Paying it Forward
Enchanted Makeovers is dedicated to inspiring people to make a difference!
“You are giving those women a lasting gift, faith in themselves and hope for the future. I stayed in a refuge with my kids, and staff were amazed that I bought a bunch of flowers every week for our room. Those flowers were a lifeline in keeping the feeling of a home for us. Your inspiration will change so many lives.
Love and peace flowergirl”
Dear Terry,
I just have to write and tell you that your makeover of the Women's Shelter brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful gift to give! I can't believe the transformation and I'm sure the women who stay there are touched and inspired by your handiwork.
I have been looking for a project for the nursing facility where my grandmother stayed in the final days of her life. They have a hospice room there that could definitely use some touching up. Your project and sentiment behind it inspired me. Thank you for that.
Wishing you many blessings,
Ginny 6/28/07
Dear Terry,
I've been lauding your praises all over the place! What a wonderful work you're doing. I had already made some timid inquiries about working with our Serenity House, whose work is for the homeless, but now I believe that's going forward and 2 projects are on the horizon; one is in an apartment soon to be vacated which I will redo, the other is to be a participant/designer on a teen shelter.
You were the impetus for all this!
Thank you so much for remembering me and my request for your CD.
Blessings and Hugs,
Jean Cameron
Sequim, WA 8/25/07
Terry:
You are the best! Thank you. I will be visiting the home next Friday and meeting with Pam Clark. I have also asked a buddy that has an organizing business if she would like to help. She said, YES! You started the human WAVE.
Warm Regards, Michelle Gonzalez~~Canton, MI 8/27/07
Hi Terry!
You may know that many schools across the country require some sort of community service project for graduation, also known as a "senior" or "graduation" project. My school requires a senior project and while looking for ideas on the web tonight I came across your story about the homeless shelter makeover. I've always been interested in interior design and would LOVE to use it to help people! Having fun doing something I love, while changing lives... I can't imagine a better idea for a project, considering I have to spend the next couple months working on it.
Since you've already completed the project, I hoping you could give me a little advice about a few aspects! Obviously I need to find a shelter in my area that could use a makeover, and it would be VERY helpful to find local businesses and even local residents to donate things such as furniture, sheets, pillows, blankets, paint, towels, appliances. If there were any businesses that provided any of these items for your project that have chains across the country that I could contact, that would be great. And I've heard about companies giving out grants to projects like these? There are many students and local residents that would be willing to help with the actual labor and painting murals. I won't have quite as long or as many resources as you do but I'm sure I can make a huge impact in redesigning a shelter, it would just be useful to get some advice from you, and if you don't mind, if I contacted you throughout the project if I have any questions.
I think you did a wonderful thing and I would like to do the same! thank you for your time, I hope to talk to you soon : )
Lauren Haller~~ Maryland 8/29/07
Thank you so much!!! I live in Maryland. I spoke with my teacher today, and I think we found a women's shelter called Hope Alive that is very similar to the one you chose. I plan on visiting sometime soon and taking pictures and notes to see what kind of renovations and donations they need and then making the contacts to arrange them. A few friends that I spoke with also thought it would be a great idea to tie their graduation projects in with mine to help with the overall makeover, some suggested toy, book and DVD drives for the children, and another might want to do a mural. So I'm very excited about the project and very optimistic about how well it will turn out! I will contact you soon if I have any questions, thanks again!
9/1/07
Terry,
I just played some catchup on your website and WOW, all the new Featured articles and the new Pay It Forward section. Warms my heart to know that people are paying attention to what you have inspired and accomplished with Hopeful Haven and want to do the same in small and big ways. So wonderful and so what life is all
about and needs!!
My heart is still with Grace Center and will be gearing up to do something special for the Holidays for them. A good project for my Mom, I and Family to do together.
You've opened up the eyes, ears and hearts of so many and it doesn't get any better than that!!
Blessings, Mary
Westland, MI 8/31/07
Dear Terry:
I think your story is amazing. I am a member of the Sdp and when I read your story I was inspired. I am just starting my redesign business after training with carie. I have had a passion to decorate for many years and never knew what to do about it until now. I would love to give some of my services to families in need. I am a very giving person and I truly believe in paying it forward because the Ending results are worth more than anything ever imagined to see the looks on those peoples faces that you really did make a big difference in their lives. How can I finds out if there is anything I can get involved in Tucson, Arizona. Your story touched my heart thank you. Please write me back.
