you do what you love, the rest follows.  What has been your experience of prosperity, as you define it?

Oh have we prospered at HHA.  We have 35 beautiful healthy, loving children that have shelter, a bed to rest on, a school where what they learn could lead them to change the country of Haiti, they have food that sustains them and most importantly they have adults who LOVE and CARE for them.

SO:  What’s the biggest lesson that you’ve learned in making the leap?

I’ve learned that you MUST take the leap!  How will you ever know if you could have lived your passion or dream if you don’t take the leap?  It may be overwhelming, scary, but it’s worth it.

SO: What’s your support system look like; how did you create it?

I have a wonderful support system. My husband and I have a group of 8 people that help with all operations, fundraising, support etc.  We didn’t have to create our support system, it created itself with people that went on trips with us to visit our orpahange and decided they wanted to be a part of HHA.

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

God will provide if we do what we’re called to do…what we have a passion for.  When you have passion you can make anything happen.

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

Opening our 2nd orphanage is our BIG goal for 2010.  We want to get 40-50 kids off the street, get them in school (education is freedom), church, and to a place where they’re comfortable and loved.

Melissa (“Missy”) Lavender graduated with an MBA from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University. Prior to founhttp://www.passionsandpossibilities.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Missy-Lavender-e1271573084498.jpgding WHF, her professional career was focused on real estate, finance, and investments. Missy is actively involved with her childrens’ schools, a member of the Leader Council for Mercy Homes for Boys and Girls, and sings in the chapel choir at St. Clement Church.Missy lives and works in Chicago with her husband, two children, and their dog Beeb. She has appeared on a variety of media channels, including her recent, intriguing interview on The View, with Whoopi Goldberg.

We recently interviewed Missy on our radio show, The Passions and Possiblities Project and you can listen to her archived show below.  We were especially struck by her desire and perseverence to shed light on an oft-tabooed topic.  A true Passioneer, thank you Missy and Happy Passioneering!

Our Written Interview with Missy

SO: Your definition of “passion” – your “WHY” for being on the planet?

That feeling of ultimate joy – when you want to “dive deep”, when you want to push through real or perceived barriers, when you want to share what you love with everyone around you.

SO: Your biggest passions for serving others, and how you’re expressing them (include hobbies, volunteering, if you wish)?

Besides WHF, I love two organizations that educate, house and feed the soul of young, at-risk children – Mercy Home for Boys and Girls and Josephinum Academy.  I am on the Leader Council at Mercy and get involved with all our events for the boys and girls there.  With Josephinum, I’m committed to bringing our messages of pelvic health to these girls and to adding to their donor base.Finally, I am passionate about music and express that by singing in our church choir, which I affectionately call the “rock ‘n roll Jesus church”!

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in expressing your passions for serving others and how you’ve addressed them?

Most of the challenges I experience are with WHF.  Primarily it is a funding issue and a name recognition/support issue. Every year, every month, every day we need to be in front of as many people that we can – so that 10 – 20% of them will “get it” and want to help us help women.I also make sure I do a lot of yoga and other restorative work on my body and soul to keep it pumped!

SO: What has been your experience of prosperity, as you define it?

When you have all you need and then some. For me, it was getting to a place of financial self-sufficiency and buying my first house.  In our work, it is when we are recognized and accepted by the science side of where we live – the docs and PT’s.

SO:  The biggest lesson that you’ve learned in making the leap?

When confronted with a challenge or a “no” – ask three times.  It’s amazing, when you give someone a chance to see your request in a different light – with a different “ask”, how the possibilities open up.  It is also a lesson about always having a contingency plan

SO: What’s your support system look like; how did you create it?

My family, friends and business colleagues.  I started First Tuesday 14 years ago as a way to gather like minded, spiritually rich women together to make new connections and increase our base of sister support.

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

Change is ALWAYS good.  Fear is the biggest paralyzer – fear of the unknown keeps us small and it is usually more scary to sit and ponder, than to DO.

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

I want to change legislation and health policy, so that our tips and topics of women’s pelvic health are part of what young girls learn in 5th and 7th and 9th grade health classes.  By doing so, we potentially stave off huge health care costs and the pain and suffering of girls and women long-term.

