Shelia Schneider's journey from military spouse to nonprofit leader reveals how our life experiences perfectly prepare us for unexpected purpose. Raised in a family where all nine siblings had military connections and later marrying an Air Force serviceman, Shelia intimately understood the challenges military families face—frequent relocations, year-long separations, and the struggle to maintain career continuity while supporting a service member.

Her professional path was anything but linear. From making biscuits at Hardee's to wearing hard hats in food processing plants to becoming a university professor, each seemingly disconnected experience built the perfect foundation for her current role as Executive Director of the Kaufman Fund. What began as volunteer work alphabetizing registration lists evolved into leadership of a vital veterans' support organization that helps 2,000 former service members annually.

The Kaufman Fund addresses critical gaps in veteran support through eight innovative programs. Their dental initiative tackles a shocking reality—only 4.5% of veterans qualify for dental care through the VA. Their mental health program uniquely extends to family members who share in the trauma but are excluded from VA services. From distributing winter coats to homeless veterans to providing emergency legal assistance, their comprehensive approach creates immediate relief while building dignity.

Shelia's advice for finding purpose resonates regardless of age or circumstance: "Look in your backyard. What is it in your community that you see needs help?" She emphasizes that purpose often begins with small contributions—even volunteering just a few hours monthly can create ripple effects of positive change. Her journey from Girl Scout leader to nonprofit executive demonstrates how starting with one small act of service can evolve into meaningful impact that transforms both the lives you touch and your own sense of purpose.

Ready to discover your own purpose? Subscribe to Aging with Purpose and Passion for more inspiring conversations, and visit reinventimpossible.com to explore resources for your personal transformation journey. Remember, as Shelia powerfully demonstrates, 'it's never too late to begin making a difference'.

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And you might also enjoy Fit Stong Women Over 50, a podcast for the Becoming Elli Community. Where fit strong women motivate eachother to stay on their goals.

Resources

Kaufman Fund.

[email protected]

http://www.thekaufmanfund.org

https://www.facebook.com/kaufmanfund

 https://www.instagram.com/thekaufmanfund_tkf/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-kaufman-fund

https://www.youtube.com/@TheKaufmanFund

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 Beverley Glazer

https://reinventimpossible.com

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