Jodie~~Tucson, Arizona 9/4/07
Hi,
I am a survivor of domestic violence. I have been out for about six years. My friend told me about what you do and I saw a video of your on You Tube. I am interested in finding out more. I am not a decorator, but I am a photographic student. I would like to pay forward to the system that aided me. Thank you for your time and any assistance.
Regards, Jennifer 9/30/07
Terry,
I'm sure you don't remember me, but I graduated from Kris Porter's 5-Day Interiors Redesigned Foundations Program this past summer and met you at the SDP Conference in Chicago in August.
I am not, as yet, a member of the O.D.D.A.A., but plan to become one just as soon as I can afford a seat in JoAnne's Lenart-Weary's color consultant class.
I was deeply inspired by your video about the women's shelter makeover you did and would like to tackle a project like it in my area (St. Louis, Missouri).
With God's help, I think I've come up with an 'win-win-win' approach that represents a sort of 'melting pot' of some of the best ideas out there and would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you about it, at your convenience. I think you're gonna like it!
That said, I was wondering if it would be possible for me to get a hard copy of your video/DVD so that I could use it to explain/promote the basic concept in this neck of the woods. (Because I live a little ways out, I don't have fast internet/DSL and am forced to use 'dial-up'; so receiving the file by email is not exactly an option.)
Thanks!
Terry Steimel
Cedar Hill, Missouri
12/01/07
Hi Terry,
It was great to see you again at the SDP conference in Chicago. I wish we would have had more time to talk. It seemed like it went by really fast and I didn't get to talk to Paula, Dina or you.
I was so touched by what you did for the Hopeful Haven Shelter. You inspired me to use my God given gifts and talents to help others in need. We are so blessed to have what we have and it makes me so sad when I see others who are less fortunate because but for the grace of God there go I. So I along with another Redesigner, Joan Staker ,we have decided to decorate a battered/homeless women’s shelter for the holidays. It is through the Wings program - Women In Need Growing Stronger. It is a transitional home where they live for 3-6 months until they can support themselves better. There are currently 3 women living there now with their children. We are taking monetary donations for decorations and also collecting items from their wish list. I was wondering if you could give me some guidance on how you go about approaching business for donations. We have a form letter that we have wrote u p that we have been emailing out to our friends, families and acquaintances.(see attached flier) We are suppose to start decorating on November 15th. I would love to start doing more of these and my hope for next year after decorating this home that we will have the experience and knowledge in what it takes so that we will be able to do several more shelters. I truly believe everyone deserves a Magical Holiday. Thank you for what you do and for being such an inspiration for many people.
Thank you and look forward to hearing from you.
Susan Lynk (Illinois)
Lynk Home Transformations
Transform your home...Transform your life!
12/16/07
I somehow stumbled into your page and as I randonmly listened to one of your videos. I want to thank you! For so long now I've been looking, searching for something to inspire me and help me to do more with my time.
I wanted to ask you, how is that going? Are you done with the project?
I just got accepted for an internship at a non profit corporation called CEO women located in downtown oakland, california. This company helps low income, immigrant,and refugee women. They help them by getting these women prepared with education,teach English, business classes, provide coaches, and search loans to help them get going with their business so they are able to provide for themselves and get back on their feet.
I am going to be in charge of recluting more women and I would love to maybe expand the spectrum to abused women as well. Where is a good place I can do a search for them around this area, do you know, do you have any tips.
I want to thank you because you have provided such an inspiration to me. I want to help these women make a difference in the world and provide a better livelihood for themselves and their families.
Thank you soo much, I hope to be in contact with you,
hugs and love
Cindy
Downtown Oakland, CA 1/18/07
I really love your website and all that you do. It is women like you who inspired me to start giving back and create my website women for change. Thank You
Chenelle
UN 4/1/2008
Terry,
I think it is just absolutely wonderful what you & the other angels have done for these women. I can't imagine a better gift to the world. Thank you for inspiring me....... I sent your story to no less than 30 peoples emails. I hope they forward on or it inspires them to give back.
