Starting a Nonprofit With No Money | All For Moms Foundation Story

0:00 [SPEAKER_00]: We got $50,000 from ludicrous, $25,000 from a country senior Christian. [SPEAKER_00]: I think it's worth noting that we have received over 700 applications. [SPEAKER_00]: I have truly seen it all. [SPEAKER_00]: It was a hail Mary because the wear and the how and the what. [SPEAKER_00]: We had no money basically at that point. [SPEAKER_00]: We were really putting it all in the line. [SPEAKER_00]: So it was durdye. [SPEAKER_01]: Well, hello and welcome back to Be Like Changers. [SPEAKER_01]: I am your host, Kathy Coats. [SPEAKER_01]: And I am here today with Allie Loman with All for Mom's Foundation.

0:40 [SPEAKER_01]: And I'm so excited to have her with me today. [SPEAKER_01]: This is where I'm really passionate. [SPEAKER_01]: I'm passionate about moms. [SPEAKER_01]: It's a lot of stress sometimes. [SPEAKER_01]: And your organization really takes that to heart. [SPEAKER_01]: And so welcome to the show today. [SPEAKER_01]: And so you got the whole tour. [SPEAKER_01]: So tell me just a little bit about what you thought about J.T. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, well, I mean, I'd never been in a official podcast studio. [SPEAKER_00]: So I guess I was blown away by the professionalism of the space. [SPEAKER_00]: Wow. [SPEAKER_00]: But then I got a little tour in there. [SPEAKER_00]: It was like that big room with the white walls. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, the sacrums. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, yeah, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, the sacrums, [SPEAKER_01]: You know, I'm glad they took good care of you.

1:31 [SPEAKER_01]: They always do. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, my guests are always like first class. [SPEAKER_01]: I love it because I'm able just like today, slide in. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, we have got an event right after this. [SPEAKER_01]: And so my life stays very busy and Gabriel keeps it busy enough as it is, but I was just flying in today. [SPEAKER_01]: And so it's so nice to be able to come in to record a podcast. [SPEAKER_01]: I never thought I'd be able to do that, just because life is so busy editing. [SPEAKER_01]: I do enough editing when it comes to social media. [SPEAKER_01]: So I'm kind of like, what world I got podcast or what Lord are you sure? [SPEAKER_01]: Am I hearing your voice right? [SPEAKER_01]: It was so great because that's when I got to know them. [SPEAKER_01]: And when I came in it was just like we're at that taking care of for you and literally I walk in is taking care of all the clips are taken care of they got an amazing team shout out to them especially as long as she's got all the hard work on her like when I make mistakes or whatever she can fix it and so sometimes I'm like man that episode may just be a little crazy but then I see it on [SPEAKER_01]: I love it.

2:36 [SPEAKER_01]: I absolutely love it. [SPEAKER_01]: They take care of you from front and end. [SPEAKER_01]: So if you're ever thinking about recording a podcast definitely shout out to JT visuals. [SPEAKER_01]: I'm glad you got to experience that. [SPEAKER_00]: Not everybody gets the extensive tour. [SPEAKER_01]: So today you did. [SPEAKER_01]: So I'm so glad they made you feel welcome. [SPEAKER_01]: I came. [SPEAKER_01]: I was seeing it was over the summer. [SPEAKER_01]: You guys had an information meeting. [SPEAKER_01]: And so I've been [SPEAKER_01]: And we go places because I have to keep in busy. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_01]: Like, I mean, if I don't keep in busy is honoring my end of things, but I mean, I'm the same way. [SPEAKER_01]: I don't like to stay home. [SPEAKER_01]: So I've been looking for non-profit.

3:16 [SPEAKER_01]: I work. [SPEAKER_01]: We have work with several. [SPEAKER_01]: He goes in and hangs up clothes for starfish projects. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_01]: And, you know, there's some others that were just kind of searching out and seeing what like fits for him. [SPEAKER_01]: And so I had heard of you guys before, and I just really love what you guys do for moms. [SPEAKER_01]: And so I was like, I came to that information meeting and boy, I was blown away. [SPEAKER_01]: I'm so glad you were there. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, yeah, I was like, wow, like it was way more than what I thought. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_01]: And so let's start and go back just a little bit and learn about Ali. [SPEAKER_01]: Like how did like all of this come about? [SPEAKER_01]: Let's learn just a little bit about you first.

3:56 [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, about you. [SPEAKER_00]: I have three kids. [SPEAKER_00]: One, three and six. [SPEAKER_00]: I have a really awesome support of husband who's. [SPEAKER_00]: just been, you know, a lot of the reason I've been able to do so much of what I have. [SPEAKER_00]: So shout out to my husband. [SPEAKER_01]: There we go, shout out to my husband, yeah. [SPEAKER_00]: But four years ago, it was 2022 and we were still kind of in a post-COVID world. [SPEAKER_00]: Okay. [SPEAKER_00]: And, you know, people were kind of coming back to society and being a part of things. [SPEAKER_00]: And I was six months pregnant. [SPEAKER_00]: Everything was going great. [SPEAKER_00]: I was having my second. [SPEAKER_00]: My first was two years old. [SPEAKER_00]: I was working from home, a great job. [SPEAKER_00]: We were building a house. [SPEAKER_00]: My marriage was great. [SPEAKER_00]: But I felt this pull in my heart for something more.

