Check Out Anne Klein’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Klein, EdD

Hi Anne, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As the oldest of five children in a single mother home – which I am sure many of you can relate to – I learned to love, compassion, patience, sacrifice, responsibility and the list goes on. The struggle was definitely real and is truly what has guided my work professionally in mental health as well as my nonprofit work with the homeless.

As a Mental Health consultant for the Higher Education industry, I am passionate about helping our most vulnerable age group – a group that consistently has the highest suicide rate – find their potential and become resilient contributing members of our society, as defined by World Health Organization (not to geek out on you all too much!). This crisis affects all of us – the students that attend our Higher Education institutions, parents (I am the proud parent of a beautiful and amazing 16-year-old girl ready to spread her wings and need to take my own advice most days because of the anxiety that letting her fly evokes!), employers and the community at large.

Let’s fast forward for a moment… to the man/woman on the corner that you probably see every day walking to your home, office or just strolling in the park. We are all distracted and in our worlds (myself included!) but they are all around us. If we could have addressed their mental health all of those years ago (since Higher Education has access to the highest number of 18-24-year-olds) when they were on our campus, would they have struggled silently? Dropped out? Started working any job that they could find? Continued their mental health struggle? Been fired or quit? Muddled through life until they finally gave up? Yes – I understand that these things can happen to any of us. I am simply illustrating the importance of taking advantage of what we have access to and how it can shape an individual’s as well as a community’s entire trajectory!

There was a point to that quick thought – I promise! This is exactly why I also work so closely with the homeless here in Henry County. My nonprofit – Love is the Goat – provides immediate resources and shelter to individuals and families that are homeless by leveraging relationships with local hotels/motels as well as the community. This is by far the largest gap in resources in my county and you know how us academics love to find the ‘gap’. I work with a multitude of other nonprofits, business owners, and individuals to provide essential items (clothing, food and toiletries), assistance with finding meaningful work, assistance finding housing and many other things – including mental health. I am so blessed!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has had so many ups and downs! Goodness – in the very best of ways. One of my favorite quotes (and I have a ton!) is by Theodore Roosevelt. “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.”

He said it better than I can! Essentially, the real beauty is in the struggle and the person that we become because of it. I was a young single mom with very little guidance and family support. It took me a little longer than most to find my way, my purpose, my passion and my happiness but I did and I encourage every single one of you reading this to follow what God has placed on your heart. Be unyielding to it and fight for it every single day. And most importantly – respect the process!

There is always something to do as a mom, a daughter, a sister, an academic, an entrepreneur, and overall dreamer, as well as a nagging fear that you’ll miss something (at least for me!). Just create your to-do list and get to work – one step, one hour, one day and one week at a time all while enjoying the small moments along the way (it took me a while to figure that out!). Oh and drink some great wine every once in a while too. It’s absolutely necessary!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
If you don’t use the Happify app – try it!

I’m a hopeless romantic and love Jane Austen and pretty much anything from that time period (minus the chamber pots). Ahhhh… Darcy! I’ll leave it at that. To Kill a Mockingbird was so beautifully done and a true classic.

Do you all remember The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe? This was my first adventure outside of my reality as a child. I may or may not have walked into a closet or two in hopes of finding Narnia.

Books are such an amazing adventure – One of my goals in 2021 is to read more – both professional interests and personal interests – and have more adventures!

Contact Info:

• Email: loveisthegoat@gmail.com
• Website: loveisthegoat.org
• Phone: 404-939-1623
• Facebook: Anne Klein, Love is the Goat

Image Credits
My gorgeous daughter – who would much rather be behind the camera than in front of it! Shane Craven – for always doing an amazing job at capturing outreach moments! Nargis Halter – you have a gift – thank you!