Episode 122: Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference-Interview with Acorn Fund Pocatello Founder, Alisha Bailey

It started with a new move to a new state, feeling isolated as a young stay at home mom and not wanting to be in a funk anymore.

It started with noticing a small old home that served as a homeless shelter close by her kids preschool.

It started with offering to get Christmas gifts for one child at the shelter.

Alisha's journey with her foundation started with a very small act; an act that any of us could do.

What small act will you feel prompted to make after listening in today? What need do you see around you? What talents do you have?

“Do your one little thing and you WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD. And if all of us did THAT-imagine the difference it would make." -Alisha Bailey

Show note highlights:
1. I was looking for ways to cope with a new place and no friends.
2. What I did all those years ago blessed the people we served. AND it blessed my life-because I met amazing people across the whole community! I quickly became friends with others who shared my desire to serve the homeless population.
3. HOW CAN YOU HELP OTHER PEOPLE FEEL SEEN AND HEARD? Alisha loves that she gets to help people be seen and heard. She gets to help them feel like a human. She has had so many opportunities to better understand people who have had a different life experience than her. She gets to meet people as “a father who is trying to help his daughter”- beneath the surface.
4. Reaching out of your comfort zone can be hard. It takes courage.
5. THE MORE I KNOW THE LESS I JUDGE. What if their story were my story? We actually aren’t that different. Alisha had been going to the shelter regularly over a year and gotten to know people and was inspired by a talk by Linda K. Burton “I Was A Stranger” and couldn’t get her words out of my heart. She wanted to do more for all of those in the shelter.
6. Alisha was on her own and needed help. Miracles happened as she asked for it.
7. Perseverance is essential. Alisha had a lot to learn about organizing and implementing and delegating so that she could continue doing this work.
8. LESSON HERE: GET IN THE TRENCHES WITH OTHER PEOPLE. Share an experience with others. THIS IS HOW YOU WILL MAKE DEEP CONNECTIONS. THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE LASTING RELATIONSHIPS.  For Alisha-being her friend means you will get to serve with her in some capacity!
9. WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING ALISHA? 
-It always works out. A miracle always happens.
-I have to get down on my knees and pray.
-I have tried everything that I have to give and then I have to turn it to God. Every time I face my limitations or obstacles I turn to God. And incredible miracles fall into place again and again. 
10. Serving others is the purpose of this life.
-Find your gift and where you are needed.
-Use the talents God has given you.
THIS IS WHERE YOU WILL FIND JOY IN THIS LIFE.
All the other things won’t really matter anymore. And it’s OK if it's just one little thing. Open your eyes there are opportunities everywhere!!

"Bridges Out Of Poverty" byTerri Derussi Smith
"I Was A Stranger" talk by Linda K. Burton

Acorn Fund Pocatello Website