Have you ever sent your story in to like the OPRAH show? She loves those inspiring stories to give back (exactly what you have done) & then that gives publicity & then it just goes on from there. On & On & On, the hand just keeps on giving with love & caring for EVERYONE, not just themselves.
Thank you so much for the inspiration & I wish the women & the children in this shelter all the love & warmth the world can give. You have already been blessed by God with such talent & inspiration to others. WOW, words just don't hold a candle to what you've done.
With a Warm Heart.........
Myra Smith Alvin, TX 6/16/08
We do have a shelter in our area & I never thought of helping these women until your story. THANKS
(Angel inspired by 2007 shelter makeover on HGTV Rate My Space wanted to pay it forward and help with the 2008 makeover)
Hi Terry,
I sent the monetary donation in honor of my mother & father James & Lois Walston but to be given to your project. I hope that works out. God Bless & also, I will be sending the bags to you by July 21st. I hope to have one for each woman also at least one great book for each room (9 of them right) and some things for the little kids.
This has done so much for my spirit and knowing you are a great person helps even more to renew my sense of spirit. In these days & times one begins to wonder (never doubt, but wonder). Angels like you are Gods way of showing his sprinkles of love.
With love
Myra Smith
Alvin, TX 7/1/08
Dear Terry:
My name is Barb Ferguson. I live in Minneapolis, Mn. I was so impressed by the pictures you posted on RMS featuring the transformation of the shelter. Your
willingness to share your time and talent with others is an inspiration. I would consider it a priviledge to be able to do the same. Today I began calling local shelters and have come into contact with a battered women and children's shelter that is welcoming my help.
My prayer is that I can help to make a change that will impact the spirit of the women and children who find themselves in a home away from their true home. I would love to create spaces that help speak to the hearts of those who stay there.....spaces that let them know that they are valued and loved.
Thank you for sharing your story and pictures. If you have any words of wisdom for me, I would love to hear from you.
Thanks again.
Barb Ferguson
Minneapolis, MN 7/14/08
One of my breakout sessions at conference in August was with Terry Grahl and DesAnne Collins. I was new to the SDP and was "still trying to find my way". I took their session about intution, following your dream, being aware of signs and most importantly having faith in yourself. I carry their message in my head as I start my business. Terry spoke of doing her shelter project last year and being sent a "sign" to do the project when she noticed a polka-dot pillow case in her photos that she did not notice earlier at the facility. I remember Terry saying that this was a sign for her because she loves polka-dots.
I recently bought a Potterybarn sofa from woman that I met on Craigslist who was moving from Philadelphia to Sacramento. I had just begun a project at Friends Association for the Protection of Women and Children in West Chester, PA. I volunteered to paint and decorate a transitional apt for a woman and her three children. They were due to move in December 28th, however, I wanted finish before that so they could spend their Christmas in their new apartment.
When I went to get the sofa, my new friend said that she was stressing because she had so much stuff to get rid of for the move and didn't know what to do with it. I explained to her about my project and that I could use anything that she did not want. I returned 2 times and filled my pick-up!
The next day her friend called with things that she didn't need, so I returned again with my pickup.
Terry and DesAnne's words resonated in my brain and I was getting so excited about doing my makeover for this family that I could not sleep some nights. Ideas kept popping in and out of my head. I asked everyone for stuff that they no longer needed!! The Sherwin-Williams paint store gave me all the paint that I wanted for free. I took a yellow quart, then added a green quart for another color and then a gold quart for yet another color! I brought an extra Christmas tree that I had decorated it. As I continued to downsize clients, I had a larger pile of things people had no need for. I provided my clients with donation receipts for all of their "repurposed" items!
Everyone was a winner, including me! I have Terry and DesAnne to thank !!!
Sue Mazzarelli
Rebloom Your Room
West Chester, PA 12/23/08
I just found your blog and am inspired. I’ve been thinking about volunteering for Habitat for Humanity but realize that won’t really be as rewarding as what you are doing. Habitat houses are very basic, without the “homey” touches that you are doing for the shelters. I’m wondering how you got started with your project? I would love to be a part of something like this in my area. I love to make a house a home. It’s the little things that matter. Providing shelter is the first step, but making a place beautiful and welcoming is important too.
