Providing a Safe Place for at-risk Children

Interested in starting your own journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Monique Graves, Founder of Lauren's House 4 Positive Change Inc., located in Menlo Park, CA, USA.

What's your organization, and who are your members?

Lauren's House 4 Positive Change Inc. Since 2009, we have been providing free after-school and summer programs to low-income and at-risk children and youth (5−18 years), as well as services for their families. We focus on developing the entire person with community service opportunities, tutoring and mentoring, professional counseling, enrichment activities, healthy meals, and programs to strengthen the family.

Tell us about yourself

My oldest, Lauren, was in middle school, and she had a friend that would always call for help with her homework. One day, I was in the grocery store when she called for help with her homework. I asked her why she called me for help, and she replied, "You are the only one smart enough to help." I didn't consider myself as the smartest person, but I was willing to figure it out with her. This one interaction inspired a safe place that kids in the community could come to. Lauren House 4 Positive Change Inc was born.

The thing that motivates me to keep going is the outcomes. Everyone has different circumstances and situations in their lives. When you have worked with someone, and they gave you the hardest time, but you didn't give up on them. You kept showing up, going to a meeting, advocating, and talking. When you see the change come about, it makes it worth it. It's the best feeling ever.

What's your biggest accomplishment as an organization?

As a business owner, I think the biggest accomplishment for me is just in business after 14 years of service. I didn't wake up one morning saying I wanted to start a nonprofit today. I can't even say that I knew what a nonprofit was, with the exception of my church when we first started. I didn't grow up seeing business owners; I did grow up seeing how my grandmother loved people. I grew up seeing anyone who could come to her house and have a meal and spend the night because they needed help.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being an organization?

After starting Lauren's House, there were a lot of myths that had to be debunked. The most difficult thing that I have had to learn how to deal with is the feeling of rejection that comes with every grant that is declined when you believe in the cause and the community that you are serving. As a small nonprofit foundation, funders want you to get the most for their dollar. For smaller nonprofits, that can be one of the greatest challenges.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow an organization today?

Develop a prayer life. Sometimes things happen so fast. Being able to pray for families and situations is crucial.
Don't miss out on spending time with your family. You will never be able to get that time back.
Don't give up. Yes, it will pull you, stretch you, and push you, but it will also produce the diamond inside of you.

Where can people find you and your group?

Website: https://www.laurenshouse.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenshouse.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lh4pc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lh4pc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurenshouse.org/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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