November 9, 2023 • 44 mins
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Have you ever wondered about the power of resilience and the impact it can have on a life? Strap in, because today's episode brings you the awe-inspiring story of Dillon Green, a current resident of Place of Hope, who has used his unyielding spirit to overcome adversity and chart out an encouraging journey towards health and wellness. An inspiring tale that showcases the difference nurturing environments like Place of Hope can make, let Dillon's story of triumph remind you that no hurdle is insurmountable.
Picture a young man, stripped from his home, his parents grappling with financial problems, and faced with a neglectful foster care; yet, Dillon Green didn't see a dead-end. Instead, he found solace in consistent running for stress relief and developed a newfound love for health and wellness, inspired by his house parents at Place of Hope. As he steps us through his transformation from a struggling foster kid to a Exercise science graduate with aspirations of attending PT school, learn about the crucial role a positive environment and dedicated individuals can play in shaping young lives.
You'll also get a chance to explore Dillon's insights on the importance of resilience, mentors, and family in overcoming life's harshest challenges. Listen as he shares his lessons on contentment, drive, self-determination, and gratitude. With a lens on the foster care system, the power of a positive environment, and the impact of resources for young individuals, Dillon's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a beacon of hope for all those who are weathering their own storms. The journey may be tough, but as Dillon's journey proves, the destination is well worth it.
Host: Charles L. Bender III, Founding CEO and Board Member of Place of Hope
Title Sponsor: Crypto Capital Venture | Follow Dan Gambardello's on Twitter (@cryptorecruitr)
Looking for assistance in south Florida? Visit VillagesOfHope.net
Link: Visit the Place of Hope Website, PlaceOfHope.com
Connect with Place of Hope on social media: Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn
Email the Show: POHPodcast@PlaceOfHope.com
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Producer: Maya Elias
Copyright of Place of Hope 2023.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Charles Bender (00:02):
Hello and thank you for tuning in to Ambassadors
of Hope.
I'm your host, Charles Bender.
We're so excited that you'vetuned in to hear from local
South Florida leaders who aremaking a difference in our
community and region through ourcharity Place of Hope.
Who are we?
We're the largest, most diversechildren and families
organization spanning Palm BeachCounty and the entire Treasure
Coast.
Our goal is to help those weserve find healing and
(00:25):
restoration, leading to abrighter future.
Since 2001, place of Hope hasserved over 25,000 children and
youth in South Florida.
Place of Hope is a faith-based,state-licensed organization
providing programs and servicesto children, youth and families
to end cycles of abuse, neglect,homelessness and human
(00:47):
trafficking in our localcommunities.
None of this would be possiblewithout our Ambassadors of Hope,
the people in this communityand throughout South Florida.
We use their leadership,influence, time, talent and
resources to help others.
Many have inspiring stories oftheir own that tie them
intrinsically to our mission,and we hope that their stories
(01:07):
will challenge you to get outand make a difference where you
live, work and play.
So much can grow from even justone small seed of hope.
Maya Elias (01:20):
Welcome to this episode of Ambassadors of Hope.
I'm your producer, Maya Elias.
In this episode, Charles Benderand I have the pleasure of
welcoming guest Green, a currentresident at our Leanne and
David Rinker campus.
's life journey is a remarkablestory of resilience and triumph
.
He entered the foster caresystem at a young age due to
problems at home that ultimatelyled to his mother becoming
(01:42):
incarcerated, and hisexperiences within the system
were initially challenging.
Placed with a foster parent whoneglected him, Dillon lacked
the basic essentials and supportneeded to thrive.
However, his life took apositive turn when he found a
new home at Place of Hope's Paxand Campus.
Place of Hope provided Dillonwith a safe and nurturing
(02:04):
environment where he not onlyreceived shelter but also vital
support services.
The organization's programsincluded counseling, therapy,
tutoring and life skillstraining, which helped Dillon
overcome his past challenges anddevelop a positive outlook for
the future.
The impactful individuals heencountered at Place of Hope,
(02:25):
such as volunteers and mentors,left lasting impressions on him
and contributed much to hispersonal growth.
Reflecting on his time at Placeof Hope since he came to us in
middle school, fondly remembersthe impact of his house parents,
who inspired his passion forhealth and wellness Witnessing
his house dad's dedication torunning every morning sparked
(02:47):
Dillon's interest in fitness,leading him to pursue a
bachelor's degree in ExerciseScience at Florida Atlantic
University.
Today, Dillon works as astretch practitioner at Stretch
Zone, where he helps to improveclients' quality of life through
assisted stretching andencourages the importance of
self-care.
's journey is not only aboutpersonal growth, but also about
(03:10):
breaking cycles.
Inspired by the positive rolemodels he encountered at Place
of Hope, he aspires to build aloving and nurturing family in
the future, creating asupportive environment and
ensuring a brighter future forgenerations to come.
Green's story serves as apowerful reminder of the impact
that organizations like Place ofHope can have in the lives of
(03:32):
young individuals, helping themovercome adversity and achieve
their full potential.
Charles Bender (03:41):
We want to give a special thanks and shout out
to our presenting sponsor,Crypto Capital Venture.
Crypto Capital Venture acts asboth a startup recruiting firm
as well as one of the largestcrypto communities in the
cryptocurrency space, offeringtrailblazing content for over
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If you're interested in crypto,you can join over 300,000
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(04:02):
, just go to YouTube and searchCrypto Capital Venture and make
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Thanks so much, Dan and ourfriends at Crypto Capital
Venture.
Maya Elias (04:14):
Welcome to Seed of Hope.
Where warmth, gratitude andhope flourish.
Today we bring you theinspiring story of the Stack
Family Cottage.
Imagine the pride and joy wefelt as our 17-year-old
completed her track season andattended senior prom.
It was a beautiful milestone inher life, a moment filled with
celebration and hope for herbright future ahead of her.
(04:35):
But the accomplishments didn'tstop there.
Two of our younger childrenembarked on a new journey by
joining the Flag football team.
With determination andteamwork, they emerged
victorious in their first game,smiles radiating from their
faces with excitement, and wecouldn't be happier for them.
Thank you so much for joiningus on today's segment of Seat of
(04:57):
Hope and I hope that youcontinue listening in for our
guest, Green.
Charles Bender (05:07):
Alright Green.
Thank you for coming on ourshow today.
Ambassadors of Hope, and we'regoing to get right into it Tell
us a little bit about how Placeof Hope's programs and services
have impacted your life duringyour time.
You know, when you were here atPlace of Hope as a young man
and now that you're getting alittle older, living at Villages
of Hope on our Leanna DavidRinker campus, some of the
things that have impacted yourlife in terms of, you know,
(05:28):
creating a safe and supportiveenvironment during a difficult
period.
Dillon Green (05:32):
Certainly starting with Place of Hope.
When I was 13, before I evenentered into the system of
foster care, I had a lot ofinconsistency, not very much
home stability for many years,parents arguing every night and
just kind of not really beingsure how the next day would go.
And then when I first enteredthe system, I was with one
(05:54):
lady's house.
It was my first introduction tofoster care and she was
entirely different to me justkind of butt out a little small
stereo box for me each morningto have.
Then I get home from school andhave the lunch she set out.
I basically never talked to herfor the whole six months I was
there.
So as far as my mind went backthen I was 13, as my
introduction to the system, Ithought this was a pretty good
(06:15):
deal.
I heard horror stories.
I heard a lot of abuse ongoingin foster care.
I didn't really know what toexpect so I thought this was all
right, like this is probablypretty fair.
And then my coordinatorLightham, chris Baker.
She had advocated for maincourt and introduced the idea of
me going to place a hope.
And once I got there, tocircumvent your question here,
(06:36):
once.
I got to Place of Hope, I foundstability.
I found that I was able to goto the school that I wanted to
in high school and I was able topretty much have the same sort
of routine day in and day outand got to build up habits that
I really appreciated over timetoo.
Not only a place of hope forhigh school did I get to go to
the high school I wanted in theIT Magnum program.
(06:57):
But even after then my age nowturn 18, moved to the dorms at
Florida Atlantic University.
Houseparents helped me move tothe dorms.
Eventually I came to Village ofHope, where I was able to have
stable housing.
I have now purchased a carsince my time there.
I've had a steady job for pastyear and also gotten many hours
(07:18):
in physical therapy, finished mybachelor's degree as well.
So, stability, I think, is thegreatest quality that was
introduced to me through Placeof Hope.
Charles Bender (07:26):
Yeah, you know it's interesting.
One of the things you mentionedwas the relational side of what
it was like in the foster homebefore you came to Place of Hope
and you look back and youthought, well, I guess this is
okay, even though you knewsomething was fundamentally
wrong, because she's justplacing out food for you to eat
and you'd never talked to her insix months.
It was great that you had aplace to be right, but there was
(07:46):
no relational aspect.
And how was that different whenyou came to Place of Hope?
Dillon Green (07:52):
That's that was.
That was when I was young.
I didn't really, like I said,register how important that was.
I just thought this was fineenough.
But having house parents thatactually cared about me, took us
on trips I know they even liketook us out to eat pretty often,
just like giving the guys inthe house attention and wanted
(08:16):
us to succeed and push usforward and keep back, to keep
on with our lives it was atotally different, stable
lifestyle that I was able tobuild up from.
Charles Bender (08:26):
Yeah.
Dillon Green (08:26):
It was completely polar opposite.
Charles Bender (08:30):
It's, basically, it's the whole foundation of
what Place of Hope is aboutfaith-based, family-based, you
know.
So that's the big differenceand glad that you obviously, you
know, experienced that andyou're experiencing it still at
villages, but at a differentlevel, obviously more
independent, you know, you're anadult.
Yes, we're there for you, asyou know, how did your mentors
(08:50):
and volunteers you encounteredwhile at Place of Hope, like Mr
Doug and the couple who mentoredyou, shape your outlook on life
and contribute to your personalgrowth?
Dillon Green (09:00):
I would say that, again, referring back to growing
up, I had a lot of adults whenI was a kid let me down.
Basically they were good rolemodels and so as a kid I
developed this mindset of seeingwhat I don't want as a part of
my life.
So I didn't have.
I had a lot of general distrusttoward what you know, elders or
(09:24):
spears would say to me becauseI thought I kind of was figuring
out better.
I saw a lot of bad folks in mycorner or irresponsible folks in
my life.