4:39 [SPEAKER_00]: And I literally cannot describe to you how I knew the pull was to do good work through like non-profit or serving. [SPEAKER_00]: But I knew [SPEAKER_00]: that was always kind of a part of who I am. [SPEAKER_00]: And it felt like an itch I couldn't scratch. [SPEAKER_00]: Like I was going to volunteer events, but I felt like I wanted to do more and more and more. [SPEAKER_00]: And it just literally felt like something was missing from my life. [SPEAKER_00]: I leaned into it and I started looking for different things around me and I continued to just feel like whatever I was doing, it wasn't enough. [SPEAKER_00]: So I was scrolling on TikTok, like most people too, and I saw a woman cleaning another woman's house for free.

5:24 [SPEAKER_00]: And in that moment, I thought, I could do that. [SPEAKER_00]: Like, I know I like cleaning, and I like helping people. [SPEAKER_00]: So what most people do when they feel like something, they have this weird idea, and they don't want people to judge them, they got a Facebook. [SPEAKER_00]: where they can't, you know, be judged in person. [SPEAKER_00]: So I went to Facebook and I said, would anyone want to go and do it with me? [SPEAKER_00]: I'm going to find a mom and I'm going to go clean a mom's house for free. [SPEAKER_00]: This is like totally random. [SPEAKER_00]: Let's just show up and do what we can. [SPEAKER_00]: And I didn't even tell my husband I had done it like made the post because I thought he'd go, why? [SPEAKER_00]: And I'd have to say, I don't know. [SPEAKER_00]: And how and all those things and honestly I didn't have those logistics figured out.

6:05 [SPEAKER_00]: So yeah, to my surprise three or four other women showed up to help a mom named Denise and she had a little baby and they were living in a lot of clutter and we just showed up and did what we could. [SPEAKER_00]: We used her cleaning supplies and we brought some of our own and. [SPEAKER_00]: We were there for three or four hours and we really just helped her get back to baseline. [SPEAKER_00]: For most people, I think that desire to do something would have gone away at that point, but for me it lit something on fire and I wanted to do it again and again. [SPEAKER_00]: So I just knew something and me was like pushing, motivating. [SPEAKER_00]: Let's do it again. [SPEAKER_00]: So I went back on Facebook and I put out a form.

6:46 [SPEAKER_00]: who wants their house clean for free. [SPEAKER_00]: And when you do something, you offer some in for free. [SPEAKER_00]: You know, there's no shortage of people asking. [SPEAKER_00]: Right. [SPEAKER_00]: And so I was getting flooded with stories. [SPEAKER_00]: You know, all of these different things happening in people's lives. [SPEAKER_00]: They were going through chemo. [SPEAKER_00]: They were recently disabled. [SPEAKER_00]: They're fresh out of domestic violence. [SPEAKER_00]: Like all of these circumstances were pouring in. [SPEAKER_00]: Right. [SPEAKER_00]: And even if I couldn't relate to the specific circumstances, the stories, the details, I could relate to that feeling of being alone and in motherhood and feeling like a change. [SPEAKER_01]: Right. [SPEAKER_01]: So I say that's a power of putting on somebody else's shoes. [SPEAKER_00]: Yes.

7:26 [SPEAKER_01]: Like, you know, when you can really sit there, sometimes I think we get so tied up in our everyday life, that we don't take time and halt. [SPEAKER_01]: Or we make up quick judgment on somebody like what they can. [SPEAKER_01]: Their hoarders are there keeping all that stuff. [SPEAKER_01]: And instead of looking deeper at like, let's get in their shoes and see what dramatically just happened in their life, like that, you know, maybe a shift like this, like maybe divorce or postpartum depression. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, there's all kinds of things in life that happen. [SPEAKER_01]: and put on their shoes and feel what they're feeling and have that compassion. [SPEAKER_00]: The home environment is a trauma response. [SPEAKER_00]: And when you have a lot of things going on in your life, when you're depressed, you're not cleaning.

8:09 [SPEAKER_00]: If you're depressed and cleaning, I applaud you. [SPEAKER_00]: Yes, that's an anomaly. [SPEAKER_00]: That's angry. [SPEAKER_00]: Yes, that's angry. [SPEAKER_00]: I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I'm angry, I [SPEAKER_00]: Exactly, so I all these women reaching out asking for help. [SPEAKER_00]: I realized there was this real need out there and I wasn't alone hundreds of volunteers have been showing up to help another mom and [SPEAKER_00]: be a part of something bigger and build and that part of that deep yearning to belong into help people it's not just in me it's not in so many others when you have that giving spirit yeah and you know what was going on is that your true purpose was trying to come out.

