Impact 100 Owensboro

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OASIS, Habitat receive grants each will get $128,000 from Impact 100

10/24/2008

By Beth Wilberding
Messenger-Inquirer

Because of the women of Impact 100, Habitat for Humanity of Owensboro-Daviess County will be able to purchase a home of its own.

Habitat for Humanity received one of two $128,000 grants awarded by Impact 100. Owensboro Area Shelter Information & Services Inc. (OASIS) received the other grant.

The recipients were announced at Impact 100's third annual meeting Thursday evening at Owensboro Country Club.

This was the third year that Habitat applied for an Impact 100 grant. It applied for different projects each year, and this time, the organization asked for money to purchase a new warehouse and office at Moseley and 17th streets.

Besides the Impact 100 grant, two homeowners paying off their homes early will allow Habitat to purchase the new space.

"This is perfect," said Virginia Braswell, executive director of Owensboro's chapter of Habitat for Humanity. "This is what we wanted for quite a while."

The other finalists were Theatre Workshop of Owensboro, the Owensboro Museum of Science and History and the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden.

This is the second consecutive year that the science and history museum and botanical garden have been finalists.

Each organization had 10 minutes to make a presentation about its group and what it intended to use the grant money for before the members of Impact 100 voted for the two recipients.

OASIS plans to use its grant to purchase items for the shelter, including linens, mattresses and appliances.

There were more than 70 people staying at OASIS Thursday night, Executive Director Brenda Jones said during her presentation.

She said people often ask her how successful the shelter is. Besides being a domestic abuse shelter, women are able to get substance abuse counseling and participate in other programs.

"I can promise you that tonight there are 76 people in that building ... (who are) not afraid to go to sleep tonight," Jones said.

After learning that OASIS would receive one of the two grants, Jones told the group she was almost speechless.

"You just feel everything at once," she said after the announcement. "Excited, overwhelmed and grateful."

Impact 100 has continually increased its donations.

In 2006, its first year, the group raised $150,000 and awarded a grant for that amount to Grandma's Corner. Last year, Impact 100 raised $208,000 and awarded grants of $104,000 each to the Boulware Center Mission and Girls Incorporated.

The organization has raised more than $600,000 in its first three years, and one of its goals is to raise $1 million by its fifth year, said Martha Clark, the organization's president.

Impact 100 showed a video featuring all three organizations, then gave representatives from Girls Incorporated and the Boulware Center the opportunity to give brief speeches.

Savannah Estes, 13, has been a member of Girls Incorporated for eight years and spoke on behalf of the organization. Girls Incorporated requested grant money to purchase various items as part of a capital campaign, and the members have done everything from selecting what they wanted to purchase to learning how to read contracts.

"(We) appreciate everything you have done for us," Savannah told the crowd. She added that someday, members of Girls Incorporated might be able to join Impact 100, and she received a standing ovation.

"I would like to send you a great, big hug" from all 800 members of Girls Incorporated, Savannah said.

To be a member of Impact 100, area women donate $1,000 to be used in the grant or grants. After announcing how much money was raised and the number of grants to be awarded, Impact 100 invites nonprofit organizations to submit grant applications.

Focus groups in the areas of culture, education, environment, family and health and wellness narrow down the list to five finalists.

"Our purpose is to inspire, to educate and to encourage women to effect change in the greater Owensboro area through philanthropy," Clark said.

Impact 100 hopes to swell ranks

3/15/2008
By Dariush Shafa
Messenger-Inquirer

With about two weeks remaining in this year's Impact 100 campaign, the group still needs 140 women to step up and make the commitment.

Now in its third year, Impact 100 has raised more than $300,000 for area nonprofit organizations and charities. The group hopes to be able to raise a full $1 million through 2009. Last year, Impact 100 was able to give two $104,000 grants to the Boulware Mission and Girls Inc. and the goal is to give three grants this year.

"Our motto for this campaign has been 'Impact 100 Owensboro Women ... Keeping Owensboro Alive, $1 million in Five!'" said Deborah Nunley, chairwoman of Impact 100. "This was a number that we were encouraged by members at our annual dinner to pursue."

So far this year, Impact 100 has 160 members, 45 of whom are new. The hope is that getting the word out, along with heavy support and word of mouth from members who've been in for the past year or two, will bring people in as the campaign draws to a close.