So being at Place of Hope,meeting mentors like Mr Doug and
Mr Tim as Relief Parent, mrTrey as Relief Parent back in
college six so many they reallyshowed me there's a lot of good
people in my corner, a lot ofgenerous and compassionate
(09:46):
people, and that really set medown a whole different path in
my life.
I wouldn't say I was ever onewho was like means for anybody,
but they showed me that kindnessand compassion takes you so
very far.
Charles Bender (10:01):
Yeah, well, that's how you are.
I mean, you're kind andcompassion and it's and you're
full of gratefulness, which is aword we've kind of placed on
you these days is because itexudes from you.
You know, and I think maybethat has a lot to do with you
know the people who sewed intoyour early days like that.
You know, like you said, youdidn't think it was normal, what
(10:21):
was.
You know you didn't trust a lotof people because of those
broken relationships.
But you had people coming in.
You know that either livedthere or were on the staff or
these mentors.
But we used to.
Actually, when we launched that,we used to call it an extended
family member program Because,as you know, while you were in
care, some or a lot of kids thatare in care, a lot of times
they're not able to have contactwith family members or there
(10:42):
just isn't any.
And so what?
You know, we've always feltlike the mentors and these folks
can fill those gaps in a lot ofways, you know.
So it is definitely a big partof the place of hope model.
You mentioned to our producerof the show that your house
parents at Place Ope had asignificant impact on your love
for health and wellness and theindustry that you're in now.
(11:05):
Elaborate a little bit on that,on their influence, and tell us
a little bit about what you'redoing in exercise science.
Dillon Green (11:12):
Yeah, they are the foundation of it all.
Really, again, I feel like Iwant to come on circle and back
to what my previous mindset was,and almost how I had a reborn
mindset.
After coming to Place Ope,starting with almost at a
subconscious level, I grew upsort of middle class with my
folks and then, once I enteredmiddle school, that's when they
(11:33):
kind of lost the house and abunch of financial issues
basically occurred.
Long story short and they losteverything a lot of arguments
ensued and that's kind of how Isaw things derail with my folks
at home before Fosu here and soI think subconsciously I didn't
register this completely.
I really equated stability andhaving a source of income as
(11:55):
some of the most importantqualities of life.
So I was in the IT Magnetprogram in high school so I
pretty much had that mindset fora good while.
I was on my computer all day.
I was learning programming.
It was interesting to an extent.
But once I got to collegeinitializing a pre-science major
, it wasn't for me.
I realized it's not my field ofinterest.
But what my stress relief was,that I figured out in high
(12:18):
school from my house parents wasI saw Mr Sheldon, my house
parent.
He'd run each morning Like he'sin the Marines, real fit do, a
real buff guy, and I respectedthat.
I thought you know that gaveconfidence to me.
So I started out just running.
I really know what I was doing.
I'd run around kind of theChrist Fellowship Park and lot
and just get that.
It was good, a little stressrelief for me.
(12:39):
And I tuned in a little bit moreto healthier, conscious eating,
eating just like weller carbsand just trying to be more
health conscious.
So that was the foundation.
And then when we went on ahiking trip to Georgia, they
house parents took us all on outup there.
It was a great time I can themountain, seeing the wilderness.
It was real, real good time outthere and it was real eye
(13:03):
opening just to appreciate howbeautiful nature really is out
there.
I had an experience likeanything like that, never been
on a trip, even out of the state.
So I was out there.
It really was a core memory forme at that point and after I
aged out it's kind of a sort oftradition now with my buddies
will go hiking once a year.
So around January, just drivingup north, making a bit of road
(13:24):
trip and do seven to 10 dayhikes throughout our trip.
And awesome, awesome memoriesthere and the foundation of all
really just just from the simpleact of running from a house
Baron, who get the miles inevery morning, started doing on
my own.
Charles Bender (13:37):
See that's the modeling right.
That's the healthy parentingModeling that we've tried to
create and keep over the years.
And then, and then there's thatelement that you threw in there
about the, the travels with thefamily right, which is now
something you do with your budsevery year.
But Oftentimes, when we tellpeople about like, so what's
different?
About place of hope, a lot ofpeople you know we'll talk about
(13:59):
these things that seem verynormal in the everyday life of
most people.
Right, people take vacations,people go places on Weekends.
They might go boating, theymight go running, they might go
to a gym, they might go hikingin the mountains in Georgia or
whatever.
But a lot, oftentimes, too often, when you apply that to kids in
foster care because of the sortof the tumultuous journey,
oftentimes with placementdisruptions and sometimes you
(14:20):
know lower levels of care thatare out there quality care and
that.
So what seems to be so normalin some ways is really not when
you apply it to the average kidthat's that's in foster care.
So tell us a little bit about Imean, I just love the way you
describe that tell us a littlebit about what you're doing
right now in Health scienceworld which is relatable to when
your help your foster parent,dad at place, oh, it was Running
(14:45):
and you were watching them run.
Dillon Green (14:48):
As of now, I'm still in the books, keeping all
of my studies.
I did earn my bachelor's inexercise science a couple years
ago and now I'm studying tobecome a certified personal
trainer with the NationalAcademy Sports Medicine, as well
as a certified nutritionist andcorrective exercise
specialization, group fitnessinstruction and behavioral
change as well.
So a lot of certificationslined up.
(15:10):
I'm just knocking those outover time.
And as for my personal fitness,I box five days a week, so I'm
doing that every morning,hitting up the bag, getting the
fitness in with some others, andthat's a big passion of mine.
That's for a boxing.
And as for my actual light ofwork, over the past year I've
been stretch practitioner atstretch zone, and that's a
(15:31):
physically active, demanding jobas well.
Yeah, though, it's not exercise, it's.
I'm physically active in thereabout six, seven hours each day.
Yeah, so well, this is reallyimportant.
I gotta keep on with therecovery of it all.
Charles Bender (15:43):
I love it.
We're gonna have to have youback at some point and you get
all these certifications andeverything and have you back.
You know, doing some of thatfitness with the kids and
especially the nutritional side,as you know A lot of the kids
that come into our care have.
You know there's no knowledgethere whatsoever of what's
what's good and what's not goodfor you, right?
I mean, you're teaching peoplethat now.
Dillon Green (16:03):
Yes, actually, I mean initially, when I first
came into care, I was completelyclueless about that.
When I was started out kind ofsix, I was probably drinking an
Arizona tea every single day.
Mcdonald's Frappuccino caramelfull of sugar.
Maya Elias (16:19):
Yeah, full of sugar.
Dillon Green (16:20):
I mean an adult male Should have like around 40,
36 grams of sugar per day, andthose Frappuccinos they can have
over a hundred grams.
I get the large one and I'm a13 year old, young, 14 young,
young boy.
Maya Elias (16:34):
Yeah that is that's not well.
Dillon Green (16:36):
That's really terrible, but I really didn't
think nothing of it as a kid.
I was not raised with thosevalues and in any matter for
health.
It just wasn't that.
When I was growing up it was Iget home and put a banquet
Microwave meal and each day andthat was that was what I ate,
consistently fed myself mostly.
So when I tuned in just seeingmy house parent I believe he's
(16:56):
also a vegetarian for overdecades I'm a shill and and he
was very ill-conscious too aboutabout such and just really
rubbed off on me I wanted togain that self-confidence of
treating my body and bonus withrespect.
Charles Bender (17:13):
I love the Like mentally I'm picturing, like
this vine and branches idea,like you know You're applying
and a lot of it's on your own.
Now I've your self-motivatedand you're you're driven, but
just some of the things youlearned when you're in the
healthier environments and howyou've now taken and kind of
built upon that.
I mean, that's life right,that's what we're supposed to do
, right?
(17:33):
Nobody nobody gets to successon their own.
They might tell you they do,but they don't.
There are people there thatyou've learned from.
There are people that havementored you directly or
indirectly.
There are people who havehelped lift you up right and
then you're gonna turn aroundand do that exact same thing.
You're already doing it, by theway, because the people that
know you are inspired by you andyour story and what you're
doing with your life and andthat's just a super, super big
(17:55):
deal.
So we're we're excited aboutthat part of things with you as
well.
When you were at at Place ofHope years back, you did some
mission trips you participatedin In high school to Bel Glade.
Had those experience shape yourperspective on service and
community involvement, and howdo you incorporate those values
in your life now?
Dillon Green (18:16):
today With Christ Fellowship to mission trips out
to Bo Gleed, I believe, a weekor two each time and it was
tough work out there but itreally gave me a lot of
perspective about how tough itis for some folks elsewhere.
You know I've heard a lot ofstories in my time of the many
roommates I've had through theyears in Vastvigar and Everybody
(18:37):
has a different sort of heartto speak it their perspective
from, and I've, you know, heardmany who think the world may owe
them a lot and Life's tough andthat's that's fair point.
It is tough but you also got torecognize there's others out
there who really do have it evenmore tough.
So going out there and seeingthe community first-hand, I Was
(18:59):
able to play an active hand inhelping out through Christ
Fellowship and play so pain forthat mission trip as well.
And I was just but I wasgetting after the hard work.
I was laying out the mulch forthe school yards and churches
and painting and and bugs wereeating us up out there and there
was really awesome Worshiptoward the evening's as well.
It was a really greatexperience for myself and
(19:23):
socially with others and we werehelping people.
Yeah it's very valuable, youknow I keep going back this.
Charles Bender (19:29):
But you know, people know that I say about you
, your Gratitude, that yourlevel of gratefulness, that kind
of oozes out of you.
But you know it's interestingis you can't experience or you
can't be grateful withoutexperiences in your life.
You have to have something tomeasure it against.
You could have been out thereon those trips and I'm probably
a hundred other Arenas you canthink of or experiences, but you
(19:51):
could have been out there onthose trips and been like, well,
this stinks, man.
I, you know I I deserve thisbecause I've already been
through some of this.
I've lived, like some of thesefolks out here.
I had some bad experiences, Ihad some traumas in my life, but
instead you were seeing it,even like spot-on at that time
point in time that you knowwe're giving back and this is
this is great.
I enjoy this.
Yeah, what do you?
How do you think of that now?
(20:12):
And you're what do you think it?
Whether it's now or into thefuture?
What?
How are you gonna see yourselfserving others?
I mean, you're doing a littlebit of that today.
By the way, you're on theambassador's a whole podcast
show and people are gonna beinspired by your story.
But any other things you'relooking at doing in that arena?
