Edmund Benson: A Life of Hard Work and Giving Back
In this Awakin Call interview, Edmund Benson discusses his life from his difficult childhood through retirement when he began the ARISE Foundation, a program teaching global skills to at-risk youth. After feeling like the black sheep of the family, Benson joined the military in his teens where he was exposed to people struggling with alcohol, anger, and other problems, teaching him to live in a more positive way. After working hard sixteen-hour days, seven days a week for thirty years, Benson was fortunate to retire early. Using connections he had gained while doing environmental work in the community, Benson and his wife turned to outreach and education for local troubled youth. After creating, educating, and distributing materials across the world for the ARISE Foundation, Benson retired again, only to start a program for the elderly. Part of this program was to help the aging remain relevant to and connected with the youth in their families and communities, coming full circle. Now in his late 80’s, there is no sign of Benson slowing down anytime soon. { read more }
Be The Change
We can all give back in our own ways. Make a list of 3-5 skills you have that can be used to give back to those in your life or community. It could be anything from being a good listener, to helping build homes, and anywhere in between. Choose one of those items and pledge to spend the next month volunteering your time in your own special way. |
Sangha of Auspicious Companions 