An Oasis of Compassion

Be Proud of Who You Are

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 11 May 2013 15:55:00 +0000

A Christian Writer's World ~~ Characters who grip your heart: THE RUNNER - A Wayne Gill - One Free Book

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:11:00 +0000

A Christian Writer's World ~~ Characters who grip your heart: THE RUNNER - A Wayne Gill - One Free Book: Today, we're featuring debut novelist A Wayne Gill. Welcome, Wayne . Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. I ...

A Time of Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 02:28:00 +0000

As we celebrate the Easter and Passover season, let's take some time to reflect on the word Sacrifice. The dictionary describes sacrifice as "the destruction or surrender of something, for the sake of something else." Whether it is the Passover lamb as in days of old, or the one true lamb, Jesus Christ, whom Christians celebrate, a life was given to atone or "supply satisfaction for" our sins.

In the spirit of sacrifice, may I ask you to consider surrendering one article of clothing, one can of food, one dollar bill, for the sake of giving hope or perhaps saving the life of someone else who is a little less fortunate than you are today.

Have a reflective and peaceful Easter season.

Remain Positive

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:13:00 +0000

In today's challenging economy, it is easy to become discouraged. In my e-book entitled, "You're Fired! Now What?'", chapter 7 is dedicated to thinking positively, despite your current circumstances. An excerpt from the book reads;

"Donڈt give up! Stay positive! A positive mental attitude is one of the keys to your
success. Donڈt worry about what the circumstances look like- remain positive so
you are able to see opportunities when they present themselves. When you are
positive, you tend to be more creative.

This is perhaps the best advice I can give you in this writing. I am a person of faith.
My belief in Jesus Christ has gotten me through many tough times and turbulent waters.
You may not share my faith but I do believe that you need someone or something
to hang on to that is bigger than yourself. When the going gets tough, you have to
persevere.

Below are 3 tips to help you remain positive, especially in a tough job market.

1. Connect spiritually. I mentioned that I am a person of faith. It is my practice
to daily have a quiet time of Bible reading, prayer and meditation. This time
can be as little as 15 minutes for starters, but it is a source of inspiration,
confidence and encouragement.

2. Associate with positive people and (equally important) avoid negative ones!
Positive people fill you with positivity. They encourage you and believe in
you. They are an example to you as they are also headed in a positive
direction. Negative folks do just the opposite.

3. Listen to inspirational material whether on the radio, satellite, cds, tapes or
any other media. You must saturate your mind with positivity. Naturally,
thereڈs a time to unwind with lighter stuff; but a constant flow of junk in
your ears will not aid your growth. You know what they say-garbage ingarbage
out!

"You're Fired! Now What?" - free ebook

Your Legacy Begins Now

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 03:11:00 +0000

This picture was taken recently at our food pantry as clients, some desperate, waited patiently for their Thanksgiving basket that was about to be distributed, courtesy of one of our partners-Calvary Chapel of Boynton Beach. The situation reminded me of an article I just finished reading in the December issue of Success magazine. I want to re-state for you, because it echoes the sentiments of my heart.

It reads: "You don't have to build a school or start a foundation to make a difference in the world. And you don't have to be famous to be influential. Each of us is influential in our own ways.

With small kindness, we can impact a friend's or co-worker's day. By taking time to share our knowledge, we can improve someone's chances for long-term success. Beyond your immediate circle, you can make a difference by linking up with local nonprofits, such as museums or food pantries. Spend a few hours mentoring and playing with children at the nearest Boys and Girls Club, or use your PR or social media skills to promote a worthy cause.

Don't wait to make an impact - your legacy begins now."

Go out and do something today friend. It will make you feel a whole lot better about your circumstances.

Image is Everything

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:57:00 +0000

“You only get one chance to make a first impression” – Anonymous

In this post I want to delve a little further into image as it is not just about grooming, but more about a complete picture of your person-hood. One definition that I like states that an image is a mental representation, an idea; a concept. Therefore I think it is very important to project the right image, and even more so as you are on the hunt.