8:55 [SPEAKER_01]: like those gifts and talents it was given just to Ali was trying to come out and you're a leader and so therefore you know that's why you were having that drawing you know and when you step forward and took that faith step and said okay like I don't know what I'm even doing right now like what is going on [SPEAKER_01]: You know, like I can't even tell my husband because I don't have an answer because you know husbands always have to have answers, right? [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, they want the answers. [SPEAKER_01]: They want to give you the answers. [SPEAKER_01]: So you knew, but that is that tug, you know, and that first step of faith when you jump out the boat like am I going to sink or am I going to swim? [SPEAKER_01]: But then you find out other people [SPEAKER_01]: have gifts, talents, and abilities to come right next to you.

9:37 [SPEAKER_01]: And then you all rise and make such a beautiful thing. [SPEAKER_01]: And I truly believe that is what you've created with all for moms. [SPEAKER_01]: It's just amazing to see how many in it's really. [SPEAKER_01]: It makes me, yes. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, tell me about that. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, there was, I know you've got a few people. [SPEAKER_01]: And then, you know, they were wanting to help. [SPEAKER_01]: But you've really grew things. [SPEAKER_01]: So it's just a little bit about that. [SPEAKER_01]: That's where I was shot. [SPEAKER_01]: I knew that they had, you know, you were going in and cleaning and making a safe place for people and that, you know, giving them some, you know, training and tips and all that kind of stuff, but it has just really grew. [SPEAKER_01]: Tell us how it grew. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_00]: So our first year we were figuring out how to be an on-profit.

10:17 [SPEAKER_00]: And so we really only fundraise the teeny-time bit. [SPEAKER_00]: I had never been in nonprofit work, social work. [SPEAKER_00]: I'd never hosted a fundraiser. [SPEAKER_00]: So that first year was me trying to drink out of a fire [SPEAKER_00]: And yeah, so yeah, I was just anybody who was in the non-profit world that was willing to offer me any Information that was a year of learning, but we did raise $10,000 that year. [SPEAKER_00]: Wow. [SPEAKER_00]: So we did okay for not even really doing much and keep in mind I'm working a full-time job this whole time like working as a data architect and IT from home for a health system the following year I was still just lit on fire trying to do more more more and more [SPEAKER_00]: And we did 85,000 that year.

11:01 [SPEAKER_00]: Wow. [SPEAKER_00]: We didn't get any grants or anything like that. [SPEAKER_00]: It was all community funded corporates like groups giving. [SPEAKER_00]: So it was hard. [SPEAKER_00]: It was hustling. [SPEAKER_00]: It was really hustling. [SPEAKER_00]: In our third year, which was 2025, we were on track to do about 85,000 again. [SPEAKER_00]: And I went to the board and I said, I don't know how many times I can do another. [SPEAKER_00]: 15% back at Chipotle fundraiser guys like this. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I'm like the scale at which the work was needed and how much the community was demanding for growth. [SPEAKER_00]: I knew we needed to do swing bigger. [SPEAKER_00]: And so I told the board the best bad idea I have is to open a thrift store.

11:43 [SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I have no idea what I'm doing. [SPEAKER_00]: I just know other people have that model and it really works. [SPEAKER_00]: I used the power of mentorship. [SPEAKER_00]: I went to Hillcrest, which is a great charity that has thrift stores. [SPEAKER_00]: And I brought my business plan, which I used, chat you BT to help me build. [SPEAKER_00]: help. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I was like, oh, what are some numbers? [SPEAKER_00]: Because like 90 data is all public. [SPEAKER_00]: So I was scrubbing other nonprofits numbers and seeing like, how can I get to that? [SPEAKER_01]: Right. [SPEAKER_00]: And so I went to Hillcross and I said, you know, is this possible? [SPEAKER_00]: And she looked at me and she said, if you can do this and you can, you will fundraise just for fun. [SPEAKER_00]: You won't have to do that just to keep your doors open.

12:23 [SPEAKER_00]: Oh, wow. [SPEAKER_01]: I can't just sigh of relief like, yes, please. [SPEAKER_00]: Yes, I knew it was possible, but I have to tell you, it was a hail Mary because the wear and the how and the what. [SPEAKER_00]: And we had no money, basically, at that point, we were really putting it all on the line. [SPEAKER_00]: So it was do or die. [SPEAKER_00]: We got a space, we found some landlord, like a local private landlord that was willing to help us get in rent free for 60 days. [SPEAKER_00]: just to let us renovate. [SPEAKER_00]: It was in a smaller town so it was more affordable and she was willing to do a shorter lease just in case, you know, it didn't work out.

13:07 [SPEAKER_00]: So we did it. [SPEAKER_00]: We got in, I told the board I need $5,000, but this building needs like $50,000 worth of work. [SPEAKER_00]: So [SPEAKER_01]: Um, let me figure that out. [SPEAKER_01]: There we go. [SPEAKER_01]: I got one. [SPEAKER_00]: But me, my husband, we were there on Thanksgiving. [SPEAKER_00]: We were there on Christmas. [SPEAKER_00]: I mean, we were there every second because I knew if we just went through this last push, they got together side. [SPEAKER_00]: I'd be able to breathe again. [SPEAKER_00]: So I asked for $5,000. [SPEAKER_00]: They said yes. [SPEAKER_00]: We pulled it off. [SPEAKER_00]: We found some people to do work for free for us. [SPEAKER_00]: So that was part of being able to. [SPEAKER_00]: And our opening day, we raised $5,000 that day. [SPEAKER_01]: wow. [SPEAKER_00]: So I knew. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_00]: Okay, I think it's going to work.

