202. Hope is Alive: How Shoes That Fit Continues to Innovate to Reach More Kids - Amy Fass

Amy Fass, Shoes That Fit, We Are For Good Podcast

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Overview

Meet Amy. She's the rockstar executive director of Shoes That Fit providing new athletic shoes to underprivileged children nationwide. You may think why shoes? But when a family has to choose between rent, utilities, food AND shoes, shoes often come last especially recently as families struggle during COVID-19. Their mission is to tackle this variable, as one of the most visible signs of poverty in America, by giving children-in-need new sneakers to attend school with dignity and joy, prepared to learn, play, and thrive.

Today’s Guest

Amy Fass, Executive Director, Shoes That Fit

“We underestimate people’s pain, and we underestimate people’s capacity to help. I just think we underestimate people. So one of my big challenges to myself was just to listen more, to speak less, and let people tell you what they’re willing to do or what they need.”

— Amy Fass, Executive Director, Shoes That Fit

Episode Transcript

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Episode highlights

Amy’s story and journey to where she is today (2:40)
An overview of Shoes That Fit (3:45)
Community based fundraising and lessons learned throughout Amy’s career (6:00)
Building dynamic partnerships (13:00)
Pivoting their model and leaning into innovation to advance impact (18:30)
A powerful moment of philanthropy in Amy’s life (21:00)
Amy’s One Good Thing: People are everything. (27:00)

Powerful quotes

“If you're wearing shoes that smell and have holes, you're going to hide, you're going to not go to school, and you're going to act out.” -Amy

“We connect people with kids in their own communities, and help them make a difference right in their own backyards.” -Amy

“I really do believe people want to make a difference. I think most people want to make the world a better place. You want to leave it better than you found it, and you want to feel like your life has had some meaning and impact.” -Amy

“I think knowing that people want to make a difference, and then connecting them to a cause that makes their eyes light up.” -Amy

“We have just under 8% poverty rate in the US, but it disproportionately affects children. Children in poverty represent more than 11% of the population.” -Amy

“We really see ourselves as filling a service for both the schools, and for the families themselves.” -Amy

“I think that letting kids know that they matter, and there are people who believe in them is one of the most important pieces of this work.” -Amy

“Getting to that human connection is what really makes the difference.” -Amy

Connect with amy and shoes that fit

LinkedIn / Website / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Instagram
Amy’s Book is scheduled to release in Feb. 2022! Follow along at shoesthatfit.org for the latest updates.

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