As you may know, as an executive and leadership coach, I’ve been working to build and grow my business for two reasons:
- To help as many people as I can to gain the confidence to build a meaningful business or build a meaningful career. I want to help those people avoid the mistakes I made that set me on unnecessary detours while working my way towards being a better version of myself.
- To give back to the community with my earnings in a way that helps to empower those who may not have had the opportunities I’ve had, but still have dreams of changing their lives for the better.
To that end, I’ve always been straightforward about using my business to create a giving platform that will make a difference. Currently, we’re working with local Chicago organizations with the intention of expanding to a national and then global platform, but the overarching theme is consistent – where can we facilitate empowerment where it’s needed most?
Photo credit: Tone Stockenstrom Photos, Inc.
Over the past five years, I’ve been involved with a local non-profit, Connections for Abused Women and Their Children (CAWC). This organization is dedicated to working with victims of domestic abuse, and has spent the last 40+ years giving direct assistance to survivors of domestic violence.
CAWC’s mission is to work for social change through education, service collaboration, and institutional advocacy. With a shelter of only 42 beds, CAWC staff served 1,042 victims of domestic violence from the Chicago metropolitan area last year. These individuals accessed critical resources and support, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency shelter, medical and legal advocacy, individual counseling, and support groups.
Support from programs offered by organizations like CAWC has created results that look like this (2018 numbers):
- Provided 820 adults with life saving services from a trained counselor
- Ensured that 222 children received individual or group counseling, and other supportive services
- Offered 13,221 nights of safe refuge at the shelter to those seeking help
- Provided 3,601 service hours to clients through the CAWC Volunteer Program
- Reached over 5,991 professionals and community members through formal trainings, public education presentations, and community awareness and outreach events
Photo credit: Tone Stockenstrom Photos, Inc.
At this year’s fundraising event – the Sounds of Silence Gala – with over 350 people in attendance, CAWC was able to exceed its fundraising goal with a total donation amount of $262,000. Through the coaching and consulting work I’ve done this year, along with the amazing clients I’ve had the pleasure to meet and help, I was able to donate over $2,500 toward that fundraising goal. And while this may appear to be a modest contribution, the money collected this year will not only go toward funding the bigger programs CAWC offers, but also toward providing essentials like…
- Toiletries and necessities like toothpaste, shampoo, combs, feminine products, and soap
- Baby formula, diapers, sanitary wipes, and clothing
- Strollers and carriers for infants and babies
- Books, supplies and craft materials for children
- Food, clothing and emotional support for adults
This makes me so proud! It’s been a journey to get to this point where I could take the revenue I’m generating and direct it where it can make a difference. As my business continues to grow and evolve I plan to share more about how this work impacts and affects the community around us so stay tuned for more giving, more inspiration, and more empowerment!
To learn more about CAWC and the work they do to support victims of domestic violence, visit their website here.
Christina Holloway is a leadership development and business coach. She helps executives and entrepreneurs grow their companies faster, create results-driven teams, and increase profitability. She is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, and has been featured in The Huffington Post, Addicted2Success and Fast Company.
If you’re interested in working with Christina, take a look at her strategy sessions and contact her to get started.