13:48 [SPEAKER_00]: It's going to work. [SPEAKER_00]: I think so. [SPEAKER_00]: So this year, everything changed for us. [SPEAKER_00]: Right. [SPEAKER_00]: Just financially speaking, a private donor approached us, and we couldn't have gotten that donor without the thrift store. [SPEAKER_00]: because it gave us that brick and mortar presence that we didn't have before. [SPEAKER_00]: That individual donor gave $90,000. [SPEAKER_00]: Wow. [SPEAKER_00]: Yes. [SPEAKER_00]: And we got $50,000 from Ludacris. [SPEAKER_00]: Okay. [SPEAKER_00]: $25,000 from a country singer, Chris Young. [SPEAKER_01]: Wow. [SPEAKER_00]: So I feel like this year. [SPEAKER_00]: This year is this beautiful. [SPEAKER_01]: People are seeing harvest time. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_01]: Really just that harvest of hard love and labor. [SPEAKER_00]: you know, not giving up and pushing through your seen harvest.

14:30 [SPEAKER_00]: Yes, nine employees and the thrift store is just everything we dreamed to be able to support the like all the operations. [SPEAKER_01]: I know that's how we came inside you after after the event went different to mine and with business with wisdom we came out and so she had some stuff that she wanted to donate and bring in and of course we just didn't have time we will bring more stuff. [SPEAKER_01]: We have stuff. [SPEAKER_01]: But we were quickly trying to come up and she was like, I can't become on this record this and I was like, okay, so we brought Gabriel out and had him bring it in. [SPEAKER_01]: But we were super impressed. [SPEAKER_01]: There is so much really nice stuff in there and I was just getting ready to have my 10th grand baby. [SPEAKER_01]: Oh yeah. [SPEAKER_01]: And so I went shopping of course and got some really stuff that she needed for the baby and it was by brand new.

15:12 [SPEAKER_01]: So I mean, the blankets receiving blankets I was like, did they even use these? [SPEAKER_01]: Maybe they didn't. [SPEAKER_00]: you see like it out because they were just in really great shape. [SPEAKER_01]: But I love how you have it set up. [SPEAKER_01]: It's very warm and welcoming and it was worth the drive. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, it really was. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I did have them show you the mother's room with the diapers and everything. [SPEAKER_00]: No, I didn't get to see that. [SPEAKER_01]: I'm going to turn it back out. [SPEAKER_00]: Well, so, I mean, now because of that store, we're the southernmost diaper bank in the Kinsey Metro. [SPEAKER_00]: Like the closest one was Olaitha, for family. [SPEAKER_00]: So if you were an Osuatami, all the way south, you were driving into Olaitha for diapers, if you can afford them, which is a 30-minute drive. [SPEAKER_01]: Yes, and diapers can be very expensive.

15:52 [SPEAKER_00]: Yes, so we'll do 8,000 diapers a month out of our store. [SPEAKER_01]: That's amazing. [SPEAKER_00]: It's amazing. [SPEAKER_00]: It really is. [SPEAKER_00]: And what happens is when you have moms in your charity's name, people call you to not just receive the gift for moms. [SPEAKER_00]: So we didn't intend to do all that, but it's like it was, [SPEAKER_00]: showing up at our door when we're like, well, let's put this back out for moms. [SPEAKER_01]: Well, definitely. [SPEAKER_01]: I love it. [SPEAKER_01]: And it's so needed. [SPEAKER_01]: You know, that is very needed. [SPEAKER_01]: And so tell me just a little bit. [SPEAKER_01]: So moms can come in and get things. [SPEAKER_01]: What is it that moms can do and how, how would they find you? [SPEAKER_00]: So, you can walk in our doors and you can get that day, diapers, wipes, formula, maternity clothes, anything you need for a new baby to make that transition to motherhood easier.

16:41 [SPEAKER_00]: You can get all those things completely free. [SPEAKER_01]: Okay. [SPEAKER_00]: And if you need something else, like what we saw too, was that mom's [SPEAKER_00]: Sometimes they need their neck size up for their baby's clothes or maybe, you know, a new size bed because they're transitioning from a toddler to a twin. [SPEAKER_00]: We have what's called a sponsor a mom wall, which is a year-round angel tree. [SPEAKER_00]: So mom, anywhere, any time they have a need, they put it up there. [SPEAKER_00]: We have a commitment that if it's not sponsored by someone in the community like an angel tree is within 30 days will provide it because that hasn't happened. [SPEAKER_00]: Oh wow. [SPEAKER_00]: Members of the community are constantly coming in and asking. [SPEAKER_00]: That's awesome. [SPEAKER_00]: So it's really great. [SPEAKER_00]: We found Miami County in particular, but pale there was a needs assessment out there that maternal support was it was like a desert.

