What happens when we act on our innate kindness?
It all started with a chance encounter outside of Grand Central Station in November 1981. Karen Olson, a successful marketing executive, was on her way to a business meeting when she saw an elderly homeless woman—her shoulders sagging, her eyes dull. 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. In Meant for More: Following Your Heart and Finding Your Purpose, 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. Many people seek happiness through acquiring material goods or achieving status, only to find a lack of fulfillment. With firsthand testimonials from Karen and other volunteers, Meant for More is a 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.
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Reviews
“With the beauty and simplicity of free verse poetry, Karen Olson describes an idyllic childhood, and then tragedy strikes. Out of this comes Karen's realization that the only medicine for this agony is helping others who are in desperate need. This is an inspiring story.”
—Dennis Holahan, American attorney and former actor
"What a wonderful story, well told. Every page of this book inspired me to do more to help the people in my community. It's led to me beginning a new endeavor to help a homeless person in my area. The world could be such a better place if we all cared for the humans around us, instead of letting fear and apathy rule. Amazing story of a remarkable woman and the astounding impact she has had on countless lives. Thank you to the publisher and net galley for the opportunity to read and give my honest review."
—Cara Achterberg
“Olson, the founder of Family Promise—a nationally-recognized organization fighting for people experiencing homelessness—offers readers an uplifting debut memoir that encourages compassion and service for others. Though she recounts the creation of Family Promise, and shares positive stories of its impact, much of Olson’s writing centers on affirming why volunteerism is so deeply satisfying. There is a ‘profound personal healing that happens when we act on our innate kindness’ she writes, and that compassion forms the framework of this inspiring memoir, as she shares the experiences of others in the hopes of raising awareness and ‘build[ing] a more caring society.’ Olson starts with her own story, of a heartbreaking childhood that spurred her empathy and kindness for the world around her, and later takes on the stigma that comes with experiencing homelessness—one of the driving reasons she founded Family Promise, as she notes the redemptive value in reaching out: ‘When we take the time to honor and dignify the humanity in others, notably the most vulnerable among us, our own humanity begins to shine like never before.’ That concept—that every person, regardless of their circumstances, is a valued human being—radiates through the many narratives she shares from clients, and her urge to lend a helping hand will inspire readers to do the same in their own lives.”
—BookLife Reviews
“Meant for More beautifully captures Karen Olson’s incredible journey from a single act of kindness to a lifetime of service. As a beneficiary of Family Promise, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound difference her compassion has made. This book reminds us all that true happiness comes from extending kindness to others.”
—Amberlee Rogers, author and former Family Promise guest
"Meant for More is a concise and well-constructed book which reads as part memoir and part shared material for a non-profit. This book always feels like it is more about the needs of unhoused than it is about Karen Olson. There can never be enough attention turned towards families and individuals who are unhoused, and Karen Olson is a lifelong champion of this population…I really enjoyed the stories shared by individuals throughout the book. These stories are well placed and tie the threads of the book together. This was a solid read about a great need."
—Holly Gamroth