Dillon Green (20:27):
as you mentioned earlier, the opportunity of Once
they not got thesecertification some and maybe
helping out the youth back interms of fitness.
I think that's at least person,for me, one of the most
rewarding Confidence building,stress relieving experiences one
can have.
So once one can Work on theirwellness and build that
(20:49):
self-confidence by treatingtheir body with much more
importance and what they put in,what they get out of it,
working on their fitness, Ithink that really does restore a
lot of confidence and Build,builds folks up.
So I think working with theyouth to that extent would be
awesome.
Yeah, even my current line ofwork I I love it.
(21:09):
I'm very fashionable, what I do.
Charles Bender (21:10):
Yeah, so tell me a little bit about that.
You do what you do at work.
How does that, how do youincorporate, like your own life
experiences prior into whenyou're, you know, physically at
your job, now at stretch zoneand meeting with a client?
Do you kind of do you go backin your mind about some of the
things you experienced, or why,the why behind it, and when
you're trying to get people toexplain why this is important
(21:31):
for them?
Dillon Green (21:32):
I I do in that I should also mention as a
wellness practitioner at stretch.
In a stretch practitioner it'snot just like physical, hands-on
activity, it's also a very goodoutlet emotionally for some
clients.
They like to talk and socialize.
So I should get to share someof my experiences over time and
reflect Back of where I honestlyonce came from.
(21:52):
So when I'm, for example, oneof the regulars that I have is
the police chief of the countyand and he booked out with me in
particular for months ahead oftime and I sometimes think you
know it's a very endearing thingthat the Appreciates a
particular service that much.
And there's other many clients,many examples of that.
I think to myself, like,looking back as I myself as a
(22:15):
middle school kid, like I didn'timagine, I didn't picture
anything like that for myself,like I didn't know I would get
to this level where I'm at nowand even now as I know, I'm very
hard-working and I'm proud ofwhere I'm at.
It's still such a big work inprogress for me, so there's so
much more to come.
Yeah, it just feels limitlesshow much more time I have to
(22:36):
become an expert on my crafts inthe field.
Charles Bender (22:38):
Yeah, you, that gratefulness just came out again
and you're talking about you'rebasically.
You said you're grateful thatsomebody repeat visits you.
Yes that's pretty powerful man,I mean.
I think we walk through life alot of times and we take so many
things for granted only becauseyou know You're focused on one
thing, or you're focused on thelevel of the plateau that you're
at, and maybe even focused onyour future.
But You're looking at even justthe details that have you where
(23:02):
you're at right now Somebodywho comes back weekly or every
few days or whatever it is, andyou show gratitude for that.
I love that, it's awesome.
So let's see, what else are wegoing to talk about?
Looking back at your time whenyou were at place of hope, as
opposed to villages, post-care,what aspects of the
organization's support andservices do you think were
crucial in helping you overcomethe challenges you faced during
(23:25):
your transition from foster careand beyond?
I mean, you talked a little bitabout all that, but what do you
think?
Some of those the way we dowhat we do is better.
Sorry, could you repeat thefull question again?
Well, yeah, so it's just some ofthe aspects of place of hope,
support and the actual servicesthat we made available for you.
How were they crucial inhelping you overcome the
(23:47):
challenges you faced?
Dillon Green (23:52):
I think, a prime example.
There was obviously a lot ofworkshops and enhancement and
literacy over time for us asyouth at Place of Hope.
So there's a bunch of skills totalk on in each accord and an
array of matters for those.
But I remember one particularevent, for example, where it was
(24:12):
a very crafty event.
There was a racial communityput together and stuff of that
sort, and I wasn't as creativein that at that time so I was
talking with some of the.
They may have been donors orjust mentors to other kids, but
at that event I got to talk withsome folks and I got in contact
with a mentor there.
We just talked well andeventually started taking me out
(24:35):
to dinners every other weekend.
Basically, we got a greatconnection in that manner and I
was over at their Christmasparties with their family, their
huge family, and so that wassomething I got to look forward
to every other weekend just havea nice dinner with a family who
wanted to just take a kid out,and I was really grateful for
that too.
I know that's the word of theday with me, but yeah.
Charles Bender (24:57):
Now.
I love it, because you mightexpect that your answer would be
oh well, helping me get in thisscholarship program or taking
me here or there, but you wentto the organic, family side of
what Place of Hope's really allabout.
Like I said, we're faith-basedand we're family-based.
We've always really tried tonever replace family that kids
(25:21):
and young people come from, butjust to simply create, at least
for now, a very healthyenvironment so that you could
model from that and then you'regoing to be a great husband to
somebody one day or two days,because, listen, gratitude goes
a long way.
Let me ask you this from theother angle Having experienced
foster care, you experiencedsome that wasn't so great.
(25:42):
You experienced some that wasgreat at Place of Hope, even
your time in foster care andthen post foster care and
transition.
What do you think are some ofthe things, when you look back
or even now, that you thinkcould be changed systemically,
like statewide or even greaterthan that, to make it better for
(26:03):
those that are coming up afteryou in foster care?
Dillon Green (26:07):
That's an awesome question.
That's something I've thoughtabout here and there over time.
Statewide it's probably a hugediscussion.
I've only had one experiencewith the lady for half a year
and I was not well, obviously,but Place of Hope thinking about
just on their terms.
When I was there.
(26:28):
I wished there was like, I hadwished there was a dedicated gym
of a sort like a big one.
And now, after I left, I seethere's a huge awesome luggage
in with heavy bags and weightseverywhere, and I've been in
there and it looks awesome andthere's also, I believe, a
dedicated coach or two overthere too, just helping the
youth for when they want to comein.
Charles Bender (26:49):
A lot of volunteers and folks from
outside gyms and so forth comein and volunteer with the kids.
I think that's.
Dillon Green (26:56):
I mean speaking of my own craft here.
That's beautiful.
Yes, that's something I wish Ihad at that time.
A little more just to work thebag, get in the box, even
beforehand.
Great stress relief, great tolearn from somebody about
fitness and enthusiasm as well.
Charles Bender (27:11):
So those are fundamental things, that kids in
care, because, as you know,most kids have no idea how long
they're going to be in fostercare.
It could be six months, itcould be 10 years, you just
really don't know.
But as opposed to being in thisdon't know holding pattern,
there are critical, formative,healthy, related things that all
(27:34):
kids should be involved in.
So you go to kind of like thehealth and the fitness and the
engagement.
Dillon Green (27:41):
Yes, I think I guess a more broad term would be
extracurriculars in some way.
But yeah, in terms of fitnessfor stress relief and building
up confidence for youth, that'san awesome opportunity to do so.
Charles Bender (27:54):
It's funny because I've had so many young
people who were there back inthe day when we didn't have the
gym and we didn't have theenrichment centers on the
campuses.
They're still beautifulcampuses, neighborhoods, right.
You have the space to do this,you get the playgrounds.
But I hear that so often.
It's funny to me because youguys are a little bit older than
the ones that are there now.
The gym's only been there solong and to hear, man, we didn't
(28:14):
have that when I was a kid here.
It's great, I love it.
I love it how you know.
Reflecting on your own journey,what advice would you give to
other young kids or young peoplegoing through similar
challenges and hardships?
How can they better navigatetheir circumstances and find
hope for a better future?
(28:35):
A lot of times you feel likeyou're kind of on your own right
, floating through foster care.
What would you, how would youencourage them?
Dillon Green (28:43):
Well, I would say, for those who are really tough
times, you may be feeling alittle lost or hopeless, even
prior to place of hope, as somemay feel.
There's a quote I want to sharethat's really applicable to any
age, but especially maybe whenyou're young.
A man who thinks at the age of30, the same as he did when he
(29:04):
was 25, has wasted five years ofhis life.
And the way I think about it iswhen I was 13, when I was young
in care, I had no honestdirection of when it would
change.
Like, how could such improve?
Like, how does this all?
resolve in the end, where doesit go?
What's the future holding forme?
And I did not anticipate rightnow to be here sitting across
(29:28):
from you, mr Charles ona podcastand sharing my story I didn't
either, by the way, and the workin progress that's been for
myself.
So I want to remind those incare that life goes on and all
the hardship that is currentit'll resolve in some manner or
(29:48):
another.
And you got to tune in yourself.
You got to have that grit, showresilience and keep it bushing.
You got to get it tough and outand life goes on.
Charles Bender (29:57):
Well, we live in a time right now where it's
almost like a victimhoodmentality.
It's easy just to say I wasdone wrong and that's why I'm
not doing this.
I've experienced this, that waswrong in my life and that's why
I'm not Right.
But you're not, you're not,you're not believing that,
you're going for it regardless.
Dillon Green (30:14):
I didn't believe in it back in time when I was 13
.
I mean, I almost used to thinkto myself.
I heard, I heard, if I maymention, I had buddies who were
from a higher class wealthy youcould say and I heard them
complain about just such smallthings.
And just entering high schoolas a freshman, I heard you know
classmates who complain aboutthe littlest things and myself I
(30:37):
thought you know I could.
I pretty much thought to myself.
I guess I do kind of suffer insilence.
I'm not one who's trying toseek an outlet just by
complaining.
I just have a bit of a vision.
I want better for myself andcomplaining about it isn't going
to necessarily get me there.
Yeah, I just got up Great teethand keep it moving.
Charles Bender (30:55):
You know, in scripture, apostle I think it's
apostle Paul talks about theidea of contentment, right,
contentment, something that'smissing in our world today,
especially with a lot of youngpeople, and I'm not just over
generalizing, but just a lot ofyoung people.
You know, that's just.
I got to have this to be happy.
I'm not gonna be happy till Iget to here, right?
now drive is great.
I'm all for drive,entrepreneurialism, all of it.
But you have to go through lifewith a degree of contentment,
(31:17):
because I think contentment isalso based on your experiences
and based on what you've seengood and bad and knowing that
God has you in a place right now.
Right, and finding the good inthat right.
I'm gonna be content, knowingthat he's gotten me through here
and I'm gonna.
I'm gonna pour energy into thisalmost as a form of gratitude,
(31:38):
right, and then just beingconfident to know that you're
gonna get there and you, youhave that.
Dillon Green (31:44):
I love that you say that.
That's exactly right for me.
That's exactly applicable forme.
Charles Bender (31:49):
I think it's another area that you could do
some training with some youngpeople one day.
You know one of the things wedid and you know about these.