17:28 [SPEAKER_00]: There was nothing for moms in that community. [SPEAKER_00]: So that's another reason that we decided to set up shop there because we knew we were needed. [SPEAKER_01]: Well, I think, you know, it is important because some of those smaller towns are needing help and if you're needing help, there's not resources to go into Kansas City to some of the bigger places that might be able to get that help from. [SPEAKER_01]: So with the thrift store, what is it that you need from the community? [SPEAKER_01]: Like, I know you said them of the wall, so they can go in and pick something off the wall and be able to donate that, but what types of items do you guys take there? [SPEAKER_00]: Pretty much everything except large furniture.

18:09 [SPEAKER_00]: And then the typical things that most places won't take like car seats and bass and etts and cribs sleep surfaces essentially. [SPEAKER_00]: But the biggest thing we need that we sell the most of is clothes, accessories, shoes, basically anything from your closet. [SPEAKER_00]: We do take like all the home stuff, all the kitchen wares and decorations. [SPEAKER_00]: That's awesome. [SPEAKER_01]: And so when those proceeds go right back in to 100% fun to cycle. [SPEAKER_00]: Yes, awesome. [SPEAKER_00]: That you send the best donation ever. [SPEAKER_00]: I mean, yeah, I love it. [SPEAKER_00]: I love it. [SPEAKER_01]: And so tell me just a little bit now about all for moms like what services do you do and the process. [SPEAKER_01]: I know that it doesn't run all the time you have.

18:51 [SPEAKER_01]: I remember going to the class and learning. [SPEAKER_01]: I was like, oh, this is really cool. [SPEAKER_01]: So tell us a little bit about that process. [SPEAKER_00]: Yes, so the main program is our mom-a-mission program, okay. [SPEAKER_00]: And that is four moms that are living in a state of extreme clutter. [SPEAKER_00]: That's our primary target, but we get so many people that are also just, oh, like, it's just a little bit of mess. [SPEAKER_00]: And then everything, too, it's like, [SPEAKER_00]: hoarding to the point of the kids are being removed. [SPEAKER_00]: Right. [SPEAKER_00]: So we really cover the full range. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_00]: We can send a maid if it's really not that bad. [SPEAKER_00]: Mm-hmm. [SPEAKER_00]: I mean, in our eyes, not that bad. [SPEAKER_00]: Right. [SPEAKER_00]: But there's obviously never stress. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_00]: Exactly. [SPEAKER_00]: So we can do that. [SPEAKER_00]: But somewhere in the middle, there's the mom emissions.

19:33 [SPEAKER_00]: And they come in and they basically are saying, now is a good time for me for this to happen. [SPEAKER_00]: They have to have a structurally safe home. [SPEAKER_00]: They can't have an active infestation. [SPEAKER_00]: Basically, we're trying to make sure that volunteers would be safe going in. [SPEAKER_00]: And then once they go through our program, they learn how to get this way. [SPEAKER_00]: And how we're going to prevent it from going back. [SPEAKER_00]: They get six months of free therapy. [SPEAKER_01]: OK. [SPEAKER_00]: And we really walk beside them. [SPEAKER_00]: So there's a couple different aspects, the kids, right? [SPEAKER_00]: How can we get the kids engaged in keeping up the house, especially when they've been living just fine in their eyes without doing that? [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_00]: Why do they have to start?

20:16 [SPEAKER_00]: So we try to build those habits. [SPEAKER_00]: And we come in as like a neutral third part of the cake. [SPEAKER_00]: You help mom. [SPEAKER_00]: That's what we do. [SPEAKER_01]: Right. [SPEAKER_01]: So our team came work. [SPEAKER_00]: Where do you know, is it just mom's job? [SPEAKER_01]: That's right. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_00]: So we educate and we also empower the parent to put boundaries up a lot of times we have parents that aren't enforcing things because they don't want to be the bad guy. [SPEAKER_00]: And so we try to give them the backbone they need to keep this up. [SPEAKER_00]: And then we're also just working on healthy habit building, even with mom. [SPEAKER_00]: So we see a lot of mom's special domestic violence that don't think they're worthy of a clean, beautiful space. [SPEAKER_01]: Right. [SPEAKER_00]: And you know, that might look like building confidence in her, right.

20:58 [SPEAKER_00]: And knowing what she deserves and that she can't have a space Pinterest where these space. [SPEAKER_00]: We can all have that if we want it. [SPEAKER_01]: And knowing she has that support and love. [SPEAKER_01]: Yes, you know, feeling that she's loved. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, that's what I love about it. [SPEAKER_01]: That the community comes around and really makes that family, that entire family from the mom to the kids feel supported and love. [SPEAKER_00]: That's what we want to do. [SPEAKER_00]: Just wrap ourselves around her and let her know that she's not alone and being the village for her. [SPEAKER_01]: Right. [SPEAKER_01]: And it's okay. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, it's okay. [SPEAKER_01]: Like, you know, all of us get in a place that we're not comfortable. [SPEAKER_01]: Sometimes are we fallen and it's like, well, just get back up. [SPEAKER_01]: It's completely fine.