At the Career Center that I run, I see many negative first impressions. Luckily for my clients, I am there to correct their first impressions so that when they go on a “real” interview they have a chance. Most recently however, I had an opportunity to work with two women. Both were women who had held professional positions before and were seeking our assistance while looking for jobs. On the first day that these two women came in, within a couple of hours of each other, I happened to be looking for a candidate to send to a local company that was hiring and wanted someone right away.
Client A, and we will call her Lilly, came to our Career Center seeking help with a job search and she was impeccably dressed. She told our job counselor that she
was out looking for work that morning but nothing had panned out. My staff noticed how great she looked and thought perhaps I should do an on the spot pre-screen for the local company that was looking to hire.

I must admit when I saw her I was impressed because most of our clients always seem so haggard and beaten down. It was refreshing to see someone so put together and obviously seeking work. I interviewed her and sent her to the company that same day. She was hired within a couple of days by that company.

Client B, the second woman, we will call her Patty, also came in dressed for an interview. On paper, Patty was more qualified than Lilly and seemed more self assured and confident. I noticed however, that in the midst of summer, Patty was wearing a long trench coat. I would have said something to her about her dress, but unfortunately, Patty did not seem to have a teachable spirit. She seemed more “set” in her ways.

Based on her resume however, I did send her on an interview that matched her qualifications. She did not get hired. I am not going to say it was because of her dress or her attitude, but if her interviewer felt the way I did, then perhaps the interviewer also felt that Patty was impenetrable.

Image can be as subtle as the attitude you portray. If you appear to be upbeat, excited, friendly and flexible, you may find that more doors will open for you. Remember the saying that “attitude is your choice”. It is so important to work on your attitude. Ask some people who are close to you and who can be honest, to describe your attitude.If words like moody, sulky, anti-social, rude, snippy and the like are used, you have work to do. These attitudes will get you nowhere. You may have done okay up till now, but in this new job market, “the cream will rise to the top”. Like it or not, your image says a lot about you so it’s up to you to project the right one.

Crashing Through Obstacles

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:32:00 +0000

No one has to tell you that these are difficult times. If you are like most people, you have already made some adjustments to your life style over the past year or so. If you are one of the lucky few who is not affected by the sluggish economy, you need not look further than the television, the newspaper or at the "for sale" signs in many neighborhoods.

Charities and Houses of Worship all over the United States are facing major challenges as demand for services go up and donors cut their funding. Many non profits, most of whom operate on a tight budget even in good times, are having to find creative ways to stay afloat and keep their doors open.

The poor state of the economy is real, but I think it is compounded by the fact that many people are making decisions out of fear rather than out of their lack. The spirit of growth is dwindling in many industries, causing more job losses and more discouragement among those who are still fortunate to be employed.

I believe however, that we should not forget our pioneer spirit, that we should look to crash through our obstacles with enthusiasm and expectancy and believe for better days ahead. If we stop dreaming, if we stop hoping, if we stop trying, what will our country become? Remember, a country is made up of individual citizens, each of whom must do their part to benefit the whole.

We did. Oasis Compassion Agency recently stepped out in faith to open a much needed Women Center which will truly empower and train women to become productive citizens. Now its time for you to do your part, wherever that may lead you. God bless you, Sharon

Oasis Awarded Community Fund Grant

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:10:00 +0000

Oasis Awarded Community Fund Grant

Caught doing something good

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 May 2010 03:08:00 +0000

Creating Meaningful Partnerships

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:39:00 +0000

In the previous post, I spoke about the Power of Partnership.Let’s get you started on creating meaningful partnerships:

1. Use discernment and judgment to select perhaps 2-4 individuals from your network who you feel you could develop into a more meaningful relationship. We will copy Napoleon Hill’s term and call these folks your personal Mastermind Team (from Think and Grow Rich-by Napoleon Hill). Explain to your group that you want to make this a win-win relationship and declare what skills you bring to the table. Everybody has something, even if you will be a gofer.

