Later this year Splashlife will launch, aiming to be an “AARP for young people.” I spoke with Melissa Helmbrecht Martin, Chairman and CEO, earlier today about the organization.
Melissa Helmbrecht Martin, Chairman and CEO of Splashlife
When Melissa was 15, she was failing classes and was encouraged by a mentor to volunteer at a homeless shelter for women and children. Melissa walked out of the shelter that day and never failed another class. Her low sense of self worth was transformed into a recognition that even she had a role to play. Since that time, Melissa has spearheaded over 30 grassroots projects and won numerous awards for her dedication to service. She’s started Splashlife “to engage young people in service as a way for them to respond to and cope with adversity.”
The first campaign is “Hunger and Homelessness in America.” For Melissa, the first step in her own empowerment was volunteering at the homeless shelter, and it seemed that activating their network to end homelessness was a seamless way to start. It was a natural fit to partner with EDAR (Everyone Deserves a Roof) as Splashlife co-founder and producer Peter Samuelson, started the nonprofit that provides mobile shelters to the homeless, each costing just under $500. It’s a brilliant example of one way to design simple temporary solutions for complex issues.
The issue of homelessness can be daunting at times, and Melissa and I discussed how this often keeps people from taking action. During a time of epic uncertainty and families losing homes every minute, Melissa says “We must provide young people with the ways to exercise their power.”
You can takepart by joining our social action campaign for The Soloist. You can also text SPLASH to ACTION (228466) to get updates about Splashlife.
CATEGORIES: Culture
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- Worldchanging
i think that this new splashlife is gonna work it is great for our kids . they too need a place to go and air out thank you. there was no place for our kids who are now 41 and 36 years old. good luck and god bless you . i heard about it on the view from whoopi
I am not sure what exactly you are looking for in the way of aid for your projects, but I would like to do whatever I can help you. I saw you on The View and they stated that sometimes people just need someone to talk to, and I know myself that is often true. I am 45 years old and live in S. CA. and right now, I am living in a 5th wheeler RV with my 3 dogs and 5 cats. I lost my house, business, and had to adopt out most of my cats. I ran INARI’S RAINBOW, which was a cat rescue, for 3 years, and had a mobil grooming service. It is important not to give up!
My heart goes out to each and every individual, both adult and child, who are struggling with difficult an unbearing situations in their life. You imagine your life to be a certain way, for certain events to ocuur and for all to pan out for you and then one day to your suprise something tragic happens to you and things start to spiral downward from there. That happened to me! I am currently struggling with a number of issues. I am a 30 yr. old woman who never imagined myself in this particular place in my life. I started feeling the way Melissa did when I was in my youth. I just recently started to help myself. Let me rephrase that, I am trying to help myself. I have donated clothing, helped out at a homeless shelter, etc. I have a far way to go. My journey does not end here. These ideas to help others came to mind before I even heard about Melissa’s site. I can relate to Melissa. The difference is is that Melissa fixed herself. I have not yet. I have to perservere. I do not want any one to go through what I went through and while I work on myself I would like to help others in the interum. When I am cured, and believe you me, one day I will be, I will to continue to help others who are struggling. I firmly believe that s one of my missions in life. To all….Don’t give up! I know I will not!!
Thank you for your comments. It always helps to hear the personal stories behind some of the most daunting issues that we face as a country. And like Tricia and Coren say, Don’t give up! People care about you and your struggle!
My name is Mia Jones and My dad died when I was 14 and I think about him every day.
And so dose My mom and his mom.