I just had the best conversation with one of my employees.

Her name is Kzonic (better know as KZ) Schofield and she is the founder and cheer coach for KJARI All Star Cheer & Dance Tigers. KZ and her husband Pastor Preston Schofield have operated this grassroots program for six years. Preston is the director of KJARI.What makes this All Star team so unique is the children they serve. They have a team of about 80+ inner city, underprivileged youth. The children range from the ages of 4 to 18. These children have no resources to pay, so the program is free to them.

All they have to do is find sponsors to help pay for their competition costs.

For some of us things are getting better, while others wonder when things will turn around. With government holds on funds, and jobs still being sliced left and right, sometimes you might ask the question: Will it ever get better?

Believe it or not, your situation could be a lot worse.

“May I see your ID, please?”

This is a question we hear when checking into a hotel, going to the hospital or even to the grocery store.
Most people who are homeless in our community don’t have identification.
I remember when my wife and I were getting married we had to have ID for everything. Getting a marriage license, Social Security cards, etc., we had to identify ourselves.
How do the homeless identify themselves? The homeless can’t find jobs without an ID. In fact, no one can.

For 17 years I have had the pleasure to work in the nonprofit sector. Helping the less fortunate or people that need assistance has always been my passion.

Whether it was being a suicide counselor, case manager, shelter manager, director of development or executive director, I've been blessed to meet the needs of people that are hurting.

I am currently in Leadership Seminole Class 20, and just when I thought I had seen it all, I realize that there are so many great agencies helping people in Seminole County.

The Leadership Seminole program exposes participating community leaders to the issues and workings of government, the arts, public safety, education, and other areas.

As the holidays approach I always count my blessings and am thankful for my life, health, strength, family, career and an opportunity to give back.
My wife and I are blessed to be able to provide a decent life for our daughter. As I watch her play make-believe with her dolls, sing and dance, it reminds me how blessed we are as a family.
I am faced with reality every day at work, which is a reminder that everyone isn’t as blessed as we are. Helping the needy keeps me humble.

A woman and four kids walk by you in the grocery store trying to blend in.
You're wondering, "Why can't she get those kids under control!" What kind of parent is she?
What you don't know is that she and her children live in their car and use the facilities at a local store or restaurant that is open 24 hours.
The children attend school with our children. One of the kids is crying uncontrollably because he is hungry.

As the holidays approach I always count my blessings and I am thankful for my life, health, strength, family, career and an opportunity to give back.
My wife and I are blessed to be able to provide a decent life for our daughter. As I watch her play make-believe with her dolls, sing and dance, it reminds me how blessed we are as a family.
I am faced with reality every day at work, which is a reminder that everyone isn't as blessed as we are. Helping the needy keeps me humble.