We had the good fortune of connecting with Teresa Blount and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Teresa, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I like the scripture verse about getting “beauty for ashes” as this was the driving desire behind starting the nonprofit organization. haIve a heart for restoring hope to those who have experienced life impacting situations by connecting them with available resources and resource information needed for successful recovery. I seek to fulfill their area of need in food, shelter, education, arts & entertainment, by collecting supplies, resources, donations and volunteers and distributing those services directly to them.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have from a very young age had the gift of helps. I will help you with whatever assistance is needed and will see it through to fruition. I think what my clients and others call “working my magic” is simply having the patience and determination to get the appropriate assistance needed by getting to the root of what the hindrance is. I don’t give up easily and just have to find out why a person is not getting what’s needed and providing that need myself if it is at all possible.
I do some work internationally in Port de Paix, Haiti. I sponsor a small school there and the community it is in through providing teacher and staff salaries, medical clinics, etc.
I consider myself a helping professional. My parents were helpers to the community and surrounding areas and I think this is where my gift stems from. They were educators (my father a principal and my mother a teacher) that began when there was segregation in a small town. Children were often brought to our homes when there was a need and were always assisted with needs of the families served who were without the basic life necessities.
One of the most important lessons I have learned is knowing the difference between when someone actually wants help and when they do not!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am not so much into hanging out now but I would certainly find out what their interests are and provide a place of interest daily for them to attend. I would entertain according to their preferences, one event a day. Outings would start in the afternoon.
Sunday – Assist with getting them settled at their hotel or AirBnB and then out to dinner at a restaurant of their choice
Monday – A trip to the Georgia Aquarium (if they’re interested)
Tuesday – An event of their choice and dinner out.
Wednesday – Sweet Georgia Juke Joint for dinner and live music entertainment
Thursday – Suite Jazz Series for dinner and entertainment
Friday – Day of rest
Saturday – Breakfast at the Flying Biscuit and maybe a trip to Piedmont Park
Sunday – Assist with checking out and travel back.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Board of Directors and Board Members have been so very supportive. They have been very instrumental in helping me to help others.
Website: beautyforashesresourceservices.vpweb.com
Facebook: Beauty For Ashes Resource Services