I would really enjoy helping homeless families find not only a place to stay, but a place of inspiration and support. I’ll keep looking around Birmingham for somewhere to go. It would be wonderful to use my creativity to help others.
Thanks for your inspiration and any advice you may have,
Kathi 2/21/09
I came across a very cool website called Enchanted Makeovers. It is an organization that goes in and decorates shelters for women and children to make their place feel more like home. I have been searching and asking God about what can I do in life that makes a difference...what is my purpose?
I've been through The Purpose Driven Life book (by Pastor Rick Warren) 3 times and started it again. It's not that I don't have anything to do, but what good is this creative talent he's given me if I'm not using it for something beyond myself? When I saw this website I knew I wanted to help. I emailed the founder and asked her what I could do to help. I gave links to my blog...to show her some of what I do. We got in contact with each other and I will be making 20 of my handmade stuffed kittens for their next project.
Now, I'm not telling you about this to brag...but I'm so excited...I can be passionate about this. I love to be creative and I can help someone out there with my creativity. It is a gift to be shared. For me it is a purpose that will help me look beyond myself...and look to help others who need it. Please, please, please visit this website and see if there is something you can do to help. I wanted to post a picture of the first kitten I got done today...only 19 more to go! I figure I can get 1 a day done and make it in time for the deadline of the end of May (and before baby boy #5 Mckale gets here!) 1 1/2- 2 months before his arrival. All 4 of my boys were 2 weeks early so I am hoping he decides to do the same.
Thanks for listening to my excitement...I love making these stuffed animals...they all have different personalities and they are so much fun!
Rachel Knoblich
Sioux Falls, SD
3/11/09
Hi Terry!
I just read your post on Natalie's blog, and I felt like I need to be doing something so similar! I have envisioned myself going to poor neighborhoods and giving a special random woman an external and internal makeover. My calling is to help others, and for the last few months so many doubts just keep cropping up and I really know I should continue and do what I have to do on this earth. Can you offer any tips on starting something like that? I love art as well, and I think creating beautiful havens for abused women is so amazing. Right now I just graduated with a finance degree, and the thing is I need to make money, but all I want to do is help others become better. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do?
Thank you!
Nikola
Canada 3/14/09
Hi my name is Michelle DeShayes and I would love to help but have run out of money to donate. I'm a massage practioner here in West Seattle and would love to know if I can help with my services? Please let me know if I can come and donate some chair massages or full body ones.
Thanks,
Michelle DeShayes
Seattle,WA 4/16/09
I read the article about your "aha moment" & the polka dot pillow. I
am very impressed & touched by the beautiful work you do both
physically & spiritually/emotionally for people in these situations.
We are also attempting to help a family that has ended up homeless
and wonder if you have any suggestions or directions you could help
us with. We are working towards "beautifying" our basement in order
to offer this family of 6 (parents & 4 children) a home in order to
give them the opportunity to get back on their feet & become self
sufficient again.
Looking forward to dialoguing with you regarding this.
Appreciatively,
Jenny Flesch 5/09
"Hi Terry,
Just wanted to update you that at Church they are going to have an
event at a local Women/Girls shelter. My husband has agreed to come with me to
help out. What a miracle. It will be on Nov 7th. I hope that it all goes
well & that it leads me to the right people to do more more more in my
area..........:-) Please pray that it leads to bigger things for the both of
us.
With much love & blessing for your project. xoxoxo"
Myra Smith (Texas) 10/09
Hi Terry!
Hows your makeover going?
Omgosh, you wont believe what happened!
I went to school today and overheard a girl say mural, Nicola, and fine arts to
her friend. Then I saw her sit down beside me. I immediately spoke to her. I
told her about the idea I have with painting the walls of the homeless/low
income drop in centre! She jumped on it.
She has 6 friends who want to do a mural! (and one of them, the Nicola girl, I
know her! We went to Europe together 2 years ago). It's just so weird, amazing,
and a miracle.
Wow, things are coming together.
11/9/09
Omgosh! How are you? I cant wait to see your photos.
Guess what? The makeoveHER was sooooooooooooo much fun!