"We're hoping that their enthusiasm will become infectious," Nunley said. "We typically get an onslaught of checks toward the end of the month."

Joining Impact 100 takes a donation of $1,000, and members will then vote on which nonprofits get grants of $100,000 or more, depending on donations. The deadline to join is March 31.

Impact 100 has also taken on a life of its own within families, with several of the members having mothers, sisters, daughters or in-laws joining. That kind of generational handoff, Nunley said, is what will ensure Impact 100's future.

"It's become for many people a family affair," Nunley said. "That's what's so amazing and makes it a hopeful group, that we'll continue with the daughters of the group."

Impact 100 owes its success to its ingenuity and hard work, said one of its members.

"It's interesting with the people and the way it works," said Suzette Nunley, Deborah Nunley's sister-in-law and one of the founding members. "It's just kind of mushroomed."

Suzette Nunley said the concept of Impact 100 seems to be the main reason why people are so willing to join.

"To me, it's the whole concept of your money going for something that you have a voice in. It's not like when you just send a check in and don't know where your money is going," Suzette Nunley said. "It's very well structured so you feel comfortable in giving that amount of money. This way you feel like you really have a grasp of where this money is going and you have some control over where it goes."

It's also successful because the concept is geared entirely towards helping the community, Suzette Nunley said.

"If you're familiar with your community, you know how great the needs are. To be able to earmark some of these things and see the development of it, see the results of it, just gives you great pride," Suzette Nunley said. "It can make a real impact on a nonprofit in a positive way. ... It's such a simple concept, which I think makes it even better, because it works, as has been proven."

Annual Christmas Parade set for Saturday

11/15/2007

Impact 100 co-founders named this year's grand marshals

By Beth Wilberding

Messenger-Inquirer

Marianne Smith Edge spent several years during the 1980s as one of the organizers for the Owensboro Daviess-County Christmas Parade.

"I was always lining up floats, so I've never been on a float," Edge said.

Edge will get a new perspective of the event during the 71st annual Christmas parade Saturday -- she and Martha Clark are the grand marshals. Edge said she believes they will be riding in a carriage.

The women are the co-founders of Owensboro's Impact 100 chapter, an organization that has raised $358,000 in two years to go to three area charities.

"We definitely see this as a representation of all the Impact members," Edge said. "I appreciate the fact that they recognized the impact women can make in this community."

Clark said they are honored and humbled to represent Impact 100.

There are two criteria for being chosen grand marshal for the parade, parade Chairman Kevin Bruner said.

Grand marshals must have made a positive impact on Owensboro and have put Owensboro on the map in a positive light.

"They've certainly done both of those," Bruner said.

This year's parade is themed "Christmas, A Time For Peace." Floats are judged on how well they project the year's theme.

Judges will be at a secret location during the parade to judge the floats, Bruner said. Judging criteria are listed on the parade's Web site.

About 110 units, which include floats, marching bands, the Shriners, car clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and politicians, will participate this year.

Most of the floats are made by school groups, churches, companies and scout groups, Bruner said.

"The thing I like about it is all the smiles generated on the kids' faces," Bruner said of the parade.

Bruner has been working with the parade for about 10 years. The people who organize the parade raise money through donations and entry fees only, and the money goes right back into the event, he said.

The parade starts at Ninth and Frederica streets and goes north to Third Street. The route takes Third Street to Daviess Street, then west on to Second Street. The parade ends at Walnut Street.

Bruner said he thinks Second Street is the best viewing spot for the parade. The crowds are smaller, and there is a non-smoking section.

Sorgho fifth-grader Will Sims is the official starter for the parade. The starter blows a gold-plated whistle to kick off the event.

He was chosen by his school because of his school and community involvement, Bruner said.

The 71st annual Christmas Parade, "Christmas, A Time for Peace," is at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information on the parade, visit www.christmasparade.net.

Impact 100 scores again with grants

10/31/2007

Editorial

Messenger-Inquirer

Chapter 2 of one of this community's most compelling success stories was written late last week with the decision by Impact 100 to award grants for $104,000 to Girls Incorporated of Owensboro-Daviess County and Boulware Center Mission Inc.

