Meet Charise Olson | Founder & Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charise Olson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charise, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had worked in social services, education, and community services for the majority of my career. I have always thought the theme of my professional life was to make a difference in the lives of young people and their families. In 2017, I had the opportunity to launch ReInspire– a nonprofit focused on making a difference in the lives of vulnerable teens and young adults. We all want young people to be successful — and all young people want success for themselves. But what about those young people without the support system and resources to make it happen? That’s where ReInspire comes in. And now, here we are almost 6 years later.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
ReInspire serves young people who have the “ability to benefit” from our services. This means we see our work as a partnership to help teens and young adults make their goals a reality. I am most proud of the times we have been able to work with young people and dust off stagnant dreams and help chart a course for success. I get excited about the small wins and the big wins. A client passing their driving test or getting their first job, but I’m also excited ReInspire continues to grow and our ability to offer support our clients’ success grows as well. Last year, we opened our Teen & Young Adult Resource Center which let us offer more programs especially to younger teens and this year we’ll open our first housing program for young adults.

I can’t imagine any nonprofit describing the path as easy. You have to work to keep yourself in business to accomplish your mission and at the same time you’re really wanting to put yourself out of business so that the need is no longer there. It’s a strange concept. Working with vulnerable people and the constant pressure to stay funded is a challenge. Covid-19 was one of the most intense professional experiences of my life. This work is always a high wire act on the tightrope. Covid set that tightrope on fire. Client needs skyrocketed and funding plummeted. We faced closure more than once, but somehow found a way forward to keep our doors open. We’re growing and yet still walking that line to do all we can to help our young people.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way include surrounding yourself with smart, talented, and caring people who can provide the information, abilities, and encouragement when you need it. In social services in general, the most important lesson is to never see yourself as better than your clients. We are all in this together and we are better for it.

I’d want people to know that ReInspire is growing so we can do more for the young people who need us, but we still want to stay small enough to be responsive and make a difference in the lives of the families we serve. I’d want people to know that supporting a local nonprofit makes a difference in your neighbor’s lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love showing off Ft. Worth and the surrounding towns. I try to take people to the Stockyards and downtown so they get to see the history (and sit on a longhorn!), but also the new and developing. There are so many restaurants and great places to go whether we want to be inside or outside. I just had a fantastic lunch at H&G Supply Company overlooking the river. But there’s also the lovely patio at Joe T.’s. I also always try to take people to the Water Gardens. I know they have been there a while, but it’s such a special feature and makes for great photos. I like to visit the museums and find somewhere with live music happening.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One of my first bosses, Monica Walsh, who I worked with at City of Burleson and, later, with City of North Richland Hills. She went on to become mentor and friend. She showed me what can be possible when we work hard and truly care about the work we’re doing. The second person is Lillian Solt who founded CEDCAS, a social service and medical clinic in Costa Rica. Lillian showed me how an organization can be successful and vital in changing lives for the better.

Website: WeAreReInspire.org

Instagram: ReInspire.Tx

Facebook: ReInspire.Tx