Michael S. Brown was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology.   A published author, Michael has worked in the fields of publishing, film, television and higher education and is the founder and CEO of Second Acts, a non-profit fundraising organization for animal rescue nationwide.  Michael joined us live on March 17th for our radio program, and can be reached at www.secondacts.org.

We interviewed Michael recently on Blog Talk Radio about his inspiring passioneering journey, both ups and downs.  Here’s the archive.  Enjoy!

Questions on Michael’s Passioneering Journey

SO: Your definition of “passion” – your “WHY” for being on the planet?

An individual’s passion takes them to places he or she never knew existed.  Whereas our ordinary, day-to-day responsibilities consist of tasks and projects we need to complete in order to survive, our passions are the substance by which we find enrichment, joy and purpose in our lives.  Without the existence of passion, there is no learning, development or personal growth.

SO: Your biggest passions for serving others, and how you’re expressing them (include hobbies, volunteering, if you wish)?

I have had the fortunate opportunity to share the knowledge I have gained by teaching and volunteering.  Acting as the vessel through which others can obtain personal and professional growth has provided me with great satisfaction upon seeing how I have been able to enrich the lives of others, including our four-legged friends in need of a new, loving home.

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in expressing your passions for serving others and how you’ve addressed them?

The initiation and launch of my own non-profit organization presented several challenges, the biggest being the creation of a company that would best serve our four-legged friends as well as fulfill the needs of an animal-loving public that wants to help but doesn’t know how.  The most effective way to address any challenge is to thoroughly research the information needed to reach that particular passion or goal.  The biggest stumbling block for most is a lack of focus and knowledge of how to make their passion a reality.

SO: They say that when you do what you love, the rest follows.  What has been your experience of prosperity, as you define it?

Prosperity is measured by how many people’s (or animal’s) lives I touch.  I have received such overwhelming support from the public, which confirms that I have made a successful leap towards fulfilling my passion.

SO:  The biggest lesson that you’ve learned in making the leap?

The most important lesson one can learn is that one cannot accomplish anything alone.  Setting goals and pursuing passions requires the inclusion of others, and I consider myself very fortunate to have the support and encouragement I needed to make that leap.

SO: What’s your support system look like; how did you create it?

My support system is composed of a healthy balance between personal (family, friends) and professional (Board of Directors).  The latter came together from years of networking and maintaining personal relationships with like-minded individuals whom I chose to join me in this journey.

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

If one is fearful or unsure about pursuing his or her passion, take small steps.  Do not listen to negative words from the past.  Surround yourself with those who really know you and who believe in your abilities; they will be there in case there is a misstep and help guide you in the right direction.  But it all starts with knowing who you are, concentrating on your strengths, and believing that an unsuccessful endeavor does not equal personal failure.

What’s your next big milestone?

Following a successful grassroots launch, Second Acts is ready to move to the next plateau, which will consist of national exposure and the creation of entities in each state to generate greater awareness of both the organization and the need to support animal rescue.

Happy Passioneering Michael and Thank You!

Making a Difference: The Role of Realism, Perseverance and Requiring Less

By Donna W. Hill

http://www.americanchronicle.com/authors/view/3885

Song written by Donna about Passions (Click here)

Making a difference means challenging assumptions and expectations. To endure while bucking the tide requires Realism, perseverance and the ability to thrive with less support than others require.

Realism is embracing the negative and the positive. If we wear rose-colored glasses, we miss the things that are calling out for change, the places where we can truly make a difference. If we only see those places of lack, we miss the foundations upon which change can and must be made.

My quest is to challenge assumptions about what it means to be blind. Decades of technological innovation have enabled some blind people to excel in careers never dreamed possible like engineering, chemistry and auto mechanics. Nonetheless, unemployment remains stuck at seventy percent, Braille literacy has fallen to ten percent and society seems comfortable supporting most blind adults through government programs.

My weapon in the struggle is my ability to write about the people in the trenches who are slugging it out against low expectations and apathy. I challenge myself to be a better writer and a better editor.

The odds are against making much progress. Nonetheless, I proceed, because I know that there are many talented blind Americans who want to contribute to society and are turned away before being given a fair chance or an equal education.

I also know that Braille has inestimable value. I was one of those legally blind kids who was supposed to act sighted, even though it meant I read so slowly, that, had I wanted to finish my homework, I would have had time for nothing else., I had constant headaches from having to get so close to the book. Audio learning, which I began in college, is not literacy. Listening was what humans did before the written word. It took decades to repair the holes in my education.