We had so much clothing and many women left feeling so cared
for. Some of them cried as they were leaving b/c they didn't feel
so good in a long time. We're gonna have another event around
Dec. 12th! I had a hairdresser come in and do 15 haircuts!
I'm really thinking of creating an organization and put it online, but
I would need some guidance. You can help if you want later,
when all of your craziness from the new makeover is done.
Anyhow, msg me :P
Nikola 11/16/09
Hello, I can just imagine how busy you are but I would like to know one thing to
get started doing what you do.
I am not a awarding winning designer , I do not belong to any design
organizations but I know I can do this , I know lots of talented people and do
not care about making a lot of money.
I want to make my life a life of purpose and I love design and believe I came
across you to give me my vision and a direction for my professional life.
Thank you Terry and God bless,
Dee
11/11/09
Terry,
I want to thank you for all of your advice and direction. It really paid off! We finished out project and Grace House was truly grateful. We even got press coverage! I hope yours went well (I’m sure it did, with a pro like you at the helm!).
Thanks for everything!
Megan McCarthy
AmeriCorps Safe Families Program
American Red Cross of Greater Chicago
1/25/10
People who have been inspired by Enchanted Makeovers to do a makeover at there local shelter.
2009 Georgia Shelter Makeover
 |
Warner Robins HODAC’s Gateway Cottage Residential Program provides a home for healing and hope for the future. It is a residential facility for homeless mothers in substance abuse recovery and their minor children. Participating mothers must be residents of Georgia who are drug-free and motivated to change so that their lives and the lives of their children will be better. The Gateway Cottage Residential program lasts between 12 and 24 months, with an average stay of 14 months. Family values are instilled and nurtured, and mothers are taught constructive life skills, social skills, parenting skills and relapse strategies. When a resident leaves the program, she will be better equipped to live independently and make positive life choices and decisions for herself and her children. Addressing Rooms Decorating & Staging of Warner Robins has volunteered to decorate the media/playroom and turn a small unused room into a library/computer center. Since HODAC is about making a life transformation, this decorating project has been named, “The Butterfly Project”. The Butterfly Project wants to give the Gateway Cottage a fresh, new change just like the residents of the center are giving themselves. Embarking on this journey is also about transforming the lives of its volunteers. Many people want to do something to help their community but just don’t know how. Here’s a chance now to make a difference in our community by helping on this project. This project depends solely on volunteer monetary donations and volunteer laborers. Monetary donations will fund the supplies for the makeover 100%. |
Nikola Mery...Canada
The Makeover Story
www.themakeoverstory.com
Tisha Watson...Jersey City, New Jersey
Hi Terry,
The Recipes for Hope event looks like it's shaping up to be fabulous! I wish I could be there. I'm hoping that in the future I'll be able to make some type of contribution to your generous endeavors. But I do have a little bit of exiting news. First, I've been accepted into painting school. Second, one of the people who interviewed me is a program coordinator at the local women's services center and she loves the idea of decorating shelters and transitional housing. Third, and this is the big one, I am meeting with this coordinator and the founder of the local women's shelter on March 19 to discuss my ideas and their needs. I want to make a really dynamic presentation. If it's alright with you, I'd like to print out a few pages from your website to show what you have been able to accomplish and how your work has impacted the lives of the women and children you've touched. Also, I know that you are really, really busy right now, but if you have any advice for my first presentation, I welcome it with an open heart. I'm excited, hopeful and a wee bit nervous ;-)
Hugs,
Tisha 2/24/10
Wendy York...France
Hi Terry,
I apologize for the little delay in responding to you. I've been trying to find out what happens here in France to women & children who need shelter. So far I've drawn a blank, but have sent some mails off to my French friends and some psychologists I know to see if any know of organizations etc. I really want to follow through here and see how we can link.
Your enchanted makeovers have captured my imagination, it is such a wondeful thing to have comfortable and appealing surroundings. All too often we take them for granted. I know I do, especially down here where there is so much designer wealth.
I'll keep you posted with my progress, meanwhile every good wish,
Wendy 2/25/10
Kelly Foster Whaley...Ontario, Canada
www.fullcirclerestoration.blogspot.com
Linda Sluiter...Schereville, IN
www.interiorartistryredesign.com/RoselandShelter.htm