21:38 [SPEAKER_01]: Like, it's okay. [SPEAKER_01]: But we're here to help you. [SPEAKER_00]: There's so much to be embarrassed. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, because like, as I say, that shame and guilt of how did I let myself get here. [SPEAKER_01]: Like, you know, and let them know that that's okay. [SPEAKER_01]: Like, really is. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, it really is okay. [SPEAKER_01]: It's going to be fine. [SPEAKER_01]: And we're going to give you tools to know how to deal with that. [SPEAKER_00]: exactly. [SPEAKER_01]: I love them. [SPEAKER_00]: After that learning and building process that we do with the mom and the kids, we go in, we bring a team of 30, ideally a trailer full of new furniture and decor in a commercial dumpster and we're there for only four hours. [SPEAKER_00]: And so it's kind of like a stream home makeover and clean house those shows Yeah, it's kind of like if they had a baby that would be us So that four-hour window.

22:22 [SPEAKER_00]: It sounds like how could you possibly do that for hours? [SPEAKER_00]: I know wow But we really work with them so that it's a well-oiled machine [SPEAKER_00]: you know, we're showing up with clear tasks and decisions already made an advance. [SPEAKER_00]: Right. [SPEAKER_00]: The volunteers know exactly what they're going to be doing and they are just able to dive in and do. [SPEAKER_00]: And we put a lot of people in small spaces for that reason so we can do a lot in a small amount of time. [SPEAKER_00]: So the first couple hours are usually decluttering and getting things moved out of the space. [SPEAKER_00]: Then there's a cleaning aspect and the last like 30 minutes usually we're stopping people and we're saying, all right, [SPEAKER_00]: get the decor up get the new bedding on like go go go go and we're kind of walking around making sure everyone has what they need so they can get things done and after it's over it's an incredible transformation you know usually the mom is very grateful and tearful but the kids [SPEAKER_00]: Oh wow.

23:16 [SPEAKER_00]: The kids when they come in it's like they're running around in an open space for the first time and they're just like oh my gosh Like what do I even do with myself? [SPEAKER_01]: Right like it's clinging like yeah, you know and knowing that these things all have places and I always say kids want [SPEAKER_01]: responsibility too. [SPEAKER_00]: Yes. [SPEAKER_01]: I was like I said they really do go to the structure. [SPEAKER_01]: They cry of structures. [SPEAKER_01]: And they want to be a little helper. [SPEAKER_01]: So I had eight kids all together. [SPEAKER_01]: And so when the new baby would come home, it's like they want to help. [SPEAKER_01]: Like, and like you said, teaching those skills of being able to have them do little things to help. [SPEAKER_01]: You know, we just have a little song. [SPEAKER_01]: We've been rousing up clean up. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, thank you so much, but you know, it may not feel like they were like, oh, I get to be a part of this.

24:00 [SPEAKER_01]: So for that whole structure to be said, it doesn't and you see the little joy come out in them and I think that's got to be so fulfilling for everybody that volunteers for them all even like my kid really wants to help. [SPEAKER_01]: Yes, your kid really wants to help. [SPEAKER_01]: Yes, and so all the way around everybody is hearts are just filled. [SPEAKER_01]: Yes, I think I love that. [SPEAKER_00]: And they get back essentials, like people don't realize how many kids aren't sleeping in proper beds, or they are not eating at dinner tables, and that's because the home is literally not structurally set up to allow that. [SPEAKER_00]: One of the things that's really surprised us is how many people don't sleep with bedding, like sheets on their beds.

24:43 [SPEAKER_00]: Wow. [SPEAKER_00]: And that's been [SPEAKER_00]: Why wouldn't everyone just have sheets on their beds? [SPEAKER_00]: I don't understand. [SPEAKER_00]: So we've had to actually start educating on the importance of bedding. [SPEAKER_00]: Right. [SPEAKER_00]: And we take so many mattresses, soil mattresses out of homes, and put so much new ones in that we literally have to educate them like, hey, if you don't put sheets on this, right, you know, you're going to be dumb. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, yeah, same cycle. [SPEAKER_00]: Literally. [SPEAKER_00]: Right. [SPEAKER_00]: So I mean, we've been surprised, you know, a lot of times finding things that we didn't know, or, you know, a part of the [SPEAKER_00]: have it so we're out there but there are. [SPEAKER_01]: Or even knowing how to clean, it surprised me, especially really young, the young generation, young moms, taught at a gym one time and I get lots of teenage kids coming in and just teaching them just how to mop.

25:31 [SPEAKER_01]: Like, you know, it was amazing to me how many, [SPEAKER_01]: You know, like you said, teaching kids that they need these responsibilities will the reason is they know how to do it later in life too. [SPEAKER_01]: Right. [SPEAKER_00]: And so people know that cleaning products are a privilege. [SPEAKER_00]: Like they're a thing that a lot of like underserved communities and socioeconomically like. [SPEAKER_00]: If you can't afford food, why do you think they're buying cleaning supplies? [SPEAKER_00]: Exactly. [SPEAKER_00]: These are things people sometimes don't even know. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_00]: You know, so it really is like, if they come from that type of family and upbringing, they might be carrying that through their adult life and not understanding. [SPEAKER_01]: Not even understand. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, exactly. [SPEAKER_01]: I love that you are taking that step to make sure that us as a community's coming together to be able to provide that, you know, education and just helping them get up on their feet.