We continue to be impressed with Impact 100's determination to do good things for this community by providing financial support to proven, quality organizations. Girls Incorporated and Boulware, the first devoted to affecting young lives and the second to caring for the basic physical needs of food and shelter for young and old, are certainly worthy recipients. The other three finalists for the grants -- the Owensboro Area Museum of Science and History, the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden -- are also deserving for the educational and cultural benefits they make possible.

Boulware, a homeless shelter, is in the middle of renovating the former Passionist nun monastery on Wing Avenue to be its new home. The Impact 100 grant will be used specifically to expand the building's kitchen. Girls Incorporated intends to use its Impact 100 grant to establish a Web site and replace or upgrade computers, furniture, appliances and make other improvements at the Rolling Heights Campus off East 18th Street.

Impact 100 is a group of women, each of whom donates $1,000 a year to be put toward annual grants. The concept, though uncomplicated, is highly effective. Groups and organizations compete for the grants. The winners are finally decided upon by a vote of the membership. In just two years, Impact 100 has given $358,000. The organization has greatly exceeded its expectations in membership and money raised.

To build on its two-year record of success, Impact 100 has adopted a new goal befitting the energy and determination it has shown thus far. The group's new goal is to raise and give $1 million in its first five years. At the pace it has maintained already, it can meet that goal, and we are confident that it will.

Girls Inc., Boulware win grants

10/26/2007

Impact 100 gives out awards of $104,000 each

By Beth Wilberding

Messenger-Inquirer

Tish Correa-Osborne wiped tears from her eyes as she walked to the podium Thursday evening at Owensboro Country Club.

"For all the girls we serve, thank you so much," the chief executive officer of Girls Incorporated of Owensboro-Daviess County told the members of Impact 100.

Girls Incorporated and the Boulware Center Mission Inc. were awarded grants for $104,000 each at Impact 100's second annual meeting.

The organizations were chosen from five finalists to receive Impact 100's second and third grants.

Impact 100 awarded $150,000 to Grandma's Corner last year.

After finding out the Boulware Center was the other recipient of an Impact 100 grant, Becky Hagan, the center's executive director, told the crowd that the center's residents were listening to the announcement on her cell phone.

Boulware is in the process of renovating the former passionist nun monastery on Wing Avenue at an estimated cost of $3.2 million, and the Impact 100 grant will go to renovate the kitchen.

"This is just a good step forward to $3.2 million," Hagan said.

Girls Incorporated will be using the grant for a capital improvement project that will establish a Web site and replace and/or upgrade computers, furnishings, appliances, security systems and program supplies at the Rolling Heights Campus.

The other finalists were the Owensboro Area Museum of Science and History, the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden.

The women of Impact 100 voted for two finalists at Thursday's meeting after each organization made a 10-minute presentation. Members who couldn't attend were able to vote via absentee ballots.

Correa-Osborne told the group that the grant money wasn't being given to her but to the girls involved with Girls Incorporated.

During her 10-minute presentation at the beginning of the meeting, Correa-Osborne said the girls would be going to the stores and checking warranties.

"They will make those items theirs," she said.

Hagan told the group during her presentation that, with the expanded kitchen, Boulware would be able to go from serving 60,000 meals a year to 150,000 a year.

"I hope you can all feel the electricity in this room," she said, adding that the room was electric because it was filled with extraordinary women.

One of the aims of Impact 100 is to effect change through philanthropy, President Martha Clark said during the meeting.

Impact 100 organizers also announced their new slogan at the meeting: "Impact women keep Owensboro alive, $1 million in five," signifying a goal or raising a cumulative $1 million in five years.

Two years into the program, Impact 100 has raised $358,000.

"I think next year will be a major turning point," Debbie Nunley, Impact 100 membership chairwoman, told the members.

Impact 100 members donate $1,000 to be put toward the grants. Twenty-eight organizations applied for this year's grants.

The applicants were narrowed down to five finalists in the focus group areas of culture, education, environment, family and health and wellness.

Impact 100 announces its grant finalists

9/1/2007

Two groups will get $104,000 each

By Beth Wilberding

Messenger-Inquirer

In its inaugural year, the women of Impact 100 were able to present Grandma's Corner with a grant for $150,000.

This year, the organization reached its goal of getting at least 200 women to donate $1,000 each -- it now has 208 members.

Five organizations are vying for two grants worth $104,000 each. The finalists were announced Friday.