We we've done these, although Idon't remember if we were doing
them when you were at placehope or probably at villages on
the leadership and career days.
Yeah, we actually talked aboutthat and I'll go.
I remember here in the storiesof some young folks that came
who grew up in foster care, whowent through a different foster
(32:11):
care agency and we're workingfor Moss construction and that's
a big family that's involvedwith place of hope.
Well, they came and talked towere you there for one of those?
And there I think there weretwo or three young people I was
there for one of them.
Yeah, and then here, here yougot these young people that came
like your story, came throughfoster care, driven to you know,
go to the next level and theygo to work for this great
(32:33):
company who has you know,passion for helping people that
have, you know, been intomultiple situations and and and
and put them in places ofleadership and to have them
speaking back to you guys andthe young people.
I mean, that's what I see youdoing.
One day, too, that's gonna bean element of you, talking about
being, you know, full ofgratitude and being able to Be
(32:56):
content for a period of time,but looking forward and being
thankful to be able to even belooking forward From where
you're standing currently.
I see that about you in a bigway.
What do you think?
Dillon Green (33:09):
I think it's a work in progress on the whole
speaking element.
Oh, sure of all things.
Consider for myself I don't getnervous about much, but
something about speaking inpublic having the spotlight on
me.
I'm also not one who reallylikes a spotlight on myself, I'm
typically other reserved, but Ido find if there's any reason
that I would like to, it wouldbe to share the message and
(33:32):
Historian experience of you.
Charles Bender (33:34):
Just keep it moving and you could really
become what you want to yeah,again, in a time when you know
it's so easy to just check outand say somebody did me wrong
and that's why I can't, andthat's just not good enough
Because it's you know, you haveto be able to pull up the
bootstraps and move forwardright, knowing also that you got
people around you that arethere to Help you get there.
Dillon Green (33:55):
So that's right.
There's resources for them, andyou owe it to yourself to seek
a better life for yourself.
Charles Bender (34:03):
So, given your personal varied experiences with
you, know fine family dynamics,and both positive and negative.
What are, what are youraspirations?
This can be a tough one righthere, buddy, you ready?
What are your aspirations andgoals when it comes to building
your own family, possibly in thefuture?
That's the easiest one.
Dillon Green (34:20):
Honestly, from a pretty young, from a pretty
young age, seeing my folks kindof fall apart and the matters
that they did, I saw a lot ofwhat I didn't want in my life
for the future.
But more than anything, I wanta stable and resourceful family
life.
That's what I want more thananything.
That's my greatest personalambition is to become a family
man, a proper father of a house.
(34:41):
That's that's an awesomethought to me.
I've thought about that for along time.
It's.
It's definitely a greater dreamfor my personal life.
I like outside of my craft,unrelated to heaven, hands of
healing, help and others.
That's what I want for myselfmore than anything in my life.
So I think my experience ofwhat I don't want in that
dynamic Is something I couldappreciate and hope even for.
(35:03):
My own folks like seeing theirbad decisions, but I don't want.
That helps me and that is fuel.
And seeing all the good peoplein my corner over time, the
generous, compassionate peoplethat I have.
I see qualities that I do likeand I pick up, pick up those
over time.
Charles Bender (35:19):
I just love your perspective.
It's the right perspective, bythe way.
I just love to hear you Giveyour perspective.
I was talking to a young manyesterday over near Tampa and we
were having the sameconversation.
You just grew up watching.
You know the parents fight alot and this that they aren't
just basically, said I.
I went forward to say and itwasn't you know, it wasn't even
(35:39):
solicited.
I just felt like I needed tosay to say, well, just don't let
that control how you, you know,formulate your own family and
relationships.
Going forward, he goes.
Maya Elias (35:48):
Oh, no, no, no.
Charles Bender (35:49):
That's exactly what I'm not gonna do.
So to hear him know that,because, again, I think we live
in a time where it's just easierto say, well, this is what I
experienced and that's why I'mdoing what I'm doing, or this is
what I experienced and that'swhy I'm not going in the right
direction.
No, that's, that's not goodenough.
And so, taking that energy ofsomething that was, you know,
very, very difficult,informative years as well, and
(36:09):
then saying this is no, I'm notgoing that route, I'm going this
route, I Love it, I agree.
So how, how the have thepositive examples of family life
you encountered at place ofhope and even at villages
influenced your vision for ahealthy and supportive family,
and there are there any specificvalues or qualities that you
hope to Incorporate into yourfuture family, like so kind of
(36:32):
what did you learn and and whatdid you pick up on the most that
you want to make sure youinstill?
Dillon Green (36:37):
I Would say it may not be only applicable to what
I witnessed, that place of hope,but also just generally in
society.
I think at this point Everybodygets busy in their own right,
in their own time of lives,purposefully to support their
house and their children.
But you gotta, you gottasomehow make that quality Time
(37:01):
with with children in theirupbringing.
So see in my house parents Well, it's a great care of us always
.
I know they have a daughter andI should mention names or
anything but, they made the timeand she she was able to travel
to so many states andexperienced so much at.
I Think she traveled like 30states or something by the age
(37:23):
of seven and I've been I'm likeI've only been to she's got me
be and that's an awesome thingto see that there the parents,
her parents, are able to do thatwith her able to have her
experience so much early in lifeand is raised with such a love
and care and attention.
So seeing that, the manner inwhich they treated their
daughter, that's a great care.
(37:43):
It's still a time for us guys.
It's something I I want to.
Charles Bender (37:47):
I absolutely want to make the time for Sewing
into someone else's life toactually make it meaningful,
make it purpose-filled and givesomeone else direction.
Right?
See, you're a giver and thatcomes from your gratitude it, it
God's provided that for you ina sort of an alternative way in
life with your, your cottageparents and foster experience
(38:09):
with us and and now where you'reat and You're turning that into
wanting to do that with yourown family members.
But also earlier you said youknow as a volunteer as well, and
even the people that you servenow through your job.
You don't look at your paid jobas just a job, it's a purpose.
Dillon Green (38:24):
No, I'm in service of others.
I know I don't mean tointerrupt if you may have
another question, but I wantedto mention one of the most down
times actually for me was whenthe pandemic hit and I got away
from the boxing at my collegeand I was.
I was just kind of alone for agood while and I graduated at
(38:45):
that point after the onlinecourses to finish up.
This is when I was at villagesof hope, but I got.
I suffered in silence and theproblem with myself was I felt
like I wasn't Properlycontributing anything to anybody
at that point.
I've just been a student mywhole life, been taking classes.
People are proud of the factthat I made fair grades and
whatnot and I've gotten as faras I have, but to me it wasn't
(39:08):
rewarding.
I felt like I wasn't valued to,valuable, necessarily to others
and I wanted to get busy, andso that was a tough time for me.
So when I finally did Be, I gotan internship at a few different
physical therapy clinics, havea couple hundred hours in
different ones for outpatientcare and I felt valuable to
others, I was helping people.
(39:28):
But it was still kind of toughwith there because you're
putting through the ring orthey're rehabbing an injury.
It's tough, it's unpleasant,it's frustrating for him.
So I kind of fell for that too.
But my, my, current work.
You're right, it's, it's apassion.
It's not just work.
It's like people get to come inrelax from the day and I get to
be just hands-on and Help themrelief their discomfort that
(39:52):
they're feeling throughout theday and also an outlet.
Charles Bender (39:54):
Further speaking to yeah, I love it.
That's sort of another's.
I mean, if you, if you lovewhat you do, you'll you'll
really never have a real day ofwork, right?
If you love what you do forwork, it won't really be work.
It's purpose, you know, andyours, is to help others and to
give back.
It was the opening line in RickWarren's famous book of
Purpose-driven life is it's notabout you, right?
(40:17):
So he's going into this.
The first line in thisbest-selling book is to say to
us life's not about you, thereader.
It's about giving to others,it's about serving, it's about
having a life of purpose, whichis always, at the end of the day
, about helping other people andshowing love and so forth.
So it's awesome.
We're going to wind up, , but Iwant to say to you, guy to guy,
(40:39):
man to man, that day that we didthe Palm Beach Post story not
long ago in your living roomdown in Boca was a really
special time for me.
I really enjoyed that so muchmore than I even thought I would
or could, and I've done amillion of those things over the
years.
But doing that with you andlistening for my first time your
(41:02):
story, listening to it and justliterally seeing you tell the
story at the same time, asopposed to just hearing it was
really impactful for me in mylife and just want you to know
how much I appreciate that andhow I appreciate you, how I
appreciate how you let the Lordsteer you in a direction of that
continues your attitude ofgratitude, and that you want to
(41:26):
make your life count and matter,and you are.
That's exciting for an old goatlike me.
I really, I really like it andI'm grateful to know you and
call you friend.
Dillon Green (41:37):
Thank you, mr Charles.
It's.
It was surreal for me then tojust to be sitting next to you
and I mentioned it there duringthe interview just seeing you
around over the years, and atthat point I was sitting right
across from you having aninterview, and it was an awesome
experience.
I didn't imagine it for myself.
It was kind of surreal, andeven now it really is, and so I
(41:57):
feel like I should be the onesaying thank you for what you've
done.
Well listen.
Charles Bender (42:01):
Thank you for coming on, ambassadors of hope.
I sense that there'll probablybe a lot more things like this
that we'll do together to youknow, really to advance the
mission of Place of Hope as well, and that's part of our purpose
, right, it's part of yourpurpose is why you're here today
, so that those coming up afteryou, you know, will have a
similar experience and platformto jump forward from.
(42:22):
So, thank you for being heretoday, buddy.
I really appreciate your timeand I know the listeners are
going to love today's episode.
Dillon Green (42:28):
Right on.
Thank you for having me.
Maya Elias (42:41):
Welcome to Hope in Action, a place where dreams are
nurtured, gratitude flourishesand hope takes flight.
Today, we are thrilled to sharethe incredible journey of the
Sawyer family residing inCottage Nine.
Let's begin with our remarkable17 year old, who has recently
completed their studies and isnow preparing to graduate with
the prestigious Bright FutureScholarship.
(43:01):
This extraordinaryaccomplishment opens up a world
of possibilities as they embarkon their summer journey at Palm
Beach State College.
We are overwhelmed withgratitude for the compassionate
donors at Place of Hope who haveplayed a pivotal role in
transforming these opportunitiesinto reality.
Speaking of opportunities, ourboys had an electrifying
(43:22):
experience.