2. Commit to meet as a team once per week if you can. At your first meeting determine what skills each person has. This should be fun as some people have skills they are not even aware of. For example, in my personal Mastermind Team, I have a graphic designer, public relations person, teacher, HR personnel, beautician, image consultant, book-keeper, financial planner, and many more gifts too lengthy to mention.

3. Recognize that your partners have friends who are also talented and gifted who by extension, are now your acquaintances. I have been helped by many people who were not directly on my team, but who were friends of members of my team.

4. If for some reason you cannot meet, send group e-mails or do a conference call. You can sign up at www.freeconferencecall.com which provides a conference call telephone number and access code. Your calls can be recorded for playback for a member who was not able to be on the call.

5. Express gratitude often for what you are getting out of the partnership. Let your partners know this is not a waste of time. Report successes to your group quickly especially if it was the result of a lead from your team. This will endear your members to you and foster new leads.

6. Remember also to give as well as take. Your giving of yourself will not only help your partnership to thrive and to endear others to you, it will also give you a sense of personal power and accomplishment. It is also a spiritual principle that as you give; you will surely receive.

Power in Partnership

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:43:00 +0000

“I not only use the brains I have but all that I can borrow” – Woodrow Wilson

Partnership is taking networking a step further. Now that you have built some networks and some relationships, it’s time to engage them at a deeper level. Among your network, there should be a few “regulars” that attend the same meetings that you are attending, or there may even be a friend or family member in the same boat-without a job. It’s time to put the power of partnership to work. The dictionary describes partnership as “a relationship between individuals or groups that is characterized by mutual cooperation and responsibility for the attainment of a specified goal.”

When you involve others into your plans, dreams and goals, there is tremendous power that can come from it. Partnership releases potential, provision and prosperity if you allow yourself to be open- minded and teachable. I have made reference in previous chapters about changing your paradigm, here again I am asking you to throw away your old way of thinking about people and partners and embrace a new way of thinking about relationships.

The reason why your old company’s brainstorming sessions were so effective was because you had several people sharing ideas. These ideas came from their own experiences and you can harness this reservoir of knowledge by allowing a select group of trusted acquaintances to brainstorm with you. Not every idea is a good idea, but you need to hear all ideas so you can make an informed decision.
In my career as a CEO of Oasis Compassion Agency, I have benefited tremendously from partnerships and you can too. I mentioned that partnership releases potential, provision and prosperity and I will touch on each benefit briefly. During a brainstorming or idea generation session with your partners or as Napoleon Hill calls it, your Mastermind Team, you may find that there are hidden opportunities in your midst.

It may be that something you had not thought of before, some new business venture, some potential for success, might just surface when you put your head together with people of like mind and intentions. This has the effect of getting you excited as you uncover previously hidden potential.
Taking it a step further, partnership unleashing provision: When a group of people are involved in a discussion, you are bound to hear creative ideas and solutions that you could not have dreamed up yourself. It may be where to get resources at a discount rate, who’s hiring where, someone may share the cost with you on a purchase, the possibilities are endless when you open up yourself, to not only receive from others, but to give of yourself, your resources and your knowledge as well.

Partnership unleashing prosperity will be the result of what happens when you act on the potential and the provisions. Prosperity will naturally follow. Remember, prosperity is not only financial wealth, but it can also be the wealth of ideas and human resources. Remain open minded and teachable!

Network, Network, Network

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:39:00 +0000

Network, Network, Network – In Person
“The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus” – Bruce Lee

This blog post is taken from chapter 3 of my e-book-Your'e Fired! Now What?

There is a lot of talk about the social network but as effective as that is, there is nothing that compares to the human connection. There are many opportunities around for networking. There are many groups that you can attend for as little as $10.00 which covers refreshments. There is free happy hour, or you may consider joining a chamber of commerce as an investment in yourself.

