By Josh Beavers
Back in January, right after the holidays and probably before too many of us broke our New Year’s Resolutions (RIP to my diet), I wrote about people who do a little bit more. In that edition of my column Page 210, I highlighted, among others, Mr. Patrick White and his organization “We’re Here.”
I wrote: “But the difficulties in life never prevent him from smiling, encouraging, and uplifting. Do you know how hard it is to always smile? To always be positive? He knows that fight. He knows how hard it is to make a difference. One person swimming against the roaring current of the world’s degeneracy and devilry. It would make lesser men give up and retreat to their own worlds, their own families, their own places of comfort and familiarity where they know they can make a change.
I went on: “But that’s not what this man does. A man who does a little bit more is one who refuses to regress over the course of a year and knows that the world isn’t in their homes. It isn’t in their EZ chairs. It’s out there. It’s out in the dark and out in the cold. And that’s the world they know they must go into if they ever hope to bring a little light. After all, that’s the only thing that can vanquish the dark. It doesn’t matter how much darkness there is, a little bit of light can change the world.”
Now back to today. Patrick White does all of that. “We’re Here” organizes food drives, gives toys to kids, cooks for the less fortunate, speaks to the wayward about finding a higher purpose, and gives a voice to the weak, poor, or just those who are too afraid to speak up for themselves.
“We’re Here” brings attention to problems in the community not via complaint and pessimism but rather through uplifting and outreach based on the simple concept of there’s more that unites us than divides us.
And I could go on all day about the man and his mission “For the Kids” and “For the Families,” but let’s go straight to the source.
As follows is my interview with Patrick White about “We’re Here,” his life, and doing a little bit more.
Question: Tell me about your family.
Answer: My family is my greatest source of inspiration and motivation. I have four incredible children who never cease to amaze me with their talents and passions. One of them is currently pursuing a degree in Endocrinology at La. Tech University, which is an exciting field that has the potential to change lives.
And speaking of changing lives, my 11-year-old son is already making a difference in the world. He’s on the honor roll at school and uses his vacations to visit less fortunate children in other countries. It’s amazing to see how compassionate and selfless he is at such a young age.
And on a personal note, I’m newly engaged to the love of my life. We haven’t set a date yet, but we’re just enjoying the moment and savoring the excitement.
Question: What is “We’re Here”
Answer: As a member of “We’re Here,” I can say that our organization plays a vital role in many communities. We provide immediate assistance to those in need, such as providing hot meals to those who are food insecure and living in underserved areas. By donating just a few dollars, anyone can help us make a big impact in the lives of those who are struggling with hunger.
Our mission is not just to provide immediate assistance, but also to teach at-risk youth life skills to become powerful assets to society and community leaders. We believe that empowering individuals is key to improving their long-term prospects. Our nonprofit’s feeding program and mentorship program are just some examples of how we work to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Question: Why is it important?
Answer: Our youth are the future of our communities, and it is crucial that they understand their own power and potential. At “We’re Here,” we believe that every young person can achieve great things and becoming a positive force in the world. Through our feeding program, we not only provide hot meals to those in need, but we also create a safe and inclusive space for young people to learn and grow.
In addition, our mentorship program focuses on teaching life skills and leadership to at-risk youth, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. We believe that by fostering a sense of unity and community, we can help these young people realize their full potential and become powerful assets to society.
It is important that our youth know that they can achieve anything they want in life, and that the only thing that can hold them back is their own self-doubt. By providing them with the resources, support, and encouragement they need, we can help them overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams. At We’re Here, we are dedicated to empowering our youth and building a better future for all.
Question: What has led you to do so much for families when others do so little?
Answer: There are many factors that have led me to prioritize my work with families. One of the main things that drives me is a deep sense of compassion and empathy for others. I truly believe that we all have a responsibility to help those in need, especially families who may be struggling.
Additionally, my own experiences growing up have played a significant role in shaping my perspective. I come from a humble background, and I know firsthand how much of a difference it can make when someone takes the time to support you and believe in you. I want to be that person for other families, to provide them with the guidance and resources they need to thrive.
Lastly, I believe that we all have unique skills and talents that we can use to make a positive impact on the world. For me, working with families and children is where I feel most fulfilled and where I know I can make the biggest difference. It’s a calling that I take seriously, and I’m committed to doing as much as I can to support and uplift those around me.
Question: If you could have just one change in the world, what would it be?
Answer: I can tell you that there are many changes that people would like to see in the world, ranging from reducing poverty and inequality, to improving access to education and healthcare, to addressing climate change and protecting the environment. But one common thread among many people is the desire for greater compassion, empathy, and understanding between individuals and communities. There is a recognition that many of the world’s problems stem from a lack of empathy and a failure to understand each other’s perspectives, and that if we could all work together to foster greater compassion and understanding, we could create a better, more peaceful world for everyone.
Question: Do you have personal stories that you can share?
Answer: As a member of “We’re Here,” I have had many impactful experiences, but one that stands out to me is when we were setting up to cook meals in an underserved neighborhood. While we were preparing, children started to gather and play around us. There was one little boy who caught our attention; he was only two years old, and his seven-year-old brother was watching him.
As we were talking to the older brother and explaining why it was important to stay away from the grill and teaching him about fire safety, the two-year-old started picking up and eating cracker crumbs off the ground. We stopped him, thinking that he would run away, but he kept on eating. To our surprise, his older brother acted like it was okay.
That moment made me realize the importance of being in the community, serving and giving our all. Our feeding program not only provides meals to those in need but also educates and empowers them with valuable life skills. We want every child, like the two-year-old boy, to know that they are powerful and capable of achieving anything they want in life. The only thing that can stop them is not believing in themselves. We are here to show them that they have a community that believes in them and will support them in their journey towards success.
Question: Anything else you’d like to say?
Answer: Financial literacy is an essential life skill that everyone needs to learn, and unfortunately, it’s not taught in schools. Many people struggle with managing their finances, which can lead to significant problems such as debt, eviction, and homelessness. We believe that by offering a financial literacy class, we can empower people with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed financial decisions and improve their lives.
I would like to encourage you to invest and support our financial start program. Your contribution will not only help us provide the necessary resources to those who need it, but it will also help us create a better future for our communities. Investing in financial literacy is investing in people’s futures, and I believe that we can make a significant impact by working together. Let’s unite the community and make a difference in all lives.
Thank you for taking the time to read about our organization and the work we do to empower youth and promote financial literacy. We are passionate about making a positive impact in our communities and we would love to share our knowledge and experience with your organization. If you would like to contribute to the feeding program “Meals for Smiles” text the word “Minden” to 53555. If you are interested in booking me for a speaking engagement or collaborating with us, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We believe that by working together, we can create a better future for all. Your support, whether through donations or invitations to speak, can help us continue to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 318.517.5670, or visit our website at www.wereherewecare.com to learn more about our organization and how we can work together to create a brighter future for all. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring ways that we can make a positive impact together.
(“For the Kids” is a series of regular feature stories published in the Webster Parish Journal. If you have a recommendation of someone who needs to be recognized for their work with our local school children, please reach out to Josh Beavers either through Facebook or email at joshwbeavers@gmail.com.)