They had the privilege ofattending a Miami Heat
semi-finals game against theBoston Celtics.
Can you imagine the sheerexcitement they felt as they sat
10 rows from the courtimmersing themselves in the
vibrant atmosphere of the game?
It was a memory that will beforever etched in their hearts
(43:43):
and we extend immeasurablethanks to those who made this
unforgettable experience cometrue.
Thank you so much for joiningus in today's segment in hope
and action.
Charles Bender (43:53):
Thank you for listening.
Please be sure to subscribe andshare with your friends so you
don't even miss a thing, and ifyou really gained value today,
please be sure to give us afive-star review so, of course,
we can be put in front of morelisteners.
For details and show notesabout today's podcast and how
you can connect with and supportour guests, please go to
placeofhopecom, forward slashpodcast and please don't forget
(44:16):
to email us atpohpodcastatplaceofhopecom and,
for sure, follow us on socialmedia.
Pastors of Hope Placing Hope ina Child's Future.
Hello and thank you for tuning in to Ambassadors
of Hope.
I'm your host, Charles Bender.
We're so excited that you'vetuned in to hear from local
South Florida leaders who aremaking a difference in our
community and region through ourcharity Place of Hope.
Who are we?
We're the largest, most diversechildren and families
organization spanning Palm BeachCounty and the entire Treasure
Coast.
Our goal is to help those weserve find healing and
(00:25):
restoration, leading to abrighter future.
Since 2001, place of Hope hasserved over 25,000 children and
youth in South Florida.
Place of Hope is a faith-based,state-licensed organization
providing programs and servicesto children, youth and families
to end cycles of abuse, neglect,homelessness and human
(00:47):
trafficking in our localcommunities.
None of this would be possiblewithout our Ambassadors of Hope,
the people in this communityand throughout South Florida.
We use their leadership,influence, time, talent and
resources to help others.
Many have inspiring stories oftheir own that tie them
intrinsically to our mission,and we hope that their stories
(01:07):
will challenge you to get outand make a difference where you
live, work and play.
So much can grow from even justone small seed of hope.
Maya Elias (01:20):
Welcome to this episode of Ambassadors of Hope.
I'm your producer, Maya Elias.
In this episode, Charles Benderand I have the pleasure of
welcoming guest Green, a currentresident at our Leanne and
David Rinker campus.
's life journey is a remarkablestory of resilience and triumph
.
He entered the foster caresystem at a young age due to
problems at home that ultimatelyled to his mother becoming
(01:42):
incarcerated, and hisexperiences within the system
were initially challenging.
Placed with a foster parent whoneglected him, Dillon lacked
the basic essentials and supportneeded to thrive.
However, his life took apositive turn when he found a
new home at Place of Hope's Paxand Campus.
Place of Hope provided Dillonwith a safe and nurturing
(02:04):
environment where he not onlyreceived shelter but also vital
support services.
The organization's programsincluded counseling, therapy,
tutoring and life skillstraining, which helped Dillon
overcome his past challenges anddevelop a positive outlook for
the future.
The impactful individuals heencountered at Place of Hope,
(02:25):
such as volunteers and mentors,left lasting impressions on him
and contributed much to hispersonal growth.
Reflecting on his time at Placeof Hope since he came to us in
middle school, fondly remembersthe impact of his house parents,
who inspired his passion forhealth and wellness Witnessing
his house dad's dedication torunning every morning sparked
(02:47):
Dillon's interest in fitness,leading him to pursue a
bachelor's degree in ExerciseScience at Florida Atlantic
University.
Today, Dillon works as astretch practitioner at Stretch
Zone, where he helps to improveclients' quality of life through
assisted stretching andencourages the importance of
self-care.
's journey is not only aboutpersonal growth, but also about
(03:10):
breaking cycles.
Inspired by the positive rolemodels he encountered at Place
of Hope, he aspires to build aloving and nurturing family in
the future, creating asupportive environment and
ensuring a brighter future forgenerations to come.
Green's story serves as apowerful reminder of the impact
that organizations like Place ofHope can have in the lives of
(03:32):
young individuals, helping themovercome adversity and achieve
their full potential.
Charles Bender (03:41):
We want to give a special thanks and shout out
to our presenting sponsor,Crypto Capital Venture.
Crypto Capital Venture acts asboth a startup recruiting firm
as well as one of the largestcrypto communities in the
cryptocurrency space, offeringtrailblazing content for over
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If you're interested in crypto,you can join over 300,000
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(04:02):
, just go to YouTube and searchCrypto Capital Venture and make
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Thanks so much, Dan and ourfriends at Crypto Capital
Venture.
Maya Elias (04:14):
Welcome to Seed of Hope.
Where warmth, gratitude andhope flourish.
Today we bring you theinspiring story of the Stack
Family Cottage.
Imagine the pride and joy wefelt as our 17-year-old
completed her track season andattended senior prom.
It was a beautiful milestone inher life, a moment filled with
celebration and hope for herbright future ahead of her.
(04:35):
But the accomplishments didn'tstop there.
Two of our younger childrenembarked on a new journey by
joining the Flag football team.
With determination andteamwork, they emerged
victorious in their first game,smiles radiating from their
faces with excitement, and wecouldn't be happier for them.
Thank you so much for joiningus on today's segment of Seat of
(04:57):
Hope and I hope that youcontinue listening in for our
guest, Green.
Charles Bender (05:07):
Alright Green.
Thank you for coming on ourshow today.
Ambassadors of Hope, and we'regoing to get right into it Tell
us a little bit about how Placeof Hope's programs and services
have impacted your life duringyour time.
You know, when you were here atPlace of Hope as a young man
and now that you're getting alittle older, living at Villages
of Hope on our Leanna DavidRinker campus, some of the
things that have impacted yourlife in terms of, you know,
(05:28):
creating a safe and supportiveenvironment during a difficult
period.
Dillon Green (05:32):
Certainly starting with Place of Hope.
When I was 13, before I evenentered into the system of
foster care, I had a lot ofinconsistency, not very much
home stability for many years,parents arguing every night and
just kind of not really beingsure how the next day would go.
And then when I first enteredthe system, I was with one
(05:54):
lady's house.
It was my first introduction tofoster care and she was
entirely different to me justkind of butt out a little small
stereo box for me each morningto have.
Then I get home from school andhave the lunch she set out.
I basically never talked to herfor the whole six months I was
there.
So as far as my mind went backthen I was 13, as my
introduction to the system, Ithought this was a pretty good
(06:15):
deal.
I heard horror stories.
I heard a lot of abuse ongoingin foster care.
I didn't really know what toexpect so I thought this was all
right, like this is probablypretty fair.
And then my coordinatorLightham, chris Baker.
She had advocated for maincourt and introduced the idea of
me going to place a hope.
And once I got there, tocircumvent your question here,
(06:36):
once.
I got to Place of Hope, I foundstability.
I found that I was able to goto the school that I wanted to
in high school and I was able topretty much have the same sort
of routine day in and day outand got to build up habits that
I really appreciated over timetoo.
Not only a place of hope forhigh school did I get to go to
the high school I wanted in theIT Magnum program.
(06:57):
But even after then my age nowturn 18, moved to the dorms at
Florida Atlantic University.
Houseparents helped me move tothe dorms.
Eventually I came to Village ofHope, where I was able to have
stable housing.
I have now purchased a carsince my time there.
I've had a steady job for pastyear and also gotten many hours
(07:18):
in physical therapy, finished mybachelor's degree as well.
So, stability, I think, is thegreatest quality that was
introduced to me through Placeof Hope.
Charles Bender (07:26):
Yeah, you know it's interesting.
One of the things you mentionedwas the relational side of what
it was like in the foster homebefore you came to Place of Hope
and you look back and youthought, well, I guess this is
okay, even though you knewsomething was fundamentally
wrong, because she's justplacing out food for you to eat
and you'd never talked to her insix months.
It was great that you had aplace to be right, but there was
(07:46):
no relational aspect.
And how was that different whenyou came to Place of Hope?
Dillon Green (07:52):
That's that was.
That was when I was young.
I didn't really, like I said,register how important that was.
I just thought this was fineenough.
But having house parents thatactually cared about me, took us
on trips I know they even liketook us out to eat pretty often,
just like giving the guys inthe house attention and wanted
(08:16):
us to succeed and push usforward and keep back, to keep
on with our lives it was atotally different, stable
lifestyle that I was able tobuild up from.
Charles Bender (08:26):
Yeah.
Dillon Green (08:26):
It was completely polar opposite.
Charles Bender (08:30):
It's, basically, it's the whole foundation of
what Place of Hope is aboutfaith-based, family-based, you
know.
So that's the big differenceand glad that you obviously, you
know, experienced that andyou're experiencing it still at
villages, but at a differentlevel, obviously more
independent, you know, you're anadult.
Yes, we're there for you, asyou know, how did your mentors
(08:50):
and volunteers you encounteredwhile at Place of Hope, like Mr
Doug and the couple who mentoredyou, shape your outlook on life
and contribute to your personalgrowth?
Dillon Green (09:00):
I would say that, again, referring back to growing
up, I had a lot of adults whenI was a kid let me down.
Basically they were good rolemodels and so as a kid I
developed this mindset of seeingwhat I don't want as a part of
my life.
So I didn't have.
I had a lot of general distrusttoward what you know, elders or
(09:24):
spears would say to me becauseI thought I kind of was figuring
out better.
I saw a lot of bad folks in mycorner or irresponsible folks in
my life.
So being at Place of Hope,meeting mentors like Mr Doug and
Mr Tim as Relief Parent, mrTrey as Relief Parent back in
college six so many they reallyshowed me there's a lot of good
people in my corner, a lot ofgenerous and compassionate
(09:46):
people, and that really set medown a whole different path in
my life.
I wouldn't say I was ever onewho was like means for anybody,
but they showed me that kindnessand compassion takes you so
very far.
Charles Bender (10:01):
Yeah, well, that's how you are.
I mean, you're kind andcompassion and it's and you're
full of gratefulness, which is aword we've kind of placed on
you these days is because itexudes from you.
You know, and I think maybethat has a lot to do with you
know the people who sewed intoyour early days like that.
You know, like you said, youdidn't think it was normal, what
(10:21):
was.
You know you didn't trust a lotof people because of those
broken relationships.
But you had people coming in.
You know that either livedthere or were on the staff or
these mentors.
But we used to.
