Karen Olson

ABOUT THE BOOK

Do you feel you are meant for more?

Many people feel a deep longing for something more, for richer meaning in their lives, but are unable to identify where that longing is coming from or how to come to terms with it. Many people seek happiness through acquiring material goods or achieving status, only to find a lack of fulfillment. At one time, Karen Olson, a successful marketing executive, felt the same.

Then, one fall day in 1981, as she hurried to a business meeting in New York City, she noticed an elderly, homeless woman outside Grand Central Station. Impulsively, Karen darted across the street and bought the woman a sandwich and an orange juice. She listened to the woman’s story and learned her name: Millie.

This small act of kindness changed the trajectory of Karen’s life. Karen dedicated her life to those in need and founded Family Promise, a national nonprofit organization that helps homeless and low-income families. Today, the organization boasts more than 200 affiliates across the country, with more than 180,0000 men, women, and children served each year. In Meant for More, Karen tells her story, from tragedy in childhood to an adulthood full of compassion and service, which has made her stronger, healthier, and more fulfilled than ever before. 

With firsthand testimonials from Karen and other volunteers, Meant for More is an inspiring call to action: when you reach out beyond yourself and seek to make a difference in the lives of others, happiness will catch up with you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Olson, the founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise has dedicated her life to transforming the present and futures of homeless and low-income families. Karen has rallied more than a million volunteers nationwide, fostering an extensive network of support for the vulnerable. Also, because of all the efforts of the volunteers, the organization has been able to assist over a million people experiencing homelessness.

Before her remarkable transition into the realm of social advocacy, Karen demonstrated her leadership prowess as a manager at Warner-Lambert. However, her leap into the world of nonprofits truly underscored her compassionate spirit and steadfast determination. 

Karen’s efforts have been duly recognized, and she has received numerous awards. Some of them include President George H.W. Bush honoring her with the prestigious Annual Points of Light Award, and the New Jersey Governor’s Pride Award recognizing Karen’s remarkable social-service contributions. The American Institute of Public Service also bestowed upon her the Jefferson Award, acknowledging her tireless public-service efforts.

In 2019, Karen experienced a freak accident that left her in a wheelchair. While it has changed her life, Karen continues to be involved. 

TALKING POINTS

• The challenges faced in addressing a major societal issue and how Karen continued to persevere. While now retired, this same attitude allows her to keep moving forward, even after a freak accident that has left her in a wheelchair.
• Karen’s personal story, starting from the traumatic loss of her mother (to suicide) as a child to her transformative encounters with individuals experiencing homelessness, and how these experiences led to personal healing and a deep sense of purpose. Karen’s experiences with loss and suffering cultivated empathy and understanding for others going through similar struggles.
• Why we are past solving the homeless problem “one soul at a time” and need to advocate for substantive policy reforms and facilitate partnerships between government and nonprofit organizations to alleviate poverty and homelessness on a broader scale.
• Why the current housing crisis is contributing to family homelessness, and what individual communities can do to address the issue at the ground level. 
• How Meant for More serves as a blueprint for social change and community empowerment and how ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact.
• How Karen’s leadership, determination, and ability to bring people together grew a grassroots, local outreach into a national movement known as Family Promise, with more than 200,000 volunteers serving nearly a quarter of a million people each year.
• One in every 30 children will experience homelessness annually. At the same time, nearly 35 percent of the homeless population (and most likely, many more), are families with children. Karen can share what is often at the root of family homelessness and the challenges faced by those experiencing it. Not many organizations focus on family homelessness (vs individuals). 
• How the power of compassion and kindness make a difference in people’s lives and why it’s critical for people to step outside themselves and get involved.
• How religious congregations of all faiths have come together to address homelessness in their communities.

TIMELY TIE-INS

May

• Mental Health Awareness Month