Episode #122: Veterans, Purpose, and the Power of Service

The Power of Service with Shelia Schneider

Shelia Schneider’s journey from military spouse to nonprofit leader reveals how our life experiences perfectly prepare us for unexpected purpose. Raised in a family where all nine siblings had military connections and later marrying an Air Force serviceman, Shelia intimately understood the challenges military families face—frequent relocations, year-long separations, and the struggle to maintain career continuity while supporting a service member.

Her professional path was anything but linear. From making biscuits at Hardee’s to wearing hard hats in food processing plants to becoming a university professor, each seemingly disconnected experience built the perfect foundation for her current role as Executive Director of the Kaufman Fund. What began as volunteer work alphabetizing registration lists evolved into leadership of a vital veterans’ support organization that helps 2,000 former service members annually.

The Kaufman Fund addresses critical gaps in veteran support through eight innovative programs. Their dental initiative tackles a shocking reality—only 4.5% of veterans qualify for dental care through the VA. Their mental health program uniquely extends to family members who share in the trauma but are excluded from VA services. From distributing winter coats to homeless veterans to providing emergency legal assistance, their comprehensive approach creates immediate relief while building dignity.

Shelia’s advice for finding purpose resonates regardless of age or circumstance: “Look in your backyard. What is it in your community that you see needs help?” She emphasizes that purpose often begins with small contributions—even volunteering just a few hours monthly can create ripple effects of positive change. Her journey from Girl Scout leader to nonprofit executive demonstrates how starting with one small act of service can evolve into meaningful impact that transforms both the lives you touch and your own sense of purpose.

Key Takeaways from The Power of Service with Shelia Schneider

Military Family Background and Service: 

Shelia discusses her deep-rooted military family background, where all her uncles and in-laws served, and how she married a military man. This theme reflects the strong sense of duty and sacrifice ingrained in her upbringing, which shaped her approach to life and service.

Challenges of Military Life:

Shelia shares the personal challenges of being a military spouse, including constant relocations and periods of separation. She emphasizes her personal growth during her husband’s deployment to Korea, which taught her resilience and independence.

Adaptability and Career Path:

Shelia’s various jobs throughout her life, from working in retail to becoming a professor, highlight her adaptability. Despite the transient nature of her husband’s military career, she continually sought meaningful work and progressed professionally.

Career Shift and the Kauffman Fund:

Shelia discusses how she transitioned from working at the St. Patrick Center to the Kauffman Fund. She details her volunteer work, which led to a job offer, and explains her passion for serving veterans, which eventually led her to become the Executive Director.

Veterans’ Services and Programs:

Shelia outlines the Kauffman Fund’s various programs to support veterans, including dental care, mental health services, and food distribution. She stresses the importance of addressing immediate needs, such as food and housing, while also offering long-term solutions.

Impact on the Local Community:

The Kauffman Fund’s outreach extends beyond veterans themselves, helping their families and connecting them to local resources. Shelia reflects on the Fund’s holistic approach and its impact on the community, such as providing coats to veterans in need and offering IRS-certified tax services.

The Power of Helping and Volunteerism:

Shelia expresses her lifelong passion for helping others, particularly veterans, and reflects on her experiences of feeding her husband’s military squad during Thanksgiving. She emphasizes the importance of showing support for those who might not ask for help.

Advice for Women Seeking Purpose and Passion:

Shelia encourages women to start small by looking for needs in their own communities. Whether it’s volunteering a few hours a month or helping with a local project, she stresses that every small action adds up and can lead to a bigger impact..

Connect with Shelia Schneider

Connect with Bev:

Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenover50rock

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyglazer/

Need advice? Schedule a time to talk: https://calendly.com/reinventimpossible/15min