Actually, when we launched that,we used to call it an extended
family member program Because,as you know, while you were in
care, some or a lot of kids thatare in care, a lot of times
they're not able to have contactwith family members or there
(10:42):
just isn't any.
And so what?
You know, we've always feltlike the mentors and these folks
can fill those gaps in a lot ofways, you know.
So it is definitely a big partof the place of hope model.
You mentioned to our producerof the show that your house
parents at Place Ope had asignificant impact on your love
for health and wellness and theindustry that you're in now.
(11:05):
Elaborate a little bit on that,on their influence, and tell us
a little bit about what you'redoing in exercise science.
Dillon Green (11:12):
Yeah, they are the foundation of it all.
Really, again, I feel like Iwant to come on circle and back
to what my previous mindset was,and almost how I had a reborn
mindset.
After coming to Place Ope,starting with almost at a
subconscious level, I grew upsort of middle class with my
folks and then, once I enteredmiddle school, that's when they
(11:33):
kind of lost the house and abunch of financial issues
basically occurred.
Long story short and they losteverything a lot of arguments
ensued and that's kind of how Isaw things derail with my folks
at home before Fosu here and soI think subconsciously I didn't
register this completely.
I really equated stability andhaving a source of income as
(11:55):
some of the most importantqualities of life.
So I was in the IT Magnetprogram in high school so I
pretty much had that mindset fora good while.
I was on my computer all day.
I was learning programming.
It was interesting to an extent.
But once I got to collegeinitializing a pre-science major
, it wasn't for me.
I realized it's not my field ofinterest.
But what my stress relief was,that I figured out in high
(12:18):
school from my house parents wasI saw Mr Sheldon, my house
parent.
He'd run each morning Like he'sin the Marines, real fit do, a
real buff guy, and I respectedthat.
I thought you know that gaveconfidence to me.
So I started out just running.
I really know what I was doing.
I'd run around kind of theChrist Fellowship Park and lot
and just get that.
It was good, a little stressrelief for me.
(12:39):
And I tuned in a little bit moreto healthier, conscious eating,
eating just like weller carbsand just trying to be more
health conscious.
So that was the foundation.
And then when we went on ahiking trip to Georgia, they
house parents took us all on outup there.
It was a great time I can themountain, seeing the wilderness.
It was real, real good time outthere and it was real eye
(13:03):
opening just to appreciate howbeautiful nature really is out
there.
I had an experience likeanything like that, never been
on a trip, even out of the state.
So I was out there.
It really was a core memory forme at that point and after I
aged out it's kind of a sort oftradition now with my buddies
will go hiking once a year.
So around January, just drivingup north, making a bit of road
(13:24):
trip and do seven to 10 dayhikes throughout our trip.
And awesome, awesome memoriesthere and the foundation of all
really just just from the simpleact of running from a house
Baron, who get the miles inevery morning, started doing on
my own.
Charles Bender (13:37):
See that's the modeling right.
That's the healthy parentingModeling that we've tried to
create and keep over the years.
And then, and then there's thatelement that you threw in there
about the, the travels with thefamily right, which is now
something you do with your budsevery year.
But Oftentimes, when we tellpeople about like, so what's
different?
About place of hope, a lot ofpeople you know we'll talk about
(13:59):
these things that seem verynormal in the everyday life of
most people.
Right, people take vacations,people go places on Weekends.
They might go boating, theymight go running, they might go
to a gym, they might go hikingin the mountains in Georgia or
whatever.
But a lot, oftentimes, too often, when you apply that to kids in
foster care because of the sortof the tumultuous journey,
oftentimes with placementdisruptions and sometimes you
(14:20):
know lower levels of care thatare out there quality care and
that.
So what seems to be so normalin some ways is really not when
you apply it to the average kidthat's that's in foster care.
So tell us a little bit about Imean, I just love the way you
describe that tell us a littlebit about what you're doing
right now in Health scienceworld which is relatable to when
your help your foster parent,dad at place, oh, it was Running
(14:45):
and you were watching them run.
Dillon Green (14:48):
As of now, I'm still in the books, keeping all
of my studies.
I did earn my bachelor's inexercise science a couple years
ago and now I'm studying tobecome a certified personal
trainer with the NationalAcademy Sports Medicine, as well
as a certified nutritionist andcorrective exercise
specialization, group fitnessinstruction and behavioral
change as well.
So a lot of certificationslined up.
(15:10):
I'm just knocking those outover time.
And as for my personal fitness,I box five days a week, so I'm
doing that every morning,hitting up the bag, getting the
fitness in with some others, andthat's a big passion of mine.
That's for a boxing.
And as for my actual light ofwork, over the past year I've
been stretch practitioner atstretch zone, and that's a
(15:31):
physically active, demanding jobas well.
Yeah, though, it's not exercise, it's.
I'm physically active in thereabout six, seven hours each day.
Yeah, so well, this is reallyimportant.
I gotta keep on with therecovery of it all.
Charles Bender (15:43):
I love it.
We're gonna have to have youback at some point and you get
all these certifications andeverything and have you back.
You know, doing some of thatfitness with the kids and
especially the nutritional side,as you know A lot of the kids
that come into our care have.
You know there's no knowledgethere whatsoever of what's
what's good and what's not goodfor you, right?
I mean, you're teaching peoplethat now.
Dillon Green (16:03):
Yes, actually, I mean initially, when I first
came into care, I was completelyclueless about that.
When I was started out kind ofsix, I was probably drinking an
Arizona tea every single day.
Mcdonald's Frappuccino caramelfull of sugar.
Maya Elias (16:19):
Yeah, full of sugar.
Dillon Green (16:20):
I mean an adult male Should have like around 40,
36 grams of sugar per day, andthose Frappuccinos they can have
over a hundred grams.
I get the large one and I'm a13 year old, young, 14 young,
young boy.
Maya Elias (16:34):
Yeah that is that's not well.
Dillon Green (16:36):
That's really terrible, but I really didn't
think nothing of it as a kid.
I was not raised with thosevalues and in any matter for
health.
It just wasn't that.
When I was growing up it was Iget home and put a banquet
Microwave meal and each day andthat was that was what I ate,
consistently fed myself mostly.
So when I tuned in just seeingmy house parent I believe he's
(16:56):
also a vegetarian for overdecades I'm a shill and and he
was very ill-conscious too aboutabout such and just really
rubbed off on me I wanted togain that self-confidence of
treating my body and bonus withrespect.
Charles Bender (17:13):
I love the Like mentally I'm picturing, like
this vine and branches idea,like you know You're applying
and a lot of it's on your own.
Now I've your self-motivatedand you're you're driven, but
just some of the things youlearned when you're in the
healthier environments and howyou've now taken and kind of
built upon that.
I mean, that's life right,that's what we're supposed to do
, right?
(17:33):
Nobody nobody gets to successon their own.
They might tell you they do,but they don't.
There are people there thatyou've learned from.
There are people that havementored you directly or
indirectly.
There are people who havehelped lift you up right and
then you're gonna turn aroundand do that exact same thing.
You're already doing it, by theway, because the people that
know you are inspired by you andyour story and what you're
doing with your life and andthat's just a super, super big
(17:55):
deal.
So we're we're excited aboutthat part of things with you as
well.
When you were at at Place ofHope years back, you did some
mission trips you participatedin In high school to Bel Glade.
Had those experience shape yourperspective on service and
community involvement, and howdo you incorporate those values
in your life now?
Dillon Green (18:16):
today With Christ Fellowship to mission trips out
to Bo Gleed, I believe, a weekor two each time and it was
tough work out there but itreally gave me a lot of
perspective about how tough itis for some folks elsewhere.
You know I've heard a lot ofstories in my time of the many
roommates I've had through theyears in Vastvigar and Everybody
(18:37):
has a different sort of heartto speak it their perspective
from, and I've, you know, heardmany who think the world may owe
them a lot and Life's tough andthat's that's fair point.
It is tough but you also got torecognize there's others out
there who really do have it evenmore tough.
So going out there and seeingthe community first-hand, I Was
(18:59):
able to play an active hand inhelping out through Christ
Fellowship and play so pain forthat mission trip as well.
And I was just but I wasgetting after the hard work.
I was laying out the mulch forthe school yards and churches
and painting and and bugs wereeating us up out there and there
was really awesome Worshiptoward the evening's as well.
It was a really greatexperience for myself and
(19:23):
socially with others and we werehelping people.
Yeah it's very valuable, youknow I keep going back this.
Charles Bender (19:29):
But you know, people know that I say about you
, your Gratitude, that yourlevel of gratefulness, that kind
of oozes out of you.
But you know it's interestingis you can't experience or you
can't be grateful withoutexperiences in your life.
You have to have something tomeasure it against.
You could have been out thereon those trips and I'm probably
a hundred other Arenas you canthink of or experiences, but you
(19:51):
could have been out there onthose trips and been like, well,
this stinks, man.
I, you know I I deserve thisbecause I've already been
through some of this.
I've lived, like some of thesefolks out here.
I had some bad experiences, Ihad some traumas in my life, but
instead you were seeing it,even like spot-on at that time
point in time that you knowwe're giving back and this is
this is great.
I enjoy this.
Yeah, what do you?
How do you think of that now?
(20:12):
And you're what do you think it?
Whether it's now or into thefuture?
What?
How are you gonna see yourselfserving others?
I mean, you're doing a littlebit of that today.
By the way, you're on theambassador's a whole podcast
show and people are gonna beinspired by your story.
But any other things you'relooking at doing in that arena?
Dillon Green (20:27):
as you mentioned earlier, the opportunity of Once
they not got thesecertification some and maybe
helping out the youth back interms of fitness.
I think that's at least person,for me, one of the most
rewarding Confidence building,stress relieving experiences one
can have.
So once one can Work on theirwellness and build that
(20:49):
self-confidence by treatingtheir body with much more
importance and what they put in,what they get out of it,
working on their fitness, Ithink that really does restore a
lot of confidence and Build,builds folks up.
So I think working with theyouth to that extent would be
awesome.
Yeah, even my current line ofwork I I love it.
(21:09):
I'm very fashionable, what I do.
Charles Bender (21:10):
Yeah, so tell me a little bit about that.
You do what you do at work.
How does that, how do youincorporate, like your own life
experiences prior into whenyou're, you know, physically at
your job, now at stretch zoneand meeting with a client?
Do you kind of do you go backin your mind about some of the
things you experienced, or why,the why behind it, and when
you're trying to get people toexplain why this is important
(21:31):
for them?