The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, Owensboro Area Museum of Science and History, Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, Girls Incorporated of Owensboro-Daviess County and Boulware Center Mission Inc. were selected by Impact 100 focus groups. They were chosen from five focus groups -- culture, education, environment, family and health and wellness.

Kathy Olson, executive director of the area museum, said she cried when she found out her organization was a finalist. The museum was chosen in the education category.

"It's just such an honor to be named a finalist," she said. "The whole process has just been so inspirational."

If the museum receives one of the grants, it will use the funding for construction and installation of the Origins Natural History Gallery. "To have been chosen by them, it's very special," Olson said. "The nice thing about it for us, we, like all the other applicants, are trying to make a difference in the community."

The finalists were selected from 28 applicants, Impact 100 President Martha Clark said.

Some focus groups met between six and 12 times, Clark said, and they also made site visits to each applicant.

Every member of Impact 100 can vote for the two recipients, and the vote will take place at the group's Oct. 25 meeting. Additional site visits will be scheduled so that members can learn more about the finalists.

Girls Inc., which was chosen by the family focus group, would use the grant for a capital improvement project that would establish a Web site and replace and/or upgrade computers, furnishings, appliances, security systems and program supplies at the Rolling Heights Campus.

Executive Director Tish Correa-Osborne said there has been nonstop smiling since finding out Girls Inc. is a finalist.

"I think we would have to say most definitely we value every single donor and every single donation that comes into this organization," she said. "There is something extra special about a group of women hitting the bar so high."

Dr. Bill Tyler, president of the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, said the organization wants to use the grant money to expand its educational offerings.

"We think providing environmental education is crucial at this time in the history of the world," he said.

The garden, which was chosen by the environment focus group, hopes to build a classroom with an adjoining greenhouse so teaching can continue year-round. Sometimes, the weather hinders the ability to have classes, Tyler said.

"We're just elated about it," he said of being a finalist. "It's a wonderful thing. It's so wonderful to have a group like Impact in the community and working so hard and doing such a wonderful job."

The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra was selected as the culture finalist last year as well. The orchestra plans on using the grant, if chosen, to provide its Kindermusik program to at-risk children in Owensboro and Daviess County.

Kindermusik features programming for children 18 months to 7 years old.

The program would run over two years, so some children would be in it for the duration, said Bill Price, executive director of the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. "I think we saw, through talking to the teachers, how it really changes the kids that are involved with it," he said.

Renee Beasley Jones, director of sales and marketing, said the orchestra's new motto is "Changing Lives Through the Power of Music."

"We believe the Impact cultural committee saw the value in that, too," she said. "They believe, too, we can change lives with our music. That's very exciting."

The Boulware Center wants to use the grant to help with its expansion project. The center is renovating and expanding the former passionist nuns monastery on Wing Avenue, and the grant would go toward renovating the kitchen, Executive Director Becky Hagan said.

The health and wellness focus group selected Boulware.

"First, we're so grateful to Impact, but especially this committee that reviewed the program," she said. "They did just such a fine job and put a lot of hard work into it. (We) feel very honored that they selected us. (We're) looking forward to the next phase."

Clark said being part of Impact 100 has been the "most rewarding experience of my life."

"It is a very humbling experience," she said, "but it's not one person. It's a whole team approach. The board of directors of Impact 100 have been unbelievable."

The Finalists

Impact 100 chose its five finalists, which will now compete for two $104,000 grants. The finalists:

-- Culture -- Owensboro Symphony Orchestra.

-- Education -- Owensboro Area Museum of Science and History.

-- Environment -- Western Kentucky Botanical Garden.

-- Family -- Girls Incorporated of Owensboro-Daviess County.

-- Health & Wellness -- Boulware Center Mission Inc.

Impact 100 hits $208,000

4/10/2007

By Beth Wilberding

Messenger-Inquirer

For the second year in a row, the women of Impact 100 exceeded their expectations.

But in that final week, 50 more women joined, bringing the total to 208 members. Impact 100 board members made the announcement during a reception Tuesday at Independence Bank.

Impact 100 is an organization that asks women to join and donate $1,000. The money is then used to provide grants for local nonprofit organizations.

The $208,000 donation means two organizations will receive grants of about $104,000 each.

"It was the most exciting thing," said Martha Clark, president of Impact 100. "Everyone said there's no way we would get 200.

