Karen Olson and Family Promise
What began with a simple ham and cheese sandwich sparked a national movement that has helped over one million people facing homelessness. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Karen Olson, founder of Family Promise, whose journey from corporate executive to compassion-driven changemaker began with one act of kindness toward a woman named Millie in 1981.
Karen’s story is rooted in personal loss—losing her mother to suicide—and transformed by a relentless desire to serve others without judgment. Discover how her groundbreaking model of engaging faith communities to provide shelter and support reshaped how we address family homelessness in America. With an 81% success rate, Family Promise now spans 44 states and mobilizes over 200,000 volunteers.
Even after a spinal cord injury from a cryotherapy accident, Karen continues to live her mission—reminding us that pain can become purpose, and connection can be healing. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of empathy, innovation, and what it truly means to serve.
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