Mature Allure

Karen Olson – How Passion and Purpose Created a Movement to End Family Homelessness

20min | 04/22/2025

Description

Season 5, Episode 36

What if one small act of kindness could spark a nationwide movement?

In this inspiring episode of Mature Allure, Sherri O. is joined by Karen Olson, author of Meant for More and the founder and CEO Emeritus of Family Promise, a national nonprofit that has mobilized over 1 million volunteers to support homeless families across America. What started as a sandwich and a conversation blossomed into a lifelong mission of service and transformation. Karen opens up about how an unexpected encounter shifted the course of her life, the lessons she learned about leadership, resilience, and forgiveness—and how passion, planning, and persistence built a legacy of hope.

We explore the power of volunteering, how one woman turned personal heartache into social change, and why we all have the potential to make a meaningful difference—no matter our age or stage in life. This conversation will remind you that it’s never too late to follow your heart and live a life of deeper impact.

3 Key Takeaways

Leading with passion, purpose, and persistence can create lasting change in the world.
Volunteering doesn’t just help others—it transforms the volunteer from within.
Personal healing often comes from forgiveness, empathy, and being of service to others.

What we discussed:

[00:30] – Karen’s unexpected journey into philanthropy and how a sandwich led to a calling

[05:00] – The beginnings of Family Promise and how her son inspired their early outreach

[09:30] – Why volunteering matters and how it changes lives—both the giver and the receiver

[16:00] – Karen’s lessons in leadership: the 3 P’s—Passion, Plan, and Persistence

[21:00] – Overcoming personal trauma, forgiveness, and resilience after a life-altering accident

[25:00] – A powerful story of transformation from a former Family Promise guest

Learn more from Karen:

Website: www.karenolsonauthor.com | https://familypromise.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kareneolson/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kareneolson/

Learn more about Sherri O.:

Website: https://matureallure.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4matureallure/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mature.allure

Instagram: @mature.allure

Join this community for women. Subscribe to the Mature Allure podcast for more inspiring stories and discussions on self-love and empowerment. For feedback, questions, or suggestions for future episodes, reach out to us through our website or social media channels. We’d love to hear from you!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Mature Allure

At Mature Allure, we believe that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life's unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to inspire women over 40 to embrace the beauty, wisdom, and empowerment that comes with age. We share knowledge that encourages healthy aging and self-discovery. Our podcast and blog feature incredible individuals with diverse skills, experiences, stories, and viewpoints, all sharing their journeys and insights; encouraging women to look forward to aging, not fear it.

People who listen to the Mature Allure podcast come for conversations, insight, and community. We inspire women to love themselves at every stage of life and break free from the constraints of ageism. A go-to source for the celebration of life's journey, we're here to help you tap into your "Mature Allure."

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Mature Allure

At Mature Allure, we believe that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life's unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to inspire women over 40 to embrace the beauty, wisdom, and empowerment that comes with age. We share knowledge that encourages healthy aging and self-discovery. Our podcast and blog feature incredible individuals with diverse skills, experiences, stories, and viewpoints, all sharing their journeys and insights; encouraging women to look forward to aging, not fear it.

People who listen to the Mature Allure podcast come for conversations, insight, and community. We inspire women to love themselves at every stage of life and break free from the constraints of ageism. A go-to source for the celebration of life's journey, we're here to help you tap into your "Mature Allure."

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

Season 5, Episode 36

What if one small act of kindness could spark a nationwide movement?

In this inspiring episode of Mature Allure, Sherri O. is joined by Karen Olson, author of Meant for More and the founder and CEO Emeritus of Family Promise, a national nonprofit that has mobilized over 1 million volunteers to support homeless families across America. What started as a sandwich and a conversation blossomed into a lifelong mission of service and transformation. Karen opens up about how an unexpected encounter shifted the course of her life, the lessons she learned about leadership, resilience, and forgiveness—and how passion, planning, and persistence built a legacy of hope.

We explore the power of volunteering, how one woman turned personal heartache into social change, and why we all have the potential to make a meaningful difference—no matter our age or stage in life. This conversation will remind you that it’s never too late to follow your heart and live a life of deeper impact.

3 Key Takeaways

Leading with passion, purpose, and persistence can create lasting change in the world.
Volunteering doesn’t just help others—it transforms the volunteer from within.
Personal healing often comes from forgiveness, empathy, and being of service to others.

What we discussed:

[00:30] – Karen’s unexpected journey into philanthropy and how a sandwich led to a calling

[05:00] – The beginnings of Family Promise and how her son inspired their early outreach

[09:30] – Why volunteering matters and how it changes lives—both the giver and the receiver

[16:00] – Karen’s lessons in leadership: the 3 P’s—Passion, Plan, and Persistence

[21:00] – Overcoming personal trauma, forgiveness, and resilience after a life-altering accident

[25:00] – A powerful story of transformation from a former Family Promise guest

Learn more from Karen:

Website: www.karenolsonauthor.com | https://familypromise.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kareneolson/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kareneolson/

Learn more about Sherri O.:

Website: https://matureallure.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4matureallure/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mature.allure

Instagram: @mature.allure

Join this community for women. Subscribe to the Mature Allure podcast for more inspiring stories and discussions on self-love and empowerment. For feedback, questions, or suggestions for future episodes, reach out to us through our website or social media channels. We’d love to hear from you!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Mature Allure

At Mature Allure, we believe that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life's unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to inspire women over 40 to embrace the beauty, wisdom, and empowerment that comes with age. We share knowledge that encourages healthy aging and self-discovery. Our podcast and blog feature incredible individuals with diverse skills, experiences, stories, and viewpoints, all sharing their journeys and insights; encouraging women to look forward to aging, not fear it.

People who listen to the Mature Allure podcast come for conversations, insight, and community. We inspire women to love themselves at every stage of life and break free from the constraints of ageism. A go-to source for the celebration of life's journey, we're here to help you tap into your "Mature Allure."

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Mature Allure

At Mature Allure, we believe that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life's unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to inspire women over 40 to embrace the beauty, wisdom, and empowerment that comes with age. We share knowledge that encourages healthy aging and self-discovery. Our podcast and blog feature incredible individuals with diverse skills, experiences, stories, and viewpoints, all sharing their journeys and insights; encouraging women to look forward to aging, not fear it.

People who listen to the Mature Allure podcast come for conversations, insight, and community. We inspire women to love themselves at every stage of life and break free from the constraints of ageism. A go-to source for the celebration of life's journey, we're here to help you tap into your "Mature Allure."

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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