"Women care in Owensboro," she said. "They want to make it a better place."

Last year, 150 women joined Impact 100, exceeding the group's goal by 50 women. Grandma's Corner, a crisis day care center, received the inaugural grant.

Marianne Smith Edge said Impact 100 Owensboro exceeded Impact 100 Cincinnati in members this year.

"I knew they could do it," said Laura Ruth Edge, a charter Impact 100 member.

"These ladies are strong women," she said of the board members. "When they say they're going to do it, they're going to."

Only 11 charter members didn't renew, membership chair Debbie Nunley said. That means Impact 100 had a more than

90 percent retention rate, Clark said.

"It was almost a sense of amazement," Nunley said of exceeding the goal.

Nunley said Tuesday's announcement was sensational.

"It was a great feeling that we can give two grants," she said.

Darrell Higginbotham, Daviess County president of Independence Bank, read portions of a letter from Virginia Marx of Grandma's Corner.

He told the women in attendance that he wanted to let them know the impact of last year's generosity.

Stephanie Frey is a new Impact 100 member. She said she has friends who are charter members who worked with enthusiasm in the organization last summer.

"I felt the power in the group of women," Frey said of being at Independence Bank for the announcement.

Martina Temple of Owensboro is a charter member. She said she decided to join again this year because of the impact the organization makes in the community.

This year's grant applications are due by May 25. The recipients will be announced in October.

Once Impact 100 receives the grant applications, they are divided into five categories -- culture, health and wellness, family, environment and education. Members get into groups and choose one grant from each category as finalists.

The entire organization votes from the five finalists for the grant recipients. This year, two organizations will be chosen from the final five.

Twenty-nine organizations applied for the grant last year.

Beth Wilberding, 691-7307, bwilberding@messenger-inquir

The chairwomen and vice chairwomen of the focus areas for determining grant finalists are:

Culture -- Joanne Masters, chairwoman; Mary Embry, vice chairwoman.

Education -- Carol Bothwell, chairwoman; Anne Leazenby, vice chairwoman.

Environment -- Karen Callis, chairwoman; Isabelle Wethington, vice chairwoman.

Family -- Pam Blackstone, chairwoman; Michelle Love, vice chairwoman.

Health and wellness -- Ann Watson, chairwoman; Deb Price, vice chairwoman.

Impact 100 set to exceed '06 success

Editorial

04/03/07

Messenger-Inquirer

Slightly more than a year has passed since we hailed the launch of Impact 100, an idea that although simple in approach nevertheless promised great things for the community.

To say that expectations were exceeded is understating what happened over the course of the ensuing months. The idea was for 100 community-minded women to each contribute $1,000, with the total of $100,000 awarded to a local nonprofit organization that focused on either culture, environment, education, health, wellness or family.

Before the group closed the membership door, 150 women stepped through. The $150,000 was donated to Grandma's Corner, an emergency child care center. It was one of 29 organizations seeking the award.

Matching the success of that inaugural effort presented a challenge for the Impact 100 chapter, but we're delighted to learn that it is a done deal. Already this year, more than 158 women have committed to donating $1,000 each to fund another nonprofit organization this year. The possibility even exists of splitting the money between two deserving organizations.

Impact 100 remains one of the most refreshing, difference-making group efforts this community has seen in a long time. If the organization is able to maintain itself for a long period, imagine how much good it will do. And all the administrative work of the organization is done free of charge by its members, while donations from the group's friends will cover other expenses. As we observed last year, Impact 100 goes to great lengths to evaluate grant applicants before selecting the winner.

We look forward to watching it all unfold again.

Impact 100 seeking 200 donors

Women might offer two $100,000 grants

03/29/07

By Beth Wilberding
Messenger-Inquirer

Last year, 150 women helped make a major impact on crisis day care in the community when they banded together to raise $150,000 for Grandma's Corner.

The women of Impact 100 are hoping to give more money away this year -- and as of Tuesday afternoon, 158 women have committed to donating $1,000 apiece to fund a grant for another nonprofit organization this year.

Organizers are hoping to have 200 women join the cause by Saturday. If they are able to raise $200,000, they will give two $100,000 grants, said Deborah Nunley, Impact 100 membership chairwoman.

"It is thrilling to see so many women working together to a common goal," Nunley said.