People are consumers – Just think of yourself – you must purchase from someone – people likely purchase from people they know and trust. I work on several committees each year and during the course of our time together, I always watch how certain people just “hit it off” and begin to do business with each other.

A network is like a mushroom cloud – you meet a person and perhaps they do not need your services, but they may know 2 others who do and they know 2 others who do … etc. etc. you get my drift. Similarly, you greatly increase your chances of getting hired if you belong to a network. Once people feel comfortable with you, they will feel comfortable recommending you to others, including perhaps their own employers.

To download a copy of my free e-book, paste this link in your browser: http://www.oasiscompassion.org/uploads/images/oasiscompassion-you%27re-fired-now-what.pdf

Me, Inc.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:20:00 +0000

This is an excerpt from chapter 2 of my e-book, "You're Fired! Now What?"

You are now in the business of self promotion, self selling, self marketing and self branding. This will now be your full time job. Right away, you are back to work but temporarily without pay. To sell yourself properly takes a strategy, goal setting, vision, and a mission. All the things your boss taught you about the business, you will now apply to your new business, Me, Inc.

Your boss probably invested months or years of training in you. Do not let it go to waste. Your current assignment is “finding a job”. Get up each day as if you have a purpose, because you do. You are going to be strategic so I would suggest you do a mini strategic plan which includes which companies are you going to target, what jobs in those companies and what skills are required for that position.
If you are lacking the skills, then you need a plan and time line on acquiring those skill sets. This is a good time to analyze your capabilities and identify your skill sets. What are you good at? Be brutally honest. I know several employees who do not take the time to develop new or additional skills when they are in what they think to be a “secure” job. Consequently, when they are no longer working for the company, they find their skill sets, way below market level.

To download a copy of the e-book, please click on this link: http://www.oasiscompassion.org/uploads/images/oasiscompassion-you%27re-fired-now-what.pdf

You're Fired! Now What!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:56:00 +0000

I recently published an e-book entitled, "You're Fired! Now What? and that is the question I ask many of the clients visiting our Career Center. What do you do when you are fired or laid off in these difficult times, when jobs are scarce and demand is at an all time high? In the book I give over 35 tips on how you can survive and maintain your sanity while searching for new employment. The book will be available for downloading free of cost from the Oasis Compassion website at www.oasiscompassion.org in early February. Below are a few tips from the e-book:

Get out of your pajamas or yard clothes-yes, it bears repeating. Pajamas and yard clothing are not conducive to stimulating thinking. Wearing pajamas around the house creates sleepy thoughts and this is the time when your mind has to be fully engaged.

Groom your hair before your paycheck runs out. If it already has and your unemployment check has not yet kicked in, find some cash to get this done. When your hair is groomed it pushes your confidence level up quite a bit. On the contrary, if it is not groomed, you may fall into a slight depression when you look at yourself in the mirror. If you have not been depressed before, let me assure you, it is de-motivating and what you need right now is a big dose of self motivation to carry you through the next few weeks.

Survival Tips in This New Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:39:00 +0000

I am working on an e-book that is due out in a month or so, that will give some tips on how to survive this job market. The material from this book comes from my experience here at our Career Center and from years as an entrepreneur and leader.

This is a tip that my job counselor shared with me today. She has been advising job candidates that in order to fill the big gaps on their resumes from being out of work so long, is to Volunteer! I thought that was a great idea.

Non profits all over the US are facing financial stress but the work must go on. Why not pitch in and in the process, gain some valuable experience that may help you in your next job. You can learn a new skill or you can use the skills you have and keep them up to date and sharp. This way, Everybody wins! Visit http://www.oasiscompassion.org for mission info.

Empowerment - why it is so important.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:16:00 +0000

As the job market begins to get tighter, its even more important that agencies such as Oasis Compassion continue down the path of empowering our clients. One of my staff members said it this way, "it's the kinder thing to do". People who are finding themselves out of jobs and in need of social services, do not need the crutch of getting handouts without giving something in return. That type of behavior encourages bad habits.

