Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Byron.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Carmen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well, the journey has been a long one. I’ve always had a passion for helping others and making a difference. My mother even told me how we would go out on Thanksgiving Day to feed the homeless with bologna sandwiches we made that morning. However, growing up, it was always about getting a career/job that “made the money.” I mean, I went to school to be an attorney, that’s how ingrained it was in my mind. But I realize now, that my parents were really doing what they thought was best for me. Pushing me towards the “guaranteed money” option because they wanted me to be secure as an adult. And I’m thankful that I was able to be blessed with a job in the field I went to school for but I realized this year, that I wasn’t happy. I was wasting away my twenties making everyone else happy. Emotionally and mentally, I was suffering. It wasn’t about the money anymore, it was about my wellbeing. It was time to make a change and follow my heart. And that’s just what I did. Now, we’re here…
Great, 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?
LOL, can you say ROUGH? I was fighting against SO many forces and most of them were because of obstacles I put in my own way. I was leaving behind YEARS of comfort, my safety net, a guaranteed future all for the sake of me and myself. It was the first time in a long time I was doing something for ME and not for the satisfaction or happiness of someone else. It was scary yes, I literally stepped out on faith and faith alone. Like if I was to fail, it would be because of me and no-one else. That’s it. So, to other women who may be in the same situation and deciding if you should take that leap without the safety net, remember these things: 1. Always look at the confirmation you’ve already been given from those you know and those you don’t regard your talents. 2. Realize that every time you were at a dead end, a way was miraculously made for you. 3. Never forget that you already made it through 100% of your worst days; and 4. Everything is impossible until it’s done.
What should we know about Open Hand Atlanta? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Now, I work for Open Hand Atlanta, a non-profit that makes nutritionally balanced meals for clients suffering from chronic illnesses, so AIDS/HIV, Cancer, Diabetes, Kidney and Liver disease. I am one of the Volunteer Services Coordinators who specializes in getting the volunteers to our site to help us prepare and package those meals and also deliver them to our clients. We run a good percentage on volunteers. We have about 10,000 volunteers annually and have made over 30,000,000 meals as of October of this year. My co-workers and I are restlessly recruiting our friends, family and former colleagues to help us out. I’m most proud of the work we do. We are literally changing the lives of people every single day. Over 6,500 meals go out of our facility EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. So, yeah, no pressure! I think what sets us apart from others is definitely our client base. When you hear chronic illness, we tend to think of the worst possible scenario. But our clients are so thankful and warm. They are so appreciative of our efforts and they are the ones who truly keep us going. I am always excited when I get the chance to see their faces, to actually speak to them, hug them, have them tell you that they love you (true story btw), it’s really nothing like it. I come home every day knowing that I did some good. Nothing compares.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
I said earlier that my parents wanted to make sure that I was secure over everything. But I always had a strong influence in my life that made sure I never lost my true passion. My grandmother always encouraged me to follow my heart. To always do what made ME happy. She really was my biggest cheerleader. When she passed, I made sure I honored her legacy by helping those who weren’t able to help themselves. I’ve dedicated every one of my birthday’s to her by doing some form of service and this year, I made the ultimate transition by completely moving career fields. By finally following my passion, I know success is already guaranteed and it’s been confirmed multiple times. Too many to name! I thank my grandmother every day for her advice. Without her, I know I would’ve been prolonging my blessings.
Contact Info:
- Address: Open Hand Atlanta
181 Armour Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30324 - Website: openhandatlanta.org
- Phone: 404-872-2707
- Email: cbyron@openhandatlanta.org
- Instagram: Open Hand Atlanta
- Facebook: Open Hand Atlanta
Image Credit:
Carmen Byron
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