Happy August everyone. Today I have three great links to share with you that will help beat the heat and hopefully inspire you. For me these three really talk to empowerment when we provide and show our support/belief in others.
So sit back and enjoy these latest links that make me smile on this Thankful Thursday — (My tribute to stories and videos that exemplify appreciation, those that have moved me, and other people making a difference.)
Defeating the Odds
When Dave Meinert rescued a puppy named Pegasus, he was told she didn’t have much time to live. Most of her siblings were deformed or had died right after birth, and he was told that if Pegasus was able to survive, she’d most likely be deaf and blind.
To cherish every day he had with her, he started video taping. Tell me what you think her prognosis is now.
Source: Upworthy
Source: Fabrizio Costantini/NY Times
Giving Back in a Meaningful Way
This is one of the most inspiring stories I’ve ever heard. It’s about Veronika Scott, a girl from Michigan (in the US), who thanks to a college class came up with an idea (to solve a need) that would end up changing lives of hundreds of homeless people; she’s only 24.
Veronika wanted to design a coat that transformed into a sleeping bag for those living in shelters and on the street (see pics to the right), but ended up doing so much more than that. She gave people in homeless shelters one thing they needed most, a job. This was also in part by listening to those she was helping who didn’t think receiving a “coat” was enough.
Today she is the CEO and founder of The Empowerment Plan also based in Detroit. It’s a non-profit humanitarian organization that works to address homelessness by creating jobs for those who want them and providing coats for those that need them. Watch her story in the video below:
**By age 23, Veronika had already received various awards, including the JFK New Frontier Award (2012), and has been featured at multiple events, including at The United Nations Young Women’s Change Makers Conference (2011), and at the Clinton Global Initiative (2012). So impressive for someone just starting out.
This girl is the real life example of a proverb “Give man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime” Maybe she’ll inspire you.
Baubles Bringing Empowerment
I cannot take credit for this one, but have to thank Emily at Shell Chic’d who referenced the Starfish Project first here.
This jewelry company does so much more than just provide baubles to make us look beautiful. The Starfish Project helps women who have been the victims of human trafficking make a new life for themselves; a life where they are cared for, receive healthcare access, housing and the chance to heal and grow counseling. TSP gives hope and a dignified means of employment to many who need it most.
Founded in 2006 by Jenny McGee, as of 2013 (latest statistics on their site) it has grown from one location in Asia to three, and employs 50 women. Be sure to take a moment to read a few of their personal stories about how their lives have been changed due to The Starfish Project’s help.
Consider the Starfish Project for that new accessory to go to that Labor Day party. You’ll be doing good in your quest to look great; always a win win. Learn more about their background here, place an order, and/or ways you can get involved.
Here are some of my favorites (Photos courtesy of The Starfish Project):
Trina
Nicole
Lisa-blue
The Appreciation Factor 
Pingback: Appreciating You and the Year that’s Passed on New Years Day | The Appreciation Factor