26:21 [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, there's a lot of people out there that I know that are givers at heart, just like here [SPEAKER_01]: have that pulling and tug like they're listening to this podcast right now saying wow how can I get involved how can I help I feel an urge to come help in any kind of way how would they sign up to be on the team to go in and do the overhaul of the home. [SPEAKER_00]: on our website, which is www.allforbombswoundition.org. [SPEAKER_00]: We have a tab called Volunteer that I'll show you all of the upcoming Mama Mission events that we have. [SPEAKER_00]: So you can sign up for these home transformations. [SPEAKER_00]: We list the city and a little bit about what we'll be doing, but you will get the specific address at once you sign up.

27:04 [SPEAKER_00]: Do that. [SPEAKER_00]: We do them on Wednesdays and Saturdays. [SPEAKER_00]: There's also the thrift store. [SPEAKER_00]: Obviously, if you are someone who enjoys sorting and organizing on a deeper level, that is fun to do. [SPEAKER_00]: It's a little bit of treasure hunting and it's kind of addictive, honestly. [SPEAKER_01]: I can first see I like that as a one thing. [SPEAKER_01]: I know we are going to talk about getting gay real there because he does do that very well. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_01]: So we will come out and be able to do that. [SPEAKER_01]: That's something he's going to really want to do for you. [SPEAKER_01]: That way we can make sure you're even more seen known and remembered. [SPEAKER_01]: We want to make sure you're sounding you out all the time. [SPEAKER_01]: What about that mom and you know if you are someone that you're like me and I wish I could get that help to don't be ashamed like reach out.

27:48 [SPEAKER_01]: How would they get a hold of you to ask for help? [SPEAKER_00]: So on our website under GitHub, you will see five or six different programs. [SPEAKER_00]: Our mom and mission program is if you're wanting help at home. [SPEAKER_00]: So you put in that application. [SPEAKER_00]: And even if you think my house isn't that bad or my house is too bad, I would encourage you to put it in anyway. [SPEAKER_00]: I think it's worth noting that we have received over 700 applications. [SPEAKER_00]: So I have truly seen it all. [SPEAKER_00]: There is no shame that I have seen the same types of houses over and over again. [SPEAKER_00]: And honestly, it's just a day of work for me at this point. [SPEAKER_00]: It's very normalized. [SPEAKER_00]: Right.

28:28 [SPEAKER_00]: When I see those spaces, it does not change anything about who you are and what your worth is in this world. [SPEAKER_00]: So I just want to encourage moms to let that go because that's not going to happen here. [SPEAKER_01]: And you're not the only one. [SPEAKER_01]: You're not, oh no. [SPEAKER_01]: Like you said, you see it over and over and over again. [SPEAKER_01]: So sometimes I think you get a shame. [SPEAKER_01]: Like we talked about feeling like you're the only one. [SPEAKER_01]: My was so bad that they'd look at me funny. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_01]: No, just please reach out. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, and if you feel like you are alone, go and watch our TikToks, go and watch our videos. [SPEAKER_00]: You know, they're linked on our website, you can find us on social media, and you will see yourself in those houses, and you'll realize, wow, okay, I'm not alone.

29:14 [SPEAKER_00]: And that's why we use social media so much is because we want to break the stigma, like we know what's happening by in closed doors, why are we all hiding it? [SPEAKER_01]: Right. [SPEAKER_00]: You know, let's just like admit that it sometimes life is hard. [SPEAKER_01]: Sometimes you can't exactly exactly. [SPEAKER_01]: Well, even myself, I had to come to that realization being a mom of an adult special needs child who's definitely not to stick. [SPEAKER_01]: I was getting overwhelmed and I was even ashamed there for a while myself because I was like, how is it that now all my kids are growing gone and I can't clean like I used to clean. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, it was weird. [SPEAKER_01]: Like, I was really down and hard on myself for a while. [SPEAKER_01]: Like, well, maybe because you've reached yourself out helping more people now and you're doing stuff with your son.

29:59 [SPEAKER_01]: Like, you should. [SPEAKER_01]: That's what you wanted to do was be more involved with him. [SPEAKER_01]: Let someone come in help you who said, you had to do it all. [SPEAKER_01]: I don't know what it is about us moms that we take on that we have to do it all by ourselves. [SPEAKER_01]: I know. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, what is that we think we need to cook and clean and take care of the kids and and we know and we say we know that true, but we feel bad and we feel like, well, we're just not being a good mom. [SPEAKER_01]: We're not being a good, you know, friend. [SPEAKER_01]: We're not. [SPEAKER_01]: Yes. [SPEAKER_01]: We need to stop that. [SPEAKER_01]: I really do. [SPEAKER_01]: We really do. [SPEAKER_00]: And I want to mention you as I know, Gabriel, he said it's autism. [SPEAKER_00]: One of the, [SPEAKER_00]: really cool aspects of all from moms is we do different solutions for different needs.

