Domestic Violence and Homelessness "gaps" OR organization ideas in Florida (and later global)?
Hello, my name is Sanvhi and I am currently a student, more specifically a freshman in high school! As I have began looking towards my future and career, I realized that both architecture and business (hospitality) were ones I have always been interested in. I have been an active role in my schools SGA so far, and also have taken an architectural engineering class at my school which taught me the basics of a lot.
Aside from this, I have always been an advocate for the arts like Theatre as well as marketing, as I combined the two and now co founded a YouTube series to market the arts at my school!!
I have a lot of interests, but one that I have always wanted to do is start a project/nonprofit/initiative for domestic violence and homelessness. I am located in Florida, and not sure what to do to help. Eventually, if I can, I was to bring this to more locations than Florida. In the past I have had ideas about having a home security device that would be built into walls, some sort of new architectural material for building houses for those in need, and just fundraising. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thank you!
4 answers
li’s Answer
Rafael’s Answer
it is awesome that you are looking to make a positive impact on domestic violence and homelessness with your skills in architecture, business, and the arts! How about teaming up with local universities or tech companies to bring your home security device or new building materials to life? You could also use your marketing and artsy side to throw some fun events or online shows to raise awareness and funds. Do not forget to connect with local groups in Florida for possible collaborations or volunteering to get more insight. Also, use your YouTube channel to spread the word and educate folks on these issues. With your creativity and drive, you are all set to make waves and inspire change!
Michelle’s Answer
All of your interests are so admirable and can be well utilized for one special career as a Program Director for clients of DV (domestic violence). You already have developed leadership skills through being involved in your high school Student Government Association and other ventures. There's really nothing you need to do right now except continue with student government and do as much volunteer work as you can until you graduate High School.
You can then enroll in a University that offers a Major for Human Services. You can take courses as electives in Psychology and Business, too, especially if you can find a course in Grant Writing.
To develop a program for clients of domestic violence, you would have to have a central office and purchase houses that the clients would be placed at. These are called safe homes. They can receive services at your central office or at the safe homes, too. I know. It sounds expensive and it is and it's very demanding work to apply for funding grants. If this is what you'd want to do, I thought I'd run it by you so you know what's involved.
I just wouldn't advise trying to create any homeless programs just because it is very, very, very difficult at this time and expensive as well as not a lot of funding. For this, I suggest volunteering at already established programs to satisfy that interest. A lot more is involved in serving the homeless than people may think. You may not be able to do it the way you prefer because funders more or less call the shots. The number of homeless shelters and supportive housing programs that have closed in the past 15 years is astronomical. There is a lot of behind the scenes factors that I just would not advise anyone to attempt starting anything big, just work or volunteer at the homeless programs that are left at this time. Things may change, however.
For a program serving domestic violence clients, research how many safe home shelters there are in your town. You can apply for grants to open a case management and activity office to serve people who are already in a safe home or have an apartment. This makes it easier because you wouldn't have to invest in purchasing houses. This advice is just a suggestion to think about.
Something to keep in mind is that it's great to have many interests but you don't have to do everything all at once. For college, your Major and Degree should be strongly connected to the career you really want to do. You have a lot of time to think about and discover this. Many people that have a lot of interests do very well in their futures. Just pace yourself and do one or two things at a time.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Keep up your great work !
Charlie’s Answer
Pastor is Dr. Joel Hunter is the founder of the Parable Foundation in Orlando, Florida
As I recall Dr. Hunter has been an advocate for those in need. I suggest that you reach out to Dr. Hunter for his insight on your desire to make a positive difference . Dr. Hunter has been my Pastor for many years, he is one of the most intelligent people that I know, I am certain he will have an opinion on your project.
Good Luck!
Charlie