For Jane Hoffman, a birthday wish means more than blowing out a candle at the end of the song. It means showing a child in need that he or she is valued and worthy of celebration. In 2014, Jane founded A Birthday Wish, which grants birthday wishes for children in New Jersey foster care while working to bring awareness to the issues that children in foster care face.
Here, Jane shares how she is bettering the world, one birthday at a time.
How Did You Get Where You Are Today?
I followed my interests! I have always had a passion for service to others in the community, especially vulnerable children. When I allowed myself to follow my own path, I found that success came so much more naturally.
How Is Your Take on Business Different?
Granting birthday wishes for children in foster care is about so much more than gifts and cards. It’s about showing a child or young adult, “You matter, and I celebrate the day you were born.” We treat each child as an individual with passions and interests. Each child gets exactly what he or she wished for.
What Inspires You Daily?
For me, it’s all about the kids and the courage they show every day. Children in foster care are separated from family, the victims of trauma, yet they never stop hoping for a better tomorrow. They deserve my best effort every day.
What’s Your Motto?
People first. Great relationships are the key to a happy personal life and a successful career. Juggling a husband, three kids, friendships, and work can seem impossible at times. I let people in my life know I care. When you show people they matter, they respond immediately. It takes time to build healthy, strong relationships but it’s worth the effort.
What’s Next?
Building A Birthday Wish into a national organization. There are over 400,000 children and teens in foster care in the United States, and I want each one of them to know he or she is special and deserving.
Reprinted with permission from Chevrolet.
Credit: Good Housekeeping December 2016.
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