Dillon Green (21:32):
I I do in that I should also mention as a
wellness practitioner at stretch.
In a stretch practitioner it'snot just like physical, hands-on
activity, it's also a very goodoutlet emotionally for some
clients.
They like to talk and socialize.
So I should get to share someof my experiences over time and
reflect Back of where I honestlyonce came from.
(21:52):
So when I'm, for example, oneof the regulars that I have is
the police chief of the countyand and he booked out with me in
particular for months ahead oftime and I sometimes think you
know it's a very endearing thingthat the Appreciates a
particular service that much.
And there's other many clients,many examples of that.
I think to myself, like,looking back as I myself as a
(22:15):
middle school kid, like I didn'timagine, I didn't picture
anything like that for myself,like I didn't know I would get
to this level where I'm at nowand even now as I know, I'm very
hard-working and I'm proud ofwhere I'm at.
It's still such a big work inprogress for me, so there's so
much more to come.
Yeah, it just feels limitlesshow much more time I have to
(22:36):
become an expert on my crafts inthe field.
Charles Bender (22:38):
Yeah, you, that gratefulness just came out again
and you're talking about you'rebasically.
You said you're grateful thatsomebody repeat visits you.
Yes that's pretty powerful man,I mean.
I think we walk through life alot of times and we take so many
things for granted only becauseyou know You're focused on one
thing, or you're focused on thelevel of the plateau that you're
at, and maybe even focused onyour future.
But You're looking at even justthe details that have you where
(23:02):
you're at right now Somebodywho comes back weekly or every
few days or whatever it is, andyou show gratitude for that.
I love that, it's awesome.
So let's see, what else are wegoing to talk about?
Looking back at your time whenyou were at place of hope, as
opposed to villages, post-care,what aspects of the
organization's support andservices do you think were
crucial in helping you overcomethe challenges you faced during
(23:25):
your transition from foster careand beyond?
I mean, you talked a little bitabout all that, but what do you
think?
Some of those the way we dowhat we do is better.
Sorry, could you repeat thefull question again?
Well, yeah, so it's just some ofthe aspects of place of hope,
support and the actual servicesthat we made available for you.
How were they crucial inhelping you overcome the
(23:47):
challenges you faced?
Dillon Green (23:52):
I think, a prime example.
There was obviously a lot ofworkshops and enhancement and
literacy over time for us asyouth at Place of Hope.
So there's a bunch of skills totalk on in each accord and an
array of matters for those.
But I remember one particularevent, for example, where it was
(24:12):
a very crafty event.
There was a racial communityput together and stuff of that
sort, and I wasn't as creativein that at that time so I was
talking with some of the.
They may have been donors orjust mentors to other kids, but
at that event I got to talk withsome folks and I got in contact
with a mentor there.
We just talked well andeventually started taking me out
(24:35):
to dinners every other weekend.
Basically, we got a greatconnection in that manner and I
was over at their Christmasparties with their family, their
huge family, and so that wassomething I got to look forward
to every other weekend just havea nice dinner with a family who
wanted to just take a kid out,and I was really grateful for
that too.
I know that's the word of theday with me, but yeah.
Charles Bender (24:57):
Now.
I love it, because you mightexpect that your answer would be
oh well, helping me get in thisscholarship program or taking
me here or there, but you wentto the organic, family side of
what Place of Hope's really allabout.
Like I said, we're faith-basedand we're family-based.
We've always really tried tonever replace family that kids
(25:21):
and young people come from, butjust to simply create, at least
for now, a very healthyenvironment so that you could
model from that and then you'regoing to be a great husband to
somebody one day or two days,because, listen, gratitude goes
a long way.
Let me ask you this from theother angle Having experienced
foster care, you experiencedsome that wasn't so great.
(25:42):
You experienced some that wasgreat at Place of Hope, even
your time in foster care andthen post foster care and
transition.
What do you think are some ofthe things, when you look back
or even now, that you thinkcould be changed systemically,
like statewide or even greaterthan that, to make it better for
(26:03):
those that are coming up afteryou in foster care?
Dillon Green (26:07):
That's an awesome question.
That's something I've thoughtabout here and there over time.
Statewide it's probably a hugediscussion.
I've only had one experiencewith the lady for half a year
and I was not well, obviously,but Place of Hope thinking about
just on their terms.
When I was there.
(26:28):
I wished there was like, I hadwished there was a dedicated gym
of a sort like a big one.
And now, after I left, I seethere's a huge awesome luggage
in with heavy bags and weightseverywhere, and I've been in
there and it looks awesome andthere's also, I believe, a
dedicated coach or two overthere too, just helping the
youth for when they want to comein.
Charles Bender (26:49):
A lot of volunteers and folks from
outside gyms and so forth comein and volunteer with the kids.
I think that's.
Dillon Green (26:56):
I mean speaking of my own craft here.
That's beautiful.
Yes, that's something I wish Ihad at that time.
A little more just to work thebag, get in the box, even
beforehand.
Great stress relief, great tolearn from somebody about
fitness and enthusiasm as well.
Charles Bender (27:11):
So those are fundamental things, that kids in
care, because, as you know,most kids have no idea how long
they're going to be in fostercare.
It could be six months, itcould be 10 years, you just
really don't know.
But as opposed to being in thisdon't know holding pattern,
there are critical, formative,healthy, related things that all
(27:34):
kids should be involved in.
So you go to kind of like thehealth and the fitness and the
engagement.
Dillon Green (27:41):
Yes, I think I guess a more broad term would be
extracurriculars in some way.
But yeah, in terms of fitnessfor stress relief and building
up confidence for youth, that'san awesome opportunity to do so.
Charles Bender (27:54):
It's funny because I've had so many young
people who were there back inthe day when we didn't have the
gym and we didn't have theenrichment centers on the
campuses.
They're still beautifulcampuses, neighborhoods, right.
You have the space to do this,you get the playgrounds.
But I hear that so often.
It's funny to me because youguys are a little bit older than
the ones that are there now.
The gym's only been there solong and to hear, man, we didn't
(28:14):
have that when I was a kid here.
It's great, I love it.
I love it how you know.
Reflecting on your own journey,what advice would you give to
other young kids or young peoplegoing through similar
challenges and hardships?
How can they better navigatetheir circumstances and find
hope for a better future?
(28:35):
A lot of times you feel likeyou're kind of on your own right
, floating through foster care.
What would you, how would youencourage them?
Dillon Green (28:43):
Well, I would say, for those who are really tough
times, you may be feeling alittle lost or hopeless, even
prior to place of hope, as somemay feel.
There's a quote I want to sharethat's really applicable to any
age, but especially maybe whenyou're young.
A man who thinks at the age of30, the same as he did when he
(29:04):
was 25, has wasted five years ofhis life.
And the way I think about it iswhen I was 13, when I was young
in care, I had no honestdirection of when it would
change.
Like, how could such improve?
Like, how does this all?
resolve in the end, where doesit go?
What's the future holding forme?
And I did not anticipate rightnow to be here sitting across
(29:28):
from you, mr Charles ona podcastand sharing my story I didn't
either, by the way, and the workin progress that's been for
myself.
So I want to remind those incare that life goes on and all
the hardship that is currentit'll resolve in some manner or
(29:48):
another.
And you got to tune in yourself.
You got to have that grit, showresilience and keep it bushing.
You got to get it tough and outand life goes on.
Charles Bender (29:57):
Well, we live in a time right now where it's
almost like a victimhoodmentality.
It's easy just to say I wasdone wrong and that's why I'm
not doing this.
I've experienced this, that waswrong in my life and that's why
I'm not Right.
But you're not, you're not,you're not believing that,
you're going for it regardless.
Dillon Green (30:14):
I didn't believe in it back in time when I was 13
.
I mean, I almost used to thinkto myself.
I heard, I heard, if I maymention, I had buddies who were
from a higher class wealthy youcould say and I heard them
complain about just such smallthings.
And just entering high schoolas a freshman, I heard you know
classmates who complain aboutthe littlest things and myself I
(30:37):
thought you know I could.
I pretty much thought to myself.
I guess I do kind of suffer insilence.
I'm not one who's trying toseek an outlet just by
complaining.
I just have a bit of a vision.
I want better for myself andcomplaining about it isn't going
to necessarily get me there.
Yeah, I just got up Great teethand keep it moving.
Charles Bender (30:55):
You know, in scripture, apostle I think it's
apostle Paul talks about theidea of contentment, right,
contentment, something that'smissing in our world today,
especially with a lot of youngpeople, and I'm not just over
generalizing, but just a lot ofyoung people.
You know, that's just.
I got to have this to be happy.
I'm not gonna be happy till Iget to here, right?
now drive is great.
I'm all for drive,entrepreneurialism, all of it.
But you have to go through lifewith a degree of contentment,
(31:17):
because I think contentment isalso based on your experiences
and based on what you've seengood and bad and knowing that
God has you in a place right now.
Right, and finding the good inthat right.
I'm gonna be content, knowingthat he's gotten me through here
and I'm gonna.
I'm gonna pour energy into thisalmost as a form of gratitude,
(31:38):
right, and then just beingconfident to know that you're
gonna get there and you, youhave that.
Dillon Green (31:44):
I love that you say that.
That's exactly right for me.
That's exactly applicable forme.
Charles Bender (31:49):
I think it's another area that you could do
some training with some youngpeople one day.
You know one of the things wedid and you know about these.
We we've done these, although Idon't remember if we were doing
them when you were at placehope or probably at villages on
the leadership and career days.
Yeah, we actually talked aboutthat and I'll go.
I remember here in the storiesof some young folks that came
who grew up in foster care, whowent through a different foster
(32:11):
care agency and we're workingfor Moss construction and that's
a big family that's involvedwith place of hope.
Well, they came and talked towere you there for one of those?
And there I think there weretwo or three young people I was
there for one of them.
Yeah, and then here, here yougot these young people that came
like your story, came throughfoster care, driven to you know,
go to the next level and theygo to work for this great
(32:33):
company who has you know,passion for helping people that
have, you know, been intomultiple situations and and and
and put them in places ofleadership and to have them
speaking back to you guys andthe young people.
I mean, that's what I see youdoing.
One day, too, that's gonna bean element of you, talking about
being, you know, full ofgratitude and being able to Be
(32:56):
content for a period of time,but looking forward and being
thankful to be able to even belooking forward From where
you're standing currently.
