Jimmy Monaghan Celebrates Olive