Betty Chinn

Betty Chinn

BETTY CHINN RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1: You have deep commitment to helping people in need. It is interesting that in life we all have the opportunity to walk away from helping others, and it is equally interesting that some people don’t take those steps away from others in need. What were the main factors in your life that encouraged you to walk toward people in need and devote a significant part of your life to helping others? Please elaborate some about each factor.

RESPONSE: The reason I am motivated to help those in need is because of my experiences with hunger and homelessness when I was a child. I lived in China during a time of political unrest and lived in asylum during cultural reparations. I was separated from my family and homeless between the ages of 7 and 11. During that time I was starving, afraid and alone. I remember being so hungry and desperate that I would lick the salt off my clothing in the summertime. I witnessed human indifference and great human cruelty. I know what it is like to starve, feel hopeless and not know if I will live or die. These experiences are a fundamental part of who I am today and are the root of my commitment to those in need. 

QUESTION 2: When you started your nonprofit, what were the main challenges? Please explain the main challenges and how you overcame them.

RESPONSE: I started my outreach when I saw a hungry six year old in my son's school class. I began to bring food for her everyday and soon I heard her story and how she and her family of four lived in their car and frequently did not have enough to eat. One of my biggest challenges was my language barrier, because I didn't speak any English. A little later I began trying to serve homeless veterans, whom I have great respect for. Because I couldn't speak English, I had trouble communicating with them, but I learned that words are not required to show love and respect to those in need. My language barrier started out as a challenge, but eventually allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level. 

Another challenge I faced was with law enforcement when I began distributing food to larger groups of people. I was frequently given citations from the police and I was wrongly restricted from serving food in certain areas of town where there were larger homeless populations. I was told that I was interfering with businesses in the area. I spent three days in jail and was even approached at gunpoint by a police officer. At that time, all of the people who had gathered for a meal joined hands around me in silent protest until the officer left. I also met other people in my community who helped me find my voice and face some of these obstacles. Our local pastor escorted me to the police department to speak with the Chief of Police about what I was experiencing, and there I was able to tell my story and build a relationship with the police department. I was later recognized with the Minerva Award by the former First Lady during a Women's Empowerment Conference. Over time, I learned more about how to fund my outreach goals and what types of licenses, permits and equipment I would need to feed the homeless in a legally acceptable manner. By learning about the legal processes, bonding with the community, and finding my own voice, I have been able to expand my outreach programs and reach more and more people. 

QUESTION 3: What suggestions would you give to university students who are committed to helping others in need and are considering starting a nonprofit?

RESPONSE: I believe everyone has their own unique gifts and talents. I would tell inspired students to follow their dreams and rely on their strengths. They can be more effective, helpful and personally fulfilled if they do what they are passionate about. I would also remind them to remember not to feel defeated by a mistake or an obstacle in their path. Each time you fall down, you get back up stronger than you were before, and if you believe you can overcome, you will. As a final piece of advice, I would encourage bonding with others in your community who share your dreams and have similar passions. Building relationships within your community will not only strengthen the community, it will also allow everyone to have a greater impact. I didn't start my Foundation until about ten years ago when several members of my community came together with a common vision. Know your own strengths, follow your passion, be resilient in the face of challenge and change, and bond with those who share your dreams.