When I began this journey several years ago, I would have never dreamed that the New York Times would feature a blind Wall Street executive calling for Braille’s abolishment! Nonetheless, it happened. Who am I to argue with someone who has achieved so much using no Braille whatsoever? Her secret is that she has assistants to read to her and to take her dictations and put them into English. Most of us don’t have funding for such luxuries, and many who do bristle at the thought of being so dependent. Nonetheless, that article was a springboard for discussions among blind people as well as for me to use in my writing.

If I don’t stay grounded in reality, I could easily fall into the trap of believing that my efforts are pointless. In order to persevere, to continue to be an advocate at the highest level of my abilities, I must set aside my need for immediate gratification. Certainly, things happen that encourage me, and people express their appreciation. I admit that I need that. I know, however, that I am capable of proceeding with a lower than average amount of re enforcement

At the age of 7 years, Brooke Ellison was paralyzed from the neck after being hit by a car on a New York road.  Her story is about tremendous courage, but it’s even more about her commitment to contributing to others through her work in stem cell research.   After her accident, Brooke focused on education rather than feeling sorry for herself, and became the first quadriplegic to graduate from Harvard.  Her story inspired Christopher Reeves to direct a movie about her life, The Brooke Ellison Story.  Our phone interview took place on May 26th , and you can also hear her 7/1/09 radio interview on Blog Talk Radio:

(Our questions are in bold, and Brooke’s answers follow them).   Brooke can be reached at www.brookeellison.com).

What Have Been Your Biggest Challenges, and How Have You Overcome Them?

Brooke:  “Had it not been for this situation I would never been able to do half of the things that I’ve done in my life…to touch the people I’ve been able to touch.  Those are the kinds of things that I focus on.  It’s about a mindset.  There are people who live in much more tragic situations than I am and who are living wonderful lives.

I have had the fortune and misfortune to see the difficult side of life.  My parents were told that I wasn’t going to live.  And if I did, my life would be dictated by loss and sadness.   I’ve overcome that.  I have seen the power of hope and of setting goals for myself.   I see opportunity where it seems to have been lost, and could never have done it alone.  As long as you have someone by your side for support, you can end up doing pretty remarkable things.

We need to have a sense of responsibility to use whatever we’ve learned, our challenges, etc. to help others get through times that are difficult.”
What’s Your Guidance for Someone Who Is Scared about Leaping into Their Passions?

Brooke:  “Get creative with it.  You don’t have to live life by other people’s notions about what’s normal…it’s a balance of having goals and being happy with what is.  In every obstacle there’s always an opportunity.  Often it doesn’t present itself right away.  You get a sense of purpose out of what seems difficult.  Very rarely does that work get done by someone who’s had it easy or thought within the box.  Creative, groundbreaking things rarely come out of the day-to-day.  Nobody should be afraid to take the leap or do something that they feel called to do.  Change doesn’t ever create itself.
We all can do it.  I have a great amount of faith in each other.  That’s where I have faith.  Had it not been for the influence of others in my life, I would not be where I am.  I would never have gotten to where I am if not for the role of my family in my life.  It’s very reciprocal.  We have a responsibility to give it back.”

What Have You Had to Release?

Brooke:  “In the face of any kind of situation no matter how difficult, there’s always meaning that can be found in it.  People really need to believe that.  It can be frustrating that things are set for you, but there’s also a great sense of power and liberation.  I have a certain level of control over being as positive as I can.  It takes a lot of belief in myself.”

What Is Your Next Milestone?

Brooke:  “To get my PhD in sociology, medicine and society, in a couple of years.  To teach a course in stem cell research and to have founded a nonprofit for this research. Science, legislation, societal ethics, advocacy, and economics, all couched in one area. ”

What’s Drawn You to Stem Cell Research in Particular?

Brooke:  “I’ve heard so many people’s stories facing the most dire of situations.  How people have suffered terribly.  At the same time, so much hope is in this issue.  I really believe firmly that it can alter the course of medicine as we know it, completely. Whether or not it will affect my life is up for question, but it may help millions of others.  I’m not a legislator or scientist, but if I can contribute to alleviate suffering, I would feel that I’ve done something.”

Thank you Brooke for being so generous with your time today.