I have always had a heart for children; being a step-mom, foster mom, and adoptive mom, and having two daughters of my own have meant the world to me.  I became a therapeutic foster parent for many years and have also worked as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, being on the Board of Directors and handling several cases.   When I discovered the overwhelming number of homeless children and children lost in our systems here in Las Vegas,  I was compelled to help make a difference.  

Many years ago, I experienced a situation where I found myself in the middle of North Dakota in -40 weather due to a family emergency and had nowhere to stay for the few weeks I would need to be there.  I was connected to a home where a family had a house designed on a donation basis only for people like me, stranded with someone in the hospital.  People stayed in the home with me, underwent cancer treatments, etc.  I was inspired to do something like this for others.  It was such a huge blessing to me at the time.   When I started Vegas Strong Real Estate Group, our goal and mission were to create a 501c3 to build a “Vegas Strong House” – and that is what we have done. We have created the Vegas Strong Charitable Foundation and will soon be launching fundraising endeavors to build or purchase a home that will initially provide transitional housing for teens 17-21.  

This concept is to help people in the community mentor these teens.  Teach them job skills, build a resume, prepare for a job interview, and learn how to budget.  They would have an exit plan to learn how to be on their own successfully.   We want transitional housing for the youth; we have already put a plan to help Veterans who may also be experiencing an “in-between” housing situation.  We also plan to have even a third home for those families that need to come to Las Vegas for specific treatments or surgeries that require extended stays away from home and need a more family-friendly environment.  

This type of home is in great need here in Las Vegas and other cities. I hope to create awareness and multiple homes for those who need help. The youth are our future. If we don’t step up and help them become better, who will?