Giving back never felt so good - Paz de Cristo Community Center
We all have those moments in life where we want to "do more". We want to "be more". About two years ago I had the opportunity to work at Paz de Cristo as a volunteer, my wife and I had done some volunteer work in the "streets" of Phoenix (seriously, we were feeding those living on the streets, but the organization that we were involved in, wasn't very organized, so it wasn't really working to well).
A friend of mine invited me to participate in "Give back Fridays" and as soon as he said it was for feeding the homeless, I was in. When we wrapped up that night, I was in. I didn't know what I was in for, just knew this is something I need to do, I was called to it. Jim, one of he coordinators, invited me to come back anytime, so I showed up the following week, I helped him. He showed me how to do some of the "jobs" and I told him, I"ll be back again.
After two or three more nights, I returned again with my friend John, who was now 2 months into this concept. Only this time, 3 of the 8 employees had noticed my coming back without being asked (or without signing up) which I later learned was a no-no (see, I hadn't yet actually been approved as a volunteer), but I was that guy they couldn't send away, as every time I walked through the kitchen doors, I am smiling from ear to ear and work my butt off while there. 
So when I was given the opportunity to showcase how much I love giving back on American Dream TV, I jumped at the chance. Being able to show the world how easy giving back is priceless. Yes I sell houses for a living, yes I am a Realtor, but selling houses is just one of my passions, giving back to those around me is another.
What started out as an opportunity for my wife and I to join John and his crew, has turned into a 3-4 month occurrence with Paz and that opened to the door to my working with another wonderful outreach program, Resurrection Street Ministry. How RSM differs from Paz is simple. Paz is the only nightly meal service in the valley. Resurrection owns a Thrift Store, and aside from operating costs, the proceeds are used to implement outreach programs like food box distribution 8x a month, both in the community as well as at the Thrift Store.
Our lives are made up of two book ends, our birth and our death. I was told a long time ago, life is about living your DASH. The space between your birth and death that creates your legacy. Yes, I sell houses. Yes, I am a Realtor and have been for 20 years now. Yes, I work my ass off and close 40+ deals a year, with a production volume of $10-15 Million, but I also give back. Weekly. Sometimes 2-3 times a week. My legacy is built on the people I met, I serve and care for. If you'd like to join me, and get involved, reach out, I'd love to bring you along and help serve these communities in Arizona. Its never too late to get involved. Giving back is just one way to achieve the American Dream. You're helping yourself and others. Its what this is all about...Giving. Year round, not just during the holiday season. #RLS8GUY #FeedClotheEmpower #AmericanDreamTV
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