Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Sanders.
Hi Lauren, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Growing up, I always wanted to be a foster parent as I knew there was a need. My mom was actually in foster care. My first career was in law enforcement, and it was hard going to calls when DCF removed children. I always wondered how they were doing afterward. After I left law enforcement, I became a relative caregiver for my nephew, who was removed. During this time, I took a leap and became licensed as a foster parent for any child In need. At the time, COVID came around, and I started taking children. I knew it would be challenging during regular times and then realized that the kids would come with nothing or unsalvageable items. The kids came at all hours of the night. Major stores like Walmart were no longer open 24 hours, which made it complicated and stressful. I then started to stock up on clearance items for the next child I might take in. From there, I realized I was open to all age groups, which was hard to prepare for. While people were trying to figure out how to cope with COVID times, I decided to go one step further and start a business plan for 1 Ohana 1 Community. My vision grew fast with support from our community.
Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has been far from a smooth road. Initially, I reached out to other non-profits for a blessing/guidance. One dared to tell me there was enough support for the foster community and that my services weren’t needed. I have grown such a beautiful non-profit that focuses on helping children in traumatic times and at-risk families to help prevent the children from entering into care. Unfortunately, we have lost donors due to other people’s personal biases. It’s for the children, and that’s who it’s hurting.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about 1 Ohana 1 Community Inc.?
1 Ohana 1 Community is a non-profit organization that serves Volusia, Flagler, and Putnam Counties. Our mission is to change 1 Foster Journey at a time. We are known for our emergency care packages for children entering out-of-home care (foster care, relative/non-relative placements). We have many other programs, which include birthday care packages, Easter baskets, biological family reunification assistance, aging-out teen assistance, a fire victim program, and a free clothing shop for anyone in need. What sets us apart from others is the genuine good hearts of all our board members and volunteers. Brand-wise, I’m most proud of being recognized by the governor’s office. I want readers to know the meaning behind our name. Ohana is a Hawaiian term meaning family. Disney’s Lilo and Stich defined it as “Ohana means family, and family means nobody is left behind or forgotten.” My dream of the name was that our community (individuals, businesses, churches) came together as 1 for the foster community.
Have you learned any interesting or essential lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
We started our journey during the crisis. That’s when we realized there was a need for our services.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1ohana1communityinc.org/
- Facebook: Https://www.facebook.com/1ohana1community?mibextid=ZbWKwL
