American Angel Works in a new division of Rosebud Advocacy. Established in 1999 and almost invisible since the economic collapse beginning 2007 to the present. Rosebud was working with men with addiction issues for years and continues to this day. In late 2010 because it seemed like so many people were searching for basic help due to job loss, injury, or sickness American Angel Works was born. Rosebud's President, Peter Erbele had a meeting with Ken Stepp in a little coffee shop early one morning and the question was thrown out. How can we partner our time talent ideas and passion and make a difference in hurting peoples lives ? How can a nonprofit with $18.00 in the bank offer help to families that may not have food today ? Let's work with offenders and make them a resource that makes a difference in hurting families lives. And lets get started right away !
Well the "right away" thing wasn't to go off without a hitch. It seems there are a lot of legal things one must do to even begin such a journey. First we have the board to petition on this idea. And since they are so spread out that would not happen overnight. Who knew that wanting do do something good for people would be so difficult ? Not us. But in the nonprofit world all the T's are crossed and the I's are dotted. This would be much the same. We met with our board, met with our attorney, and met with some very wise people. After receiving an all systems are go sign from everyone we began. Of course now it was late January 2011. We would launch in February.
One of the first thing we learned is that the desire to help others would not actually lead to helping others. It would take more than desire. It would take a community of people that would have to be found to do the things that we did not have the training or talent to do. I decided to write this press release because of just such a person that literally came out of nowhere. I ran an ad on Craigslist. I received spams, scams, and crazy things from it. But one person sent me an email. Her name was Nina Gibson. Her email was pleasant, thoughtful, and to the point. She wanted to help. No agenda, just help. She asked what we needed. I emailed her back that we really needed a flyer that we could email people. She asked what it needed to say. I mentioned a few items that should be included but asked her to do the creative part. I thought that was pretty bold of me but it really is all I could offer. She sent me the proofs, they were fantastic. Nothing about what she created looks free at all. In an economy and a time when so many Americans have pulled back and watching out for number one she came in and made a difference. American Angel Works is in this for the long haul and it's people like Nina that reminds us we are not alone in this struggle to make a difference. Here's to tomorrow and beyond. I just wanted to say thank you. America really is the most generous nation in the world, and full of the best people on Earth.
