We were lucky to catch up with Shari Shink recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shari, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
My parents’ generosity was simply part of who they were. Together and as individuals, they shared the little they had with those who needed it more. My dad was always helping neighbors or relatives build houses, fix something broken, or carry a heavy load. My mom was a consummate volunteer. She was always there to help. She provided transportation for those who didn’t have it, food for those who needed it, comfort and companionship for those who yearned for it.
Growing up in an environment of generosity, giving to others was an easy lesson to learn. Not only did my parents respond to the needs of others, but they were sensitive and aware of the challenges others faced. They were always there before someone asked for help. I try to carry this legacy into my professional and personal life. And as they often remarked, “you always get back more than you give.”
Cobbled Streets has given me another opportunity to make them proud.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
After 40 years of advocating for children as Founder and Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center, the inadequacies of a fractured system responsible for our most vulnerable children loomed large. After a few weeks of leaving the Law Center, I decided to start a new non-profit. Cobbled Streets launched three years ago. We are dedicated to providing individual experiences and enriching opportunities to foster children and their families. These activities have included summer camp, equine therapy, First Tee Golf, tutors, musical theater, little league baseball, swimming lessons, space camp, gymnastics, school trips, and more. Recently, in partnership with Foster Source, we started The Ambassador Project. This program provides foster and kin families with a community advocate to help access resources, navigate service organizations, and develop supportive relationships. We are currently in 7 judicial districts and working to expand.
We are witnessing small miracles everyday. Children are excited about new opportunities and foster parents are grateful for the critical support. Sadness and isolation are somewhat mitigated. To see a smile, hear a laugh, or witness pure joy, portends a brighter future for all of us.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Courage, determination, and persistence. Working on behalf of traumatized children is often an uphill battle. Systems created to help often lack resources and are entrenched in the status quo. It takes courage to stand up in the face of opposition and navigate the obstacles preventing the best outcomes for children.
Determination and persistence can’t be overstated. Never bend to the first, second, or third “No.” If it is in the best interests of children, eventually the timing will be right, the circumstances changed, and people will be there ready to listen and help.
Protecting children is not for those without passion. To be successful, you must wake up everyday with a new energy, a renewed optimism, and undaunted spirit that propels you forward. You must believe you are making a difference and believe that today may be the day you save a child’s life.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
For a small non-profit advocating for children, there are at least two obstacles constantly faced. First, the lack of awareness and understanding about the critical needs of these children. This is reflected not only in the general public but sadly by policy makers, government agencies, and community leaders. Children in foster care have been traumatized; first by abuse or neglect, then by living often with an unfamiliar family or kin, and often by moving multiple times. With no sense of stability, these children continue to struggle year after year.
Secondly, without this understanding, it is often difficult to gain the financial support necessary to help. Agencies are sometimes restrained by budgets and often by inertia. Philanthropists may believe we have systems to care for these children and no financial support is needed. This is simply not true. Systems are mandated to provide safety; they are not mandated to assure children have opportunities to thrive. These systems are rarely described as creative or innovative, and have difficulty providing for the unique and individual needs of children. Cobbled Streets is working hard to fill that gap and we rely on the generosity of those in the community willing to hear our plea.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cobbledstreets.org