Philanthropy is not reserved for adults and the wealthy. Many parents call us with a desire to begin instilling empathy and other positive characteristics in their children, but wonder how and when to start. Early experiences make lasting impressions, so involving children in giving back as soon as they can complete volunteer tasks or earn allowances is a great time to start.

Over the last 16 years with Catholic Services of Acadiana, I have had the privilege of witnessing God generously provide for the needs of His beloved poor. God has shown up in many big ways over the years, but most often He has revealed Himself in small and quiet ways.

As a young successful professional woman I had achieved all my major goals but something was still lacking in my life. I joined service groups at church and in the community. I volunteered to paint bedrooms at the homeless shelter, I served meals at the soup kitchen, I organized a supply drive for homeless veterans, but I never felt like I made a difference in anyone’s life.