THE STORY BEHIND THE VISION
Several years ago, in a world far different than the one she lives in today, founder and president Michelle Donahue had a dream to help people find meaning in life; to educate them on their individual value, no matter their status; to teach them that there are daily opportunities to impact the world in positive ways, even when circumstances seem very negative. You see, like so many others in this world, Michelle went through a very dark period when she thought she must be worthless; when she thought there was no hope. She endured several heartbreaking difficulties, including divorce and financial disaster, but in spite of all she went gone through, she was somehow able to hold on to the faith that someday good would come out of everything. And she promised herself that when she could finally see the good again, she would help others to see their own potential for good too. In fact, all those negative circumstances had the positive effect of enabling Michelle to empathetically understand the struggles that others go through.
After her first marriage ended, Michelle began to seek God's purpose for her life and began to heal. A few months later, through a set of seemingly incidental circumstances, she was introduced to a young man who initially seemed not to be her "type", yet she discovered that he was actually the best friend she had never known existed. After several months of discovering just how they had been Divinely designed for one another, the couple married in the summer of 1998. (Meet the Donahues by clicking here.) Not long afterwards, God began to stir Michelle's heart to start an outreach that would help others find their significance, and the dream for something initially called P.U.R.P.O.S.E. International was born. Michelle wanted to form it as a non-profit organization, and a Christian attorney even donated her expertise to help Michelle and her new husband, Jon, write up the necessary paperwork. But the actual filing was going to cost a lot of money and time...so the thought came to Michelle to form a for-profit company instead, with the intention that it would donate large portions of its profits to positively purposed causes like orphan concerns and outreach programs/ministries. Additionally, the Donahue's hoped it would earn enough money to cover their own adoption expenses, as growing a family through international adoption is a dream they've shared from the outset of their relationship. Forming the LLC would be less expensive and easier to do, so Michelle created Positive Purpose International, LLC as a for-profit company in late 2001, with Jon's full blessing. She began working on various web site ideas, (several of which are still in development), in hopes of eventually supporting those great causes they had in mind. Serendipitously enough, after a year and a half into her business without yet turning a profit, a frustrated Michelle decided to conduct research on how to start a foundation, in hopes of at least raising enough funds to meet their adoption goals. It was at that time Michelle "accidentally" discovered that she could form an actual non-profit sub-foundation under the National Heritage Foundation (NHF), and that she could do this inexpensively, and without a lot of red tape or time. Michelle and Jon were excited about this terrific opportunity, but they decided that rather than create a foundation simply for their own adoption expenses, they wanted the foundation to endure into the future, and expand it to help others in a variety of additional ways too. Their hope is to give adoption grants to other couples desiring to adopt internationally, to sponsor projects that help orphans who are left behind, and to expand on Michelle's original vision of helping individuals/organizations recognize daily opportunities to make a difference by simply utilizing their unique potential. So, with all these things in mind, the Donahues formed The Positive Purpose Foundation at NHF, which will be funded by public & private donations and grants, as well as a significant portion of net profits from Michelle's business (LLC) as it grows. Foundation funds will not only go to help orphans find loving homes, but will also assist individuals and organizations in maximizing their opportunities to impact the world in positively purposed ways. The Donahues look at the foundation's mission as one of "building people", while the LLC's mission is one of "building dreams". They hope to use both their business and the foundation to help people and organizations see their potential, hold high their value, and practice their purposes in everyday life. From exploring possibilities, to touching hearts, to living hope...with God's help this is their vision.
PLEASE NOTE: Neither of the Donahues take a salary from the foundation, trusting God to supply their income through the products and services offered by the LLC instead. For instance, items offered on the LLC web sites like books, tapes, business services, gifts, etc... that are produced or provided by the LLC as enhancements to the foundation and/or direct use by the public at large, will be what the Donahues will draw personal salaries from. Direct donations to the foundation are separate from the LLC, and the Donahues have opted at this time NOT to exercise their right to deduct a salary from direct donations, leaving those funds to meet foundation costs associated with outreach efforts/projects and operating expenses instead. Additionally, the Donahue's personal adoption expenses, if any, will be funded through special and specific foundation fund raising efforts.
We at The Positive Purpose Foundation trust that God will "work all things together for good to them that love Him and are called according to HIS purpose." (Romans chapter 8, verse 28) He never will leave a person forsaken. (Hebrews chapter 13, verse 5) He will make a way for each of us & lead us where He wants us each to go. (Isaiah chapter 48, verse 17) He has a plan for everyone's life, (Jeremiah chapter 29, verse 11), although it may not be the one we want for ourselves. He knows better than we do for His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah chapter 55, verse 9). Therefore, take courage in trials, for they are preparation for the King of King's use. Look daily for God's love and His lessons; for ways that He has been using, and can continue to use, each of us...and remember that none of us ever fully knows what seeds we are sowing into the lives of others along the way. Even the dark times will yield a harvest once the sun, (or should we say "SON"), shines on them. We all have many life purposes, just trust in that truth. Contact The Positive Purpose Foundation at: positivepurpose@yahoo.com for more information on how to recognize God's purposes in your own life, and tips for reaching your personal potential. You may also schedule Michelle or another Positive Purpose speaker to come and speak at your church, school, or other organization by clicking here.