While there are many people who desperately need food, we as social service providers, should never take the "easy" way out and provide hand-outs, rather, let's take the more difficult path of loving these individuals enough to want to invest in their turnaround. Let's help re-train and teach them new skills, encourage them to continually market themselves. As my assistant says, "it's the kinder thing to do.
Visit www.oasiscompassion.org for mission info.

Focus on Faces, Not Statistics

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:45:00 +0000

I subscribe to Google Alerts for information regarding Poverty and Hunger, and I came across an interesting article recently that was posted in the Winchester Star newspaper. Below is an excerpt from the article:

"As staggering as the statistics are, however, I would ask that you focus not on numbers but on the human face of this crisis. Maybe the elderly woman sitting next to you in church isn’t taking her medication because she can’t afford to buy it. Maybe a child on your son’s or daughter’s sports team has gone to bed hungry for the past week because a necessary car repair ate up the food budget. Maybe your neighbor got laid off and is putting a brave face on it but is silently despairing at how he’s going to feed his family. Maybe you recognize yourself in these scenarios".

The above statement represents the many faces we see at Oasis each day and I hope that you would just look a little bit more closely at the stranger or even your neighbor the next time you see them. Perhaps you may want to ask "How are you doing these days?" and be prepared to lend a hand.

COMMITMENT!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:52:00 +0000

I decided to dedicate this week's blog to Pastor Dudley Hodges and his flock at Boynton Beach Community Church, after spending a fun-filled, mission-driven, action-packed day in Bryant Park in Lake Worth for the first annual BBCC/Oasis Compassion Agency "Stop the Hunger" awareness concert.

Pastor Dudley and his congregants demonstrate to me what it looks like when an organization or group is truly committed to a cause or purpose. Not only does that commitment last through the years, the results are lasting, and the impact great. The BBCC group has been a partner with Oasis for five years and have not wavered in their support.

Wake up community! Take a page from BBCC's book and let's help get the less fortunate amongst us back on their feet. Together we are stronger, together we change the community!

Visit BBCC at www.bbcconline.com.

Survival Tips For This Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:23:00 +0000

By this time, I believe there is not one person over the age of 12 who does not know that our country is facing its worst economic moment in recent history. You cannot turn on the television, radio or pick up the newspaper, without that fact screaming at you. I know for me personally, it seems that more than half of the people I know (not my clients) are facing various stages of personal financial stress and loss without any silver lining in plain view. How then, can one survive and possible thrive during these times?

Well, I do not propose to be an expert, far from it, but I do notice some trends that seem to be working for those who wish to embrace them. First, its time to get back to basics; Faith, Family and Friends. It's time to simplify and draw closer to family and friends. Now is also a good time to evaluate your faith and the foundation on which it is built. Now is a good time to get rid of the excesses in your life. It could mean getting rid of an extra home (even though the selling market is tough currently), extra car, the furniture you may have in storage etc. etc. Turn those items into cash wherenyou can.

I like to eat out once per week on date nights with my husband; however in these times, I have had to re-assess my priorities and find creative ways of still spending quality time with my husband at a fraction of a cost. I am actually having fun in the process!

Entertain your friends and family in your home more this year. I always have a blast when I do so! Plan a simple meal, do it potluck style to share the costs. The whole point is to get together and make it a time of mutual encouragement and idea generation. You never know where your next big idea will come from. You will also gain a new appreciation for the relationships that matter most.

None of us can change the economy, but we can change our attitudes, the quality of our lives and we can certainly reduce the stress as we go through it.

Lastly, rely on God through this time. Afterall, for many of us, we have tried everything else....but God.

Have a successful year!

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Results!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:57:00 +0000

I love hearing stories of ordinary people doing things and thinking bigger than themselves, breaking the mold to make a contribution to their community. Oasis has been blessed by local employees organizing food drives, petitioning their companies trusts and foundations on our behalf, enlisting their trade associations to organize a drive or toiletries, collecting toys at Christmas. Young people engaging their neighbors on behalf of our agency, churches coming together, despite denominational differences to affect change in peoples lives. Past recipients of our services engaging friends and relatives to donate to our cause in order to help someone else, and many more examples, too numerous to mention here.

