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Champ House - Cape Cod Massachusetts

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 5 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #209 in Volunteering, #28646 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

About Champ Homes (now there are 4 Champ Houses!)

 

Champ Homes are "Places of Hope, Built on Faith."  www.champhouse.org

The residents and directors form a close-knit family, sharing our love and our spirituality with those who are less fortunate. We work tirelessly for our live-in residents, and for any at-risk, homeless members of our community who come to us for help. We care for anyone, male or female, from 17 to 70, who is in need of supportive, low-cost housing, who wants to be part of a nurturing family group. Champ Homes provide a haven for folks who are physically disabled, in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse, mentally ill, and all those in need in some way or the other.

My uncle and aunt, Paul and Carolyn Hebert started Champ House in the early 1990s.  Since then it has transformed hundreds of down-trodden spirits into bright, hopeful, productive lives. 

Not all of us are blessed with the specific talents and spirit needed to nurture less fortunate, homeless lives into a lives of emotional, spiritual and financial abundance.  I am definitely not blessed with those talents.  But I do have other talents that I can use to help others help the homeless.

For example, my talents as a lawyer (www.markhamlawyer.com) and and an author (www.kidsbankbook.com) provide me with Financial Abundance that I can share with Champ House.  [And, 10% of the net profits from "The Kids' Bank Book" are donated to Champ House.]  And, I can use my dot-com interests and skills to help others learn about, and support their work.  Then, Champ House can use those resources to do what they do best - really, what they were called to do . . . "We need to take care of one another."  Matthew 2:5.

My Favorite Song about the Champ House Spirit 

Go Light Your World

This song is awesomely inspiring - and best epitimizes the Spirit of Champ House. Try listening without tears of a touched Spirit.

Kathy Troccoli - Greatest Hits

Chorus:
"Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle, for all to see it
Take your candle and go light your world
Take your candle and go light your world"

Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 07/26/2008)

What does C.H.A.M.P. stand for? 

  • C - Caring, nurturing
  • H - Home-like environment
  • A - Adolescents and Adults in need
  • M - Motivation and morality in place of negativity
  • P - Producing Productive members of society

Successful, Financially Independent Lives include Donating 

Getting "Off the Rat Race" (in Robert Kiyosaki's "Cash Flow 101" game language, of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" fame, www.richdad.com) means Financial Independence. Financial Independence means that your income from your passive investments EXCEED your monthly expenses. Kiyosaki, along with many of today's other great teachers of financial wisdom, believe and teach that charitable donations are a big part of achieving, maintaining, and growing financial abundance and independence.

A few years ago, my husband and I decided exactly what our financial resources would go to when we become financially independent - 1/3 living expenses, 1/3 investments, 1/3 donations. What we learned when we played a 30-day abundance game that simulated a financially independent life, was that 1/3 of a financially independent person's income is ALOT of money.

And, we also learned that my husband and I did not want to spend our energies and talents managing all of that money - we wanted to use our talents in their unique ways - and let others, who are better at creating and managing philanthropic activities (such as Champ House) utilize the donation money. Sure, we wanted to decide where and what types of organizations it would be used for, but we wanted someone else to actually use the money for the actual daily activities.

Bill Gates understands the wisdom of this approach to donating. That is why he has a full-staffed organization that spends its time determining how to use the billions of dollars of his charitable donations. Then, they let the recipients of the money do the work of helping others.

Although my family has not yet achieved its financial independence, we do donate regularly - to several charities. So, if you are on the path to Financial Abundance, or have achieved Financial Independence, I highly recommend developing a donating habit now. If you can donate a penny, nickel, dime or quarter, out of a dollar now, you will be true to yourself when you have/receive millions of dollars.

How much do you donate? 

We want to know what Squidoo visitors do for charitable causes.

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One Resident's Story 

Want to know who is helped by the dedication and inspiration of the Hebert's and Champ House? Here it is in one resident's own words:

"I was around 7 years old before a teacher didn't believe the bruises and welts were from my falling. I hid in closets when my father was drunk but when he found me he used a stick to beat me."
-P., age 17.

Cool Squidoo lenses about the Joys of Volunteering 

(or, donating your time in fundraising or other ways)

I personally review and check-out these cool Squidoo lenses. [If you are submitting a lens to be added here, please vote in one of the polls & leave a Blurb in the Comments!]

