For our Inaugural Small Business Spotlight, it just made sense to start with my dad, Dr. Kevin D. Strickland Sr. Not only has he been a major support system in my life, but he also is the one who sparked the entrepreneurial spirit in me. My dad is a serial entrepreneur who is dedicated to giving back to his community in a variety of ways. Over the years, I have watched him successfully manage many non-profit and for-profit businesses, all geared toward providing a service to the community. Today we will highlight an organization that is near and dear to his heart, Harvest House of Hope (HHH). Learn more about their mission and how you could engage with them below.
Organization Details
Organization Name: Harvest House of Hope Established: 5 years ago Industry: Education, Health Services, Youth Classification: Non-Profit
What inspired you to start your Harvest House of Hope?
Dr. Strickland: I’ve been blessed to travel. On my travels, I have been able to witness the needs of communities. While I was in California I saw many homeless families and I knew that it was time for me to do all I could to help.
What is Harvest House of Hope’s mission?
Dr. Strickland: The mission of the Harvest House of Hope is to provide support and resources to homeless families and individuals. We are also dedicated to providing youth development programs that will allow all youth to reach their full potential.
What services do you provide?
Dr. Strickland: Homeless Outreach, Feeding homeless families, Educational Resource Center, and Youth Development Programs.
Why is Harvest House of Hope needed in the community?
Dr. Strickland: Harvest House of Hope provides Hope to those who believe there is no hope. Our team strives every day to make a positive change in this challenging environment. Our goal is to provide and promote great opportunities to those in need.
Do you have anything new and exciting for your organization that you would share?
Dr. Strickland: Yes, indeed. At Harvest House of Hope, we are preparing for the holiday season. Currently, we are in the middle of our annual winter coat drive. We are accepting donations of winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves for families. Also, we are also preparing for our annual Toys 4 Tots drive. This year we are planning to support close to 500 underprivileged, underserved, inner-city youth with the support of the United States Marine Corps. To sign your family up to receive toys or to donate call 330-786-5769 or email [email protected].
What is your biggest failure and what did you learn from it?
D.r Strickland: Letting a door of opportunity close. When God opens a door walk through it.
Advice for anyone starting a business?
Dr. Strickland: Don’t wait. Get started! Don’t be afraid to partner up and collaborate with others.
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Dr. Strickland: Mr. Bill Gates. For starters, he is one of the richest men in the world. Mr. Gates once told a story that has stuck with me about a time he took a trip by airplane. While at the airport he wanted to read the newspaper but could not afford to buy one. The man who owned the newspaper stand gave him the paper for free, which Mr. Gates accepted.
A few years later, he was traveling again and once again could not afford to buy a newspaper. The newspaper stand owner once again offered him a free newspaper. Mr. Gates said no but the man insisted.
10-15 years later Bill Gates became the richest man in the world. He looked for and found the newspaper stand owner who gave him the free papers. He said “do you know me,” the stand owner said “yes, you’re Bill Gates, the richest man in the world.
Mr. Gates said “do you remember what you did for me,” the man said, “yes, I gave you a free newspaper not once but twice.” Mr. Gates said “that’s right. Now I’m here to repay you. Ask for anything in this world you want and I will give it to you. Because I want to repay you.”
The newspaper stand owner said, “ You could never repay me. Because what I did for you was from the heart. I was a broke newspaper man and I came from nothing.” That’s when Mr. Gates understood that he was not the richest man in the world. Instead, he was the second richest man in the world because the man who gave when he had nothing was the first!
How can people learn more about Harvest House of Hope?
Dr. Strickland: Visit our website www.harvesthouseofhope.net or catch us on Facebook or Instagram at Harvest House of Hope. Volunteers are needed to assist with our programming and donations are accepted.
Harvest House of Hope is providing hope to those who believe there is no hope by increasing access to basic needs for homeless individuals and families. In addition, their youth development programs are enriching and encouraging one of our most vulnerable populations, children, which leads to better overall outcomes for the community. Consider donating your time or resources to their current annual coat drive and future programming. For additional information, please visit www.harvesthouseofhope.net.
If you are a small business owner or know of a business that should be featured in an upcoming Small Business Spotlight, please use the registration link or email [email protected]. Also, follow our upcoming featured businesses on the Why To Success blog and Instagram story
[…] Business Spotlight, please use the registration link or email [email protected]. Check out the blog post for the inaugural Small Business Spotlight. Also, follow our upcoming featured businesses on the […]