30:42 [SPEAKER_00]: So what we have in our program is called Sustainable Solutions and we tailor what we're doing to you. [SPEAKER_00]: We have worked with a company called Autism Friendly Homes and they have trained us on how to build spaces for kiddos with autism. [SPEAKER_00]: And there are different types of things that we look at, whether it's safety or sensory. [SPEAKER_00]: Basically, any type of structure that we can put in to help. [SPEAKER_00]: So we have gotten that background to be able to help families that have kiddos with autism, and sometimes they don't even know what they need. [SPEAKER_00]: Right. [SPEAKER_00]: So we used to have a separate independent program called embraceable homes, which was entirely for kiddos with autism and we go in and install cameras and security alarms and cubby beds and different things.

31:28 [SPEAKER_00]: But now we just merged that with our regular missions. [SPEAKER_00]: So if we do recognize that in our like intake process, that becomes a part of that mission. [SPEAKER_01]: Awesome. [SPEAKER_01]: Awesome. [SPEAKER_01]: And I'm glad you mentioned that too, because Gabriel does have a sensory line. [SPEAKER_01]: Now. [SPEAKER_01]: This is one of his sensory bracelets right here for those that are on YouTube and can see it. [SPEAKER_01]: We, he does have it, but he has different sensory like the squishy bags and different stuff like that. [SPEAKER_01]: And so we do want a partner with you and if people want to like, [SPEAKER_01]: like a lot of times we're a lot of different places and people can buy these items to pay it forwards. [SPEAKER_01]: That kindness keeps moving. [SPEAKER_01]: And so if you want to donate it for all for moms, just let us know when you buy it and we'll make sure it gets given to you to be able to give to those kids when you have a house where you need some sensory friendly items.

32:21 [SPEAKER_01]: So we'll make sure that when we get all those details up, they'll be there and let you know we'll have it up so that they know how to do that too. [SPEAKER_01]: So we'll be able to pay that forward and get some sensory items. [SPEAKER_01]: Definitely that's one thing we will be doing for you. [SPEAKER_01]: I will put the link so that you can know how to purchase that item and then just say when you purchase it, just put in that you want it to go for all for moms. [SPEAKER_01]: And we'll make sure a big O bucket comes to you. [SPEAKER_01]: I can. [SPEAKER_01]: And it can be any type of items that we have the squishy bags or the bracelets or whatever. [SPEAKER_01]: It really does help. [SPEAKER_01]: So that's one thing I want to do from Gabriel Gibbs to you is to be able to do that so that you'll have those items to give to them.

33:02 [SPEAKER_01]: So tell us about anything that's coming up. [SPEAKER_01]: Is there any like big event coming up? [SPEAKER_00]: There's the gala which is in May, so I mean, coming up is, you know, subjective. [SPEAKER_01]: But yeah, I'm like, well, that's coming. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, next year. [SPEAKER_00]: Well, I guess I get back up. [SPEAKER_00]: There's a doctor child. [SPEAKER_00]: Okay. [SPEAKER_00]: Right now, we are looking for sponsors for if you want a doctor child for the holidays and for Christmas. [SPEAKER_00]: Okay. [SPEAKER_00]: So it's about a hundred dollar commitment per child. [SPEAKER_00]: You get the wishlist. [SPEAKER_00]: You fulfill it and then if you want to contribute to a holiday dinner or something for the family that's open as well last year we did 63 kids this year We'll probably end up doing more and putting more kids on an angel tree in this store and then yeah back to the gala we're looking for sponsors [SPEAKER_00]: Okay.

33:49 [SPEAKER_00]: So we're looking for businesses, people who would want a partner to make that gala success. [SPEAKER_00]: This is a big deal because our first gala. [SPEAKER_00]: Uh-oh. [SPEAKER_00]: So, uh-oh. [SPEAKER_00]: Okay. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I'm used to Hail Mary's, okay. [SPEAKER_00]: But this one feels really, really scary. [SPEAKER_01]: So, I know we're people here to help you. [SPEAKER_00]: I know we're capable, but yeah, it's always hard to do something new. [SPEAKER_00]: So definitely looking for sponsors and so we have that link down our website as well. [SPEAKER_01]: Awesome. [SPEAKER_01]: So it's never too early to get ready. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, yeah, because I get ready. [SPEAKER_00]: But now is the time that we need to know. [SPEAKER_01]: Let me tell you, with events is earlier to know. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, like you said, you're doing the right thing by planning for out. [SPEAKER_01]: I have so many people who reach out to me and be like, hey, Kathy, can you help with this event?

34:30 [SPEAKER_01]: And I'm like, uh, we don't even have 60 days. [SPEAKER_01]: suggesting this. [SPEAKER_00]: Let's do this next year. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, you know, especially when it's a big one. [SPEAKER_01]: So thank you for helping moms. [SPEAKER_01]: It makes such a huge impact. [SPEAKER_01]: I think the biggest thing, you know, is we talk about what we like changers to is really finding your purpose and making a plan. [SPEAKER_01]: So I'm going to challenge all of you today. [SPEAKER_01]: If you're feeling that tug, you know, reach out to Ali at all for moms [SPEAKER_01]: Make a plan to go in, be a volunteer, or take some stuff, you know, items in that you don't need anymore.

35:12 [SPEAKER_01]: Whatever it is, there's so many ways that you can help all for moms. [SPEAKER_01]: So go be a life changer, and we will see you on the next episode.