#1

http://www.squidoo.com/lovevolunteer

Why do people volunteer their time? As a volunteer, you don't get paid for donating your time. But, these reasons are more motivating than money.0 points

Family Volunteering 

Fun ideas to volunteer as a family. Often these days, soup kitchens and other volunteer organizations don't want the kids underfoot.
  1. Special Olympics
  2. Write a thank you letter - or, just a pretty picture - to a soldier.
  3. Collecting cans of food for a food drive - be sure the kids either ask a neighbor or use their own money to buy it
  4. Take all of your recycles to a non-profit org that uses recycling for fundraising, like Champ House :)

My 3 Top Financial Abundance Books 

I haven't read any books about the importance of charitable giving because I was born with that belief. But I have read books about financial prosperity that will help you have more money so you can donate more money. These are some of those books.

Show Your Volunteer Spirit with CafePress 

These are cool things to share your volunteer spirit with others. [not my products - but wish they were ;) ]

Tropical Volunteer White T-Shirt

Pass on the volunteer spirit every time your wear your t-shirt to cook-outs, clamboils, races, or fun events.

White T-Shirt

Price: 19.99

Buy Now

Tropical Volunteer Women's T-Shirt

Women's T-Shirt

Price: 19.99

Buy Now

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Your Favorite Charitable Organizations to Donate to 

We want to know to whom who and what Squidoo viewers give. Some of the topics do overlap, so just pick the description that resonates best with you. Let us know the details in a Blurb at the bottom of the page.

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My Favorite Charitable Organizations to Donate to 

[Just so you know, I know the prepositions are dangling, but it just sounds better - less stuffy - that way]

Champ House
You know alot more about Champ House now from this lens. Visit them to Donate or to learn more. If you live in the Cape Cod area, visit the website or call them to learn more about how you can contribute your time, talents or resources to this great organization.
Marble Church, 29th St & 5th Ave, NYC
My church. Dr. Arthur Caliandro is the Senior Pastor. An absolutely life-transforming church. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale was the former senior pastor for over 50 years. Be sure to visit it when you are in NYC. Visit the website to see other Marble resources.
Sound of Life Radio Station
This is my favorite radio station; it's a positive (read: not overbearing) Christian radio station. Don't live in the NJ/NY/PA area? Listen online. Whenever I arrive at my destination, I am in a tremendously better mood and have a better attitude than I would have had without this station's Good Works. [As an attorney, keeping a good attitude is both challenging and important.]
Joel Osteen
The break-through pastor who continues to break the bonds of centuries of negative, guilt-ridden Christian messages. Joel brings a formerly taboo topic - abundance - to the Christian community. His Good Works touch people around the world. Did you know that you can listen to the entire service online at anytime? What a resource for optimism and attitude adjustment!
Joyce Meyer
I used to not like Joyce because she just was too harsh for me. She's softened in her communication, while staying firmly committed to her message - that any wrong done to you can be overcome, but that it is now your responsibility to make that decision and take that action. Why do I donate to Joyce? Because her WorldMissions Good Works simply blows me away! Just as one example, she built a live-in school for Tsunami orphans. That's amazing. That's world transforming.
Girl Scouts
I "donate" by buying cookies. Make a young girl's self-confidence increase - buy some cookies. How much easier can it get? Did you know that the money raised from Girl Scout cookie sales can go to that girl and her troop, in addition to the organization in general? Did you know she has also set a goal and is trying to reach that goal? What a great adult in the making. I was a Girl Scout - one of the best experiences in my life.

My Favorite Feel-Good (Vibration-Raising) Movies 

Some are Inspiring, some are feel-good, some are about helping others, some are about the impact of our lives on others

You can rate these movies by clicking on the arrows. If you have a favorite feel-good movie that's not shown, we want to know about it! Tell us in a Blurb. If you also love a movie below, 1st Rate it, 2nd Submit a Blurb about it. [The comments below the title are mine, not the Amazon listing's snippet.]

Pay It Forward

Pay It Forward

The movie that made continuing small acts of kindn more...2 points

Smile

Smile

Based on 80,000 true stories0 points

About a Boy (Widescreen Edition)

About a Boy (Widescreen Edition)

How to transform an empty life into one of meaning more...0 points

Casablanca

Casablanca

Trying to denying what you know in your heart to b more...0 points

Miracle (Widescreen Edition)

Miracle (Widescreen Edition)

The inspiring true story of the 1980 US Olympic te more...0 points

Dreamer - Inspired by a True Story (Full Screen Edition)

Dreamer - Inspired by a True Story (Full Screen Edition)

A darkened spirit can be awakened and rejuvenated more...0 points

Invincible

Invincible

Based on a true story. It's amazing what you can more...0 points

Rocky

Rocky

It's not how many times you get knocked down, it's more...0 points

It's a Wonderful Life

It's a Wonderful Life

We each touch so many lives. What would the lives more...0 points

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Standing for your truth brings more truth and Ligh more...0 points

12 Angry Men

12 Angry Men

Justice starts with a seed, with just one person w more...0 points

The Muppet Movie - Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition

The Muppet Movie - Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition

The seminole movie by a master of how each of us a more...0 points

Muppets from Space

Muppets from Space

A tribute to the "weirdness" or uniquene more...0 points

The Last Gasp Bike Boat and Bake Fundraiser, Cape Cod Massachusetts 

An annual authentically Cape Cod Fundraiser that benefits Champ House

Champ House is grateful to be a beneficiary of The Last Gasp Bike, Boat & (Clam) Bake annual fundraising event.