There have been 43 new members join, and eight members joined Monday, Nunley said.

"I feel like this last week's our big push," she said.

Impact 100 has also allowed its members to identify areas of need in the community, Nunley said.

When Impact 100 began to form a local chapter last year, the goal was to have 100 members. But organizers were able to get 150 members, who each committed to donating $1,000 to a community nonprofit organization.

After the final membership count is announced, organizations will be able to submit grant proposals to Impact 100.

Laura Ruth Edge, 23, is an interior designer for Hubbuch & Co. She is also one of the youngest members of Impact 100. Her aunt, Ruth Reed, encouraged her to get involved with the program.

"It's interesting to see how many women in the community are getting involved and having their voice heard," she said. " ... I just think, for the size of our city, we've already had such a great number of women getting involved just in this first and second year."

The donation of $150,000 last year to Grandma's Corner was voted the top local story of 2006 by readers of the Messenger-Inquirer.

Members can be as involved as they want to be in Impact 100, Edge said.

Once all of the grant proposals have been turned in, they are then divided into five categories: culture, health and wellness, family, environment and education. Impact 100 members are divided into groups to review the grants in a given category.

Each group will pick one finalist in its category, and all members then vote on who to award the grant to based on the final five.

Twenty-nine organizations applied for the grant last year.

Cecilia Medley, 96, is also an original member of Impact 100. Medley said she wanted to help with the program after hearing about it last year.

"I felt like it was a good project to give to," she said. "I feel like they're going to do a good job."

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To Join

The final membership total and grant donation for Impact 100 will be announced at 5:30 p.m. April 10 at Independence Bank on Frederica Street. For more information about joining, call Deborah Nunley at 929-2018 or Martha Clark at 683-3272, or visit http://www.impact100owensboro.org. Membership deadline is Saturday.

Giving Back

A growing grassroots movement has been helping many of the nation's poor and disadvantaged. Kelly Cobiella reports on how giving circles have given some Americans a new lease on life.

Click here to see the video from CBS News

'Giving Circle' Proves Power In Numbers

In First Part Of 'Giving Back' Series, An Austin Group Pays It Forward

Quote

"We can see the face of the people we're helping. We can go into Ben and Jerry's and the kids behind the counter are there because our money is paying their salaries. That's powerful." ~ Rebecca Powers

(CBS) Teresa Dean never thought she'd have a job. Not because she didn't want one. She just couldn't imagine her life being that good, CBS News correspondent Kelly Cobiella reports.

"I don't think I pictured anything positive or happy. I just pictured myself, like, this is who I am, this is what I have, and this is who I'm going to be the rest of my life," Teresa explains.

Teresa was pregnant at 16 and just six months ago, homeless in Austin, Texas with a son to feed. But instead of handouts, she got a hand up — well about 100 hands really — from women like Rebecca Powers living in the same city, but a different world.

"We did a lot in our schools and our church, but we didn't ever think about how we might participate in our town," Rebecca says.

So, over coffee, Rebecca and her friends decided to try a new take on the old sewing circle: a "giving circle." Each woman asks their friends — and friends' friends — to donate $1,000, until the pot hits $100,000. Then they get a vote on where the money goes.

That kind of grassroots giving is growing. More than 400 giving circles have sprouted across the country, with women raising anywhere from few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands.

Cincinnati mom Wendy Steele saw the potential five years ago and began recruiting busy moms and working women who couldn't afford to volunteer.

"I tried to find a way for them to get involved without giving their most precious commodity, their time," Steele says.

The Austin group's first grant helped fund a work training program for at-risk youth. Their circle has grown to more than 300 women and recruiting is as easy as a trip to the ice cream shop.

"We can see the face of the people we're helping. We can go into Ben and Jerry's and the kids behind the counter are there because our money is paying their salaries. That's powerful," Powers says.

Today, Teresa has an apartment, a paycheck and pride.

"The first thing I did was take my son out and buy him shoes and clothes. It was lovely," Teresa says.

And that hand up has created something else, she says.

"Every time I'm on the street and someone asks me for change, I'm going to give them what I have. Even if it's the last dollar in my pocket, I’m going to give it to them because I've been there before and I know how it feels," Teresa says.

The giving circle keeps giving.

Click here to see the original artical from CBS News.