​I had the absolute honour of meeting Brandon Steppe while attending the
Global Influence Summit in San Diego, CA. He spoke about the incredible
David’s Harp Foundation, which he created and the founders of the summit
had chosen to support. I asked Brandon to tell me about it:

Brandon: The David’s Harp Foundation is a non-profit whose mission is to inspire,
educate and empower at-risk and homeless youth. We re-define “at-risk” to mean full of potential, but just lacking mentorship. We bring kids into this beautiful studio, and this is their home, where they get to create and learn. But they also meet influential people and mentors who can guide them in other areas of life.

Yvonne: Incredible! So what do they get to create here?
Brandon: They are having so much fun. They do a lot of hip hop, but we also
have multi-media production, photography and they’re learning post-production audio.
It’s really what they want it to be.

Yvonne: You have state-of-the-art, beautiful equipment here—which always needs funding,
of course. Tell me, what changes have you seen in the kids who come here?

Brandon: It’s crazy. You can throw a rock and hit a story around here,
because this is a place where people come to be transformed. But there are a couple
that are close to my heart; one in particular:

My “Little Sister”, I call her Livey, she was on the street 3 years ago,
refused to stay in her group home (foster care youth), continuously ran away
and refused to go to school. Her court-appointed advocate brought her here.
Within 6 months, she had a 3.87 GPA (awesome grades!), and was trading good grades
for extra studio time.

We went through ups and downs, highs and lows and going back to court.
We were there with her.

Yvonne: You just showed up. You stood by her. You don’t give up on these kids.
You give them a safe space and allow their creative genius. I love this, and thank you
so much for what you do!

We are all responsible for everyone. The more we give our at-risk youth a chance, the better off we all are. Brandon would love to see this in every community. What a wonderful movement to support and follow!

Thank you, Brandon, for loving these kids and giving them a chance!
You have Just Showed Up. You are changing lives!

*Create a life you love everyday!
*Follow your passion and purpose-It knows the way!
*Never ever ever give up!
*You never really know what you can create!
*Be Grateful!

I have finished my Rogers show with my good friend Nancy Osborne.
You are an incredible person. It was such a great show. Stars were born! You are someone who does workshops and helps others to unlock their instincts, and I will share your website www.igotthis.space.
We spoke about your important message. What would you like to share?

Nancy: We hear so much about empowering women everywhere; government slogans,
#MeToo #Times. We need to stop and think. Wait a minute…Don’t we already have power?
I think about all the things I have done, I am a powerful woman! That power is already
inside each one of us. When we talk about empowering women, we are saying we don’t
have it, but we do. Why are men born with power and women have to BE empowered?
We need to change the culture around power.

Yvonne: We need to find our own voice, and our own power within us. It is a phenomenal
way to re-frame that thought, tapping into it an owning it, and finding our voice.

Thank you Nancy for all that you do, I have shared your website, please take a look-
You will not be disappointed!
www.igotthis.space
 

I interviewed my friend, Rob Alldred-Hughes, on my radio show where he shared
his personal journey of growing up in Muskoka, having a wonderful family and friends--
but feeling like he was different.  With that often comes fear of rejection and uncertainty.

He endured bullying and kept his true self hidden until he was in his 20s.
That was when he revealed that he was gay, there were mixed reactions; some knew,
others were fearful or did not want to discuss it. I have no doubt this would be a
challenging time for anyone! Rob says he now leads a wonderful life here in Muskoka.
I add, “That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it. Once you become your true authentic self, there’s hope for a good life. Because it’s about #inclusion, #acceptance and #respect.”

Rob: “It’s about living every day for yourself and what matters is how you feel inside.
It’s about taking that time and saying, ‘this is who I am, like it or love it, here I am.’”
I agree and add that it’s about loving who you are and creating a life you love.
Rob: “And have some laughs along the way! Why not!!”
Great advice!!

Rob and Jeremy are happily married with the most beautiful daughter Gemma,
whose life is filled with love, happiness, friends, a family who adores her, a beautiful
home and an awesome dog. What more could you ask for??

Be Who You Are and Love Who You Love