Nonprofits We ❤️: HALO + a Playlist
Recently we were introduced to a yearly art auction area nonprofit (HALO) facilitates to raise funds for children in need. To be 100% transparent, yes, the fact that Oprah is coming to this year’s event made cartoon hearts pop out of our eyes. Then, we learned a little bit more about their mission ( “to help one more child spend one less day alone”) and became fascinated to learn about the person behind this vision: Rebecca Welsh. Welsh founded this volunteer-based organization which has expanded far beyond Kansas City (Uganda, Kenya, India, Mexico to name a few). HALO includes scholarship programs, HALO homes and Learning Centers all over the world. In Kansas City alone, over 700 local youth are served by HALO HQ, in partnership with other agencies. We are honored to feature Rebecca and this organization. The intention behind HALO is so beautiful and as you will read, she has an energy that is so kind, giving and gracious. Join in for the art auction this year on Friday, February 26th from 6:30-8:30 pm CT (it’s virtual and registration is free!) and read on to hear how you can help make an impact (oh and there’s a really cool John Lewis-inspired painting available at the auction so bid away, Nellies)!
You’re a KC-established business, correct? How did you decide to expand globally, or was this always the goal?
HALO is headquartered in Kansas City. We actually started by serving children in orphanages overseas over 16 years ago. We then started working with local agencies who served homeless children in Kansas City and still partner with them today.
Who inspires you?
My daughter, Evietta, inspires me. Her desire to make the world a better place is part of her everyday life, and it makes me want to be a better person.
Finish this sentence: When I was younger I wanted to be:
When I was younger, I wanted to be a karate star. I saw the moving “Karate Kid” when I was in second grade, and I decided that was what I was going to do when I grew up.
Have you always been interested in charity work? How was this passion born?
I always had an interest in serving others, but it wasn’t until I saw a child in need, first hand, that I knew my life would be dedicated to this work. During a mission trip in Honduras, I met a six-year-old little girl who was begging me for water. She was absolutely beautiful, and I was stunned by the fact that she was a six-hour flight from my home. I always say that anyone who sees something like that can never forget it.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to hang with my crazy kiddos. They are always keeping me on my toes. Last night, they jammed out in the basement for 2 hours with their instruments. There are crazy science experiments, dance parties, and baking competitions going on at all times over here. So, when I am not working, I am pretty much hanging with them.
Favorite local spot?
My favorite KC spot is the land where we are building our HALO Homes and Learning Center. It will be located on 37 acres of beautiful space. Standing on that ground and thinking about how many lives will be changed there… it is surreal. It is the perfect place for our KC kids to call home.
Your theme song?
My theme song is “Eye of the Tiger.”
Tell us more about this art auction!
The HALO ArtReach Auction is an incredible event that was created years ago to raise funds to support children in need. It is still going today, and this year is going to be the best one yet. People from all over the world are going to be tuning in to see our kids and how resilient they are. We are thrilled to have some special guests as well, including Oprah Winfrey.
What advice would you give to those interested in starting a nonprofit?
I would tell someone who is starting a nonprofit that it is important to partner with other organizations. If you are interested in something, reach out to the agencies that do similar work to what you are thinking of starting. Volunteer at those agencies and ask their opinions about your idea. Seek out a mentor in nonprofit who can help along the way.
What do you wish you could have told yourself, 10 years ago?
So much has happened in the past 10 years. I would tell myself that everything is going to be ok.
My daily mantra is: _____________________.
God is in control.
How have you coped during the pandemic? Have you seen it negatively/positively affect HALO?
For the HALO team, the pandemic has been a challenge, but it has brought us closer together. We have developed solutions that will better serve our kids in the long run. And like it or not, adapting to change has become a habit. I will say, those most affected by it are underserved children. It has been heartbreaking to watch kids who have to navigate this on their own, struggling without internet or parents who are fit to care for them. It is not fair for them, and everyday, we are trying to serve more and more kids like this. This is why we started “HALO Haven” at the Kansas City Learning Center to provide a safe place for kids to learn online during the day.
In 20 years I will be ____________________.
Appreciative of this life.
Something that would surprise people about me:
That my grandparents were Mexican immigrants.
I was most proud of HALO in this moment:
These moments happen every week at HALO. Where a kid comes to the door with only a trashbag in their hand, and we welcome them in with open arms, or a girl moves out to start her life as a young adult and comes back 4 years later with a college degree, or a boy says no to gun violence because he knows there is a better path available for him. These are the things that matter in our work, and they happen every single day.
How can those interested best get involved, at this moment in time?
There are many ways to get involved with HALO. You can volunteer from afar or limited in-person. You can donate to help us purchase the next greatest need that comes across our plate. You can help spread the word about our work. There is a link on our website here.
Disclaimer: We love having these conversations. We hope you love them as well. As a peaceful reminder, all views, opinions, statements, feelings, and vibes posted on Nelle News are solely those of the beautiful individuals involved. They might not represent any other person, agency, organization, employer, or company’s views, opinions, statements, feelings, or vibes. Nelle posts are meant to entertain and show a real-life conversation; nothing more or less.
