Abilene Woman Publishes Book, Donates All Proceeds To Non-Profit
By: Gina Benitez
Updated: June 20, 2012
18 years after being a founder of an Abilene non-profit, a local woman is still doing her part - and giving back to them in a very big way.
Lila Senter was one of the original founders of Abilene Hope Haven.
"We take a homeless person off the street and a family and give them 6 months to a year to get their lives back together and be productive again," says Senter.
In 2009, Senter self-printed a book, compiled of what she calls "word gifts". These "gifts" can be anything from a recipe, to a bible verse, to a poem. Senter's proceeds from those original copies went directly to Abilene Hope Haven.
Senter adds, "We sold nearly all of them, and made about $16,000 to start their endowment."
The organization had never had an endowment before. Now, three years later, that book is not just printed, but published, and available pretty much everywhere.
"Our entire goal is to promote self-sufficiency and a little book that has a mind of its own and has grown to be published is a great role model for that self-sufficiency," says Alana Jeter, the Executive Director of Abilene Hope Haven.
This book has helped secure the future of an organization and it's just the beginning.
Senter says, "I know it was a crazy idea to jump on cloud nine with a dream that this might sell all over the nation to help a little homeless shelter in Abilene, but you've got to start somewhere."
And starting right here with one small dream, she's made the dreams of many others a reality.
To learn more about the book or purchase a copy, click here. All proceeds Senter receives go directly back to Abilene Hope Haven.
Lila Senter was one of the original founders of Abilene Hope Haven.
"We take a homeless person off the street and a family and give them 6 months to a year to get their lives back together and be productive again," says Senter.
In 2009, Senter self-printed a book, compiled of what she calls "word gifts". These "gifts" can be anything from a recipe, to a bible verse, to a poem. Senter's proceeds from those original copies went directly to Abilene Hope Haven.
Senter adds, "We sold nearly all of them, and made about $16,000 to start their endowment."
The organization had never had an endowment before. Now, three years later, that book is not just printed, but published, and available pretty much everywhere.
"Our entire goal is to promote self-sufficiency and a little book that has a mind of its own and has grown to be published is a great role model for that self-sufficiency," says Alana Jeter, the Executive Director of Abilene Hope Haven.
This book has helped secure the future of an organization and it's just the beginning.
Senter says, "I know it was a crazy idea to jump on cloud nine with a dream that this might sell all over the nation to help a little homeless shelter in Abilene, but you've got to start somewhere."
And starting right here with one small dream, she's made the dreams of many others a reality.
To learn more about the book or purchase a copy, click here. All proceeds Senter receives go directly back to Abilene Hope Haven.