In each case I mentioned, it started with ONE person. My challenge to you is to be that catalyst for change, right where you are, and it does not matter who you are, how old, what color or size. All it takes is acting on an idea, take one step forward and I guarantee you, the fire will spread!

In the image above, members from the trade group PRM organized a drive to collect gifts for clients for Christmas 2007.

How Do You See Others-Really?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 03:19:00 +0000

We underestimate those we consider to be marginalized or downtrodden. We underestimate their abilities to "get back up" if given the opportunity-That's what I did anyway in early 2003 when I started this agency. I did what I thought was best and noble, and that was to provide food for the poor. This as a community we should do, but it does not stop there!

I have discovered through the years that people will rise to the expectations you set for them. This is not just true for employees in business or children and parents, it is also true for clients who need basic help to survive. When I applied this principle to the clients visiting our agency, we saw a great increase in self esteem, positive thinking and most important, the clients desire to get beyond their circumstances and get on to something better.

What did we do? We asked clients to invest in themselves, by taking advantage of the free classes and seminars we offered during the six month period that we agreed to assist them with food and clothing. An amazing thing developed, our clients, including new clients, now seek out our services in greater numbers, not for food, but for the opportunities presented to better themselves and to hopefully get a better job.

I believe that as a society, it is not just nice or good to help those who find themselves in a less fortunate situation than ourselves, but rather that we must! There is a slogan I heard somewhere that goes something like this "the life you save may be your own." I believe the same is true about investing in your community. Our client base includes teachers, secretaries, office assistants and college graduates. Obviously, we also have our fair share of struggling immigrants, alcoholics and homeless individuals. This tells me that anyone at anytime can fall victim to poverty and hard times, simply by being out of work for too long a period, becoming separated from a mate who was a provider or battling an extended medical condition. Anyone. Including you.

Therefore, it is our duty to be active participants in the solutions our communities so desperately need. Become engaged, and the next time you see a bum on the street, instead of thinking loser...think potential winner!

Post your comments below and share your thoughts with us.

Make a Difference in 2008!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:42:00 +0000

Dear Friends: Welcome to the Oasis Compassion Agency Blog. Here we will keep you updated as to all of the wonderful programs being run by Oasis to impact the community. Here at Oasis, we believe that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive. We are looking forward to another outstanding year of meeting the needs of individuals and families. In 2007 we served more than 700 families by providing food, clothing, career opportunities and Biblical counseling. We were able to share in the joy of seeing many people receive practical help to get back on their feet and spiritual hope to press on. Through the selfless giving of thousands of hours (and dollars) the Oasis was truly able to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.

2008 is already shaping up to be a challenging year for us. With the ongoing housing crisis and economic slowdown, many families are feeling the excruciating weight of not being able to make ends meet. There is a sense of desperation as families arrive at the end of their resources and find the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter hard to come by.

Thank you for your generous support in the past, but you are needed now more than ever to help Oasis continue to make a difference. You may pitch in by giving your time, talent and/or treasure. Oasis is completely funded by private donations and public support. While it is a great help to the surrounding community, it receives no funding from any governmental source. Therefore we need you!

Please join in with us to make a difference in 2008. Some of the ways you can participate are: you may volunteer in our food pantry, thrift shop or career center, you may donate clothing, furniture or other valuable items for resale in our thrift store. All thrift store sales are reinvested in the mission. Of course, your financial donations are also appreciated. As Oasis is overwhelmingly volunteer-run, ninety-five percent (95%) of all donations are used to directly support the organization.

My pastor is fond of saying, "You are either a part of the solution or you're a part of the problem." Please join us in bringing real solutions to the problems faced by our community. You can make a difference in 2008!