Are you a Last Gasp Biker or volunteer or supporting organization? If so, we want to hear from you! Submit a Blurb at the bottom of the page.

For example, what do you do in The Last Gasp (biker, volunteer)? Who do you raise money for? Why do you raise money for Champ House?

From The Last Gasp's website:
"2006 will mark the 15th annual running of this unique event. Over the years we have had a lot of fun, made life long friends, and raised over $1.6 million for the Cape Cod community. . . 100% of the money you raise or donate will be directed to the charity of your choice."

It's All about Gratitude! ONE MILLION THANKS 

Gratitude is the state of being that allows us to connect with the Divine, truly enjoy life, and be a blessing to others.

What if you had ONE MILLION THANKS to give for your life? I know I do, and so do many others.

That's why I created the One Million Thanks Blog. Go ahead - add your own things to be thankful for - maybe you can start with, "I've always had a roof over my head and a family that loved and supported me." If you can't start there, then maybe it'll be, "I am grateful that I have grown through so many challenges."

Or, maybe something simple like, "my child's hug this morning."

The more GRATITUDE you add, the more it will lift someone else's spirits - and your own!

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Reader Feedback 

Tell us what you think about this lens, about donating, or about any Poll vote above.

Christene

Blessed by a SquidAngel

Posted May 24, 2007

financegirls

Yes, giving back should always be a part of everyone's life especially for those in need!
Wonderful lens! Best wishes on all your endeavors!

Posted April 13, 2007

TheresaMarkham

Over 1000 individual lives have been transformed by Champ House. But every one of those lives touches hundreds of other lives - in the community, in the market place, in the education system, and in the government. So, how many lives has Champ House touched?

Posted April 09, 2007

rogercarr

Kudos to you for sharing the message that we can all give in different ways to help others. Champ House appears to be filling a tremendous need. Please consider submitting this lens to the All About Volunteering Group. Keep up the good work.

Posted March 29, 2007

TheresaMarkham

Why do I donate to Champ House? Because they do what I can't do - feed, shelter, heal and inspire the homeless. By giving to them, I am indirectly bring good to the world in a way that I, personally, and not uniquely suited for.

Posted March 24, 2007

ONE MILLION THANKS to give 

2 New England Traditions 

When you're buying your Boston Red Sox 2007 World Champions Shirt, remember to donate a few dollars to those who may not have ever visited Fenway Park - or who may have to struggle to get a regular t-shirt.

And, while you're growing your rhubarb t...

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TheresaMarkham

About TheresaMarkham

Theresa A. Markham, Esq. loves living in scenic Northwest New Jersey with her husband, Chuck, and daughter Zoe, who are visited by her GWU-college-graduate step-daughter Samantha.  She donates 10% of her net profits from her book, "The Kids' Bank Book," to Champ House (a residence for at-risk members of the Cape Cod community).   


Her law firm (http://www.markhamlawyer.com/),  crafts creative solutions for her clients' financial disputes, while helping them grow through difficult life challenges.  Prior to relocating New Jersey several years ago, she lived in Manhattan and worked on Wall Street.


She has had two of her letters published in the New York Times' Letters to the Editor, and has been featured in the American Bar Association Journal.  She is grateful for the fabulous education she received at Fordham University School of Law (over a decade ago), as well as for her world-class church (for which the family commutes to Manhattan), Marble Collegiate Church, and wonderful minister, Dr. Arthur Caliandro, (who shared the pulpit for several years with Dr. Norman Vincent Peale before assuming the role of Senior Minister).


A confirmed math-nerd, she loves playing with the family in the evenings, quilting (with its combination of geometry and art), driving through the countryside, making snow angels, and baking anything with lots of sugar, butter and white flour (preferably sugar cookies).  She's from a blended family - of both Red Sox and Yankees fans - of course, she cheers for the boys in red (it's the irresistible underdog advocate instinct).  Originally from just outside Fall River, Massachusetts, she occasionally "paks her cah in the yahd" and has to drive to Boston for real clam chowder and baked beans.
 

TheresaMarkham's Pages

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