Meant for More: Following Your Heart and Finding Your Purpose

A chance encounter at New York City’s Grand Central Station was a pivotal moment for Karen Olson, a marketing executive and mother from New Jersey. On her way to a business meeting, Karen encountered an elderly woman who was clearly homeless. Karen bought the woman a sandwich and proceeded to learn her story. 

This small act of kindness changed the trajectory of Karen’s life. She left the corporate world and founded a local nonprofit dedicated to serving families facing homelessness. The organization’s model was easy to replicate and so effective that it quickly evolved to become Family Promise, the leading national nonprofit addressing homelessness for families with children. 

In her new memoir, Meant for More: Following Your Heart and Finding Your Purpose, Karen shares her journey from tragedy in childhood to a fulfilling life of strength, compassion, and service. Meant for More is an inspirational story about what can happen when we strive to truly make a difference. 

We spoke with Karen about her book: 

What inspired you to write this book? 

I’ve heard so many inspiring stories over the years from both families and volunteers. Families talk about how they’re made to feel at home at Family Promise. Volunteers say they get much more out of their service than they give. I wanted to share some of these stories to inspire others to make a difference. And for those who are already involved in this work, I wanted to affirm that what they’re doing, no matter how big or small, makes a difference in someone’s life. 

You write about how meeting Millie, a woman experiencing homelessness, shifted your perspective of homelessness. After that encounter, you and your sons ventured into New York City regularly to distribute food to the homeless. How did your focus shift from individuals to families facing homelessness? 

I was volunteering at a soup kitchen where I met families who were living in their cars, doubled up with friends or family, or in shelter. At that time, the number one reason children would be taken from their parents wasn’t abuse or neglect but simply homelessness. In other words, if parents couldn’t put a roof over their children’s heads, they were deemed unfit. I knew something had to be done. I wondered if the community was aware of this crisis and if they’d want to help. I planned an all-day conference to discuss the issue and expected about 100 attendees. To my great surprise, 200 people showed up!  

Family homelessness is often described as an invisible crisis because families tend to hide their situation from the public. What do you see as the fundamental problem(s) surrounding this crisis? 

There are many precipitating reasons that can lead to homelessness. It could be a loss of income, job loss, illness, divorce, eviction, or many other causes. But the root cause is a lack of affordable housing. Only one in four individuals considered eligible for federal housing assistance receives help due to lack of funding. Most renting families below the poverty line now spend at least 50 percent of their income on housing. Additionally, they have to pay for healthcare, childcare, food, and other necessities. It doesn’t take much for them to fall into homelessness. 

Why do you believe it’s so important for people to find ways to give back or make a difference? 

I believe it’s important because it fosters a sense of community and interconnectedness. When we contribute to the well-being of others—whether through time, resources, or skills—we help create a more compassionate and supportive society. This not only benefits the recipients but also enriches the lives of those who give, often by providing a deeper sense of purpose, fulfillment, and connection. 

Meant for More: Following Your Heart and Finding Your Purpose is available at Barnes & Noble, bookshop.com, and Amazon or through Karen’s website, karenolsonauthor.com.