I see that about you in a bigway.
What do you think?
Dillon Green (33:09):
I think it's a work in progress on the whole
speaking element.
Oh, sure of all things.
Consider for myself I don't getnervous about much, but
something about speaking inpublic having the spotlight on
me.
I'm also not one who reallylikes a spotlight on myself, I'm
typically other reserved, but Ido find if there's any reason
that I would like to, it wouldbe to share the message and
(33:32):
Historian experience of you.
Charles Bender (33:34):
Just keep it moving and you could really
become what you want to yeah,again, in a time when you know
it's so easy to just check outand say somebody did me wrong
and that's why I can't, andthat's just not good enough
Because it's you know, you haveto be able to pull up the
bootstraps and move forwardright, knowing also that you got
people around you that arethere to Help you get there.
Dillon Green (33:55):
So that's right.
There's resources for them, andyou owe it to yourself to seek
a better life for yourself.
Charles Bender (34:03):
So, given your personal varied experiences with
you, know fine family dynamics,and both positive and negative.
What are, what are youraspirations?
This can be a tough one righthere, buddy, you ready?
What are your aspirations andgoals when it comes to building
your own family, possibly in thefuture?
That's the easiest one.
Dillon Green (34:20):
Honestly, from a pretty young, from a pretty
young age, seeing my folks kindof fall apart and the matters
that they did, I saw a lot ofwhat I didn't want in my life
for the future.
But more than anything, I wanta stable and resourceful family
life.
That's what I want more thananything.
That's my greatest personalambition is to become a family
man, a proper father of a house.
(34:41):
That's that's an awesomethought to me.
I've thought about that for along time.
It's.
It's definitely a greater dreamfor my personal life.
I like outside of my craft,unrelated to heaven, hands of
healing, help and others.
That's what I want for myselfmore than anything in my life.
So I think my experience ofwhat I don't want in that
dynamic Is something I couldappreciate and hope even for.
(35:03):
My own folks like seeing theirbad decisions, but I don't want.
That helps me and that is fuel.
And seeing all the good peoplein my corner over time, the
generous, compassionate peoplethat I have.
I see qualities that I do likeand I pick up, pick up those
over time.
Charles Bender (35:19):
I just love your perspective.
It's the right perspective, bythe way.
I just love to hear you Giveyour perspective.
I was talking to a young manyesterday over near Tampa and we
were having the sameconversation.
You just grew up watching.
You know the parents fight alot and this that they aren't
just basically, said I.
I went forward to say and itwasn't you know, it wasn't even
(35:39):
solicited.
I just felt like I needed tosay to say, well, just don't let
that control how you, you know,formulate your own family and
relationships.
Going forward, he goes.
Maya Elias (35:48):
Oh, no, no, no.
Charles Bender (35:49):
That's exactly what I'm not gonna do.
So to hear him know that,because, again, I think we live
in a time where it's just easierto say, well, this is what I
experienced and that's why I'mdoing what I'm doing, or this is
what I experienced and that'swhy I'm not going in the right
direction.
No, that's, that's not goodenough.
And so, taking that energy ofsomething that was, you know,
very, very difficult,informative years as well, and
(36:09):
then saying this is no, I'm notgoing that route, I'm going this
route, I Love it, I agree.
So how, how the have thepositive examples of family life
you encountered at place ofhope and even at villages
influenced your vision for ahealthy and supportive family,
and there are there any specificvalues or qualities that you
hope to Incorporate into yourfuture family, like so kind of
(36:32):
what did you learn and and whatdid you pick up on the most that
you want to make sure youinstill?
Dillon Green (36:37):
I Would say it may not be only applicable to what
I witnessed, that place of hope,but also just generally in
society.
I think at this point Everybodygets busy in their own right,
in their own time of lives,purposefully to support their
house and their children.
But you gotta, you gottasomehow make that quality Time
(37:01):
with with children in theirupbringing.
So see in my house parents Well, it's a great care of us always
.
I know they have a daughter andI should mention names or
anything but, they made the timeand she she was able to travel
to so many states andexperienced so much at.
I Think she traveled like 30states or something by the age
(37:23):
of seven and I've been I'm likeI've only been to she's got me
be and that's an awesome thingto see that there the parents,
her parents, are able to do thatwith her able to have her
experience so much early in lifeand is raised with such a love
and care and attention.
So seeing that, the manner inwhich they treated their
daughter, that's a great care.
(37:43):
It's still a time for us guys.
It's something I I want to.
Charles Bender (37:47):
I absolutely want to make the time for Sewing
into someone else's life toactually make it meaningful,
make it purpose-filled and givesomeone else direction.
Right?
See, you're a giver and thatcomes from your gratitude it, it
God's provided that for you ina sort of an alternative way in
life with your, your cottageparents and foster experience
(38:09):
with us and and now where you'reat and You're turning that into
wanting to do that with yourown family members.
But also earlier you said youknow as a volunteer as well, and
even the people that you servenow through your job.
You don't look at your paid jobas just a job, it's a purpose.
Dillon Green (38:24):
No, I'm in service of others.
I know I don't mean tointerrupt if you may have
another question, but I wantedto mention one of the most down
times actually for me was whenthe pandemic hit and I got away
from the boxing at my collegeand I was.
I was just kind of alone for agood while and I graduated at
(38:45):
that point after the onlinecourses to finish up.
This is when I was at villagesof hope, but I got.
I suffered in silence and theproblem with myself was I felt
like I wasn't Properlycontributing anything to anybody
at that point.
I've just been a student mywhole life, been taking classes.
People are proud of the factthat I made fair grades and
whatnot and I've gotten as faras I have, but to me it wasn't
(39:08):
rewarding.
I felt like I wasn't valued to,valuable, necessarily to others
and I wanted to get busy, andso that was a tough time for me.
So when I finally did Be, I gotan internship at a few different
physical therapy clinics, havea couple hundred hours in
different ones for outpatientcare and I felt valuable to
others, I was helping people.
(39:28):
But it was still kind of toughwith there because you're
putting through the ring orthey're rehabbing an injury.
It's tough, it's unpleasant,it's frustrating for him.
So I kind of fell for that too.
But my, my, current work.
You're right, it's, it's apassion.
It's not just work.
It's like people get to come inrelax from the day and I get to
be just hands-on and Help themrelief their discomfort that
(39:52):
they're feeling throughout theday and also an outlet.
Charles Bender (39:54):
Further speaking to yeah, I love it.
That's sort of another's.
I mean, if you, if you lovewhat you do, you'll you'll
really never have a real day ofwork, right?
If you love what you do forwork, it won't really be work.
It's purpose, you know, andyours, is to help others and to
give back.
It was the opening line in RickWarren's famous book of
Purpose-driven life is it's notabout you, right?
(40:17):
So he's going into this.
The first line in thisbest-selling book is to say to
us life's not about you, thereader.
It's about giving to others,it's about serving, it's about
having a life of purpose, whichis always, at the end of the day
, about helping other people andshowing love and so forth.
So it's awesome.
We're going to wind up, , but Iwant to say to you, guy to guy,
(40:39):
man to man, that day that we didthe Palm Beach Post story not
long ago in your living roomdown in Boca was a really
special time for me.
I really enjoyed that so muchmore than I even thought I would
or could, and I've done amillion of those things over the
years.
But doing that with you andlistening for my first time your
(41:02):
story, listening to it and justliterally seeing you tell the
story at the same time, asopposed to just hearing it was
really impactful for me in mylife and just want you to know
how much I appreciate that andhow I appreciate you, how I
appreciate how you let the Lordsteer you in a direction of that
continues your attitude ofgratitude, and that you want to
(41:26):
make your life count and matter,and you are.
That's exciting for an old goatlike me.
I really, I really like it andI'm grateful to know you and
call you friend.
Dillon Green (41:37):
Thank you, mr Charles.
It's.
It was surreal for me then tojust to be sitting next to you
and I mentioned it there duringthe interview just seeing you
around over the years, and atthat point I was sitting right
across from you having aninterview, and it was an awesome
experience.
I didn't imagine it for myself.
It was kind of surreal, andeven now it really is, and so I
(41:57):
feel like I should be the onesaying thank you for what you've
done.
Well listen.
Charles Bender (42:01):
Thank you for coming on, ambassadors of hope.
I sense that there'll probablybe a lot more things like this
that we'll do together to youknow, really to advance the
mission of Place of Hope as well, and that's part of our purpose
, right, it's part of yourpurpose is why you're here today
, so that those coming up afteryou, you know, will have a
similar experience and platformto jump forward from.
(42:22):
So, thank you for being heretoday, buddy.
I really appreciate your timeand I know the listeners are
going to love today's episode.
Dillon Green (42:28):
Right on.
Thank you for having me.
Maya Elias (42:41):
Welcome to Hope in Action, a place where dreams are
nurtured, gratitude flourishesand hope takes flight.
Today, we are thrilled to sharethe incredible journey of the
Sawyer family residing inCottage Nine.
Let's begin with our remarkable17 year old, who has recently
completed their studies and isnow preparing to graduate with
the prestigious Bright FutureScholarship.
(43:01):
This extraordinaryaccomplishment opens up a world
of possibilities as they embarkon their summer journey at Palm
Beach State College.
We are overwhelmed withgratitude for the compassionate
donors at Place of Hope who haveplayed a pivotal role in
transforming these opportunitiesinto reality.
Speaking of opportunities, ourboys had an electrifying
(43:22):
experience.
They had the privilege ofattending a Miami Heat
semi-finals game against theBoston Celtics.
Can you imagine the sheerexcitement they felt as they sat
10 rows from the courtimmersing themselves in the
vibrant atmosphere of the game?
It was a memory that will beforever etched in their hearts
(43:43):
and we extend immeasurablethanks to those who made this
unforgettable experience cometrue.
Thank you so much for joiningus in today's segment in hope
and action.
Charles Bender (43:53):
Thank you for listening.
Please be sure to subscribe andshare with your friends so you
don't even miss a thing, and ifyou really gained value today,
please be sure to give us afive-star review so, of course,
we can be put in front of morelisteners.
For details and show notesabout today's podcast and how
you can connect with and supportour guests, please go to
placeofhopecom, forward slashpodcast and please don't forget
(44:16):
to email us atpohpodcastatplaceofhopecom and,
for sure, follow us on socialmedia.
Pastors of Hope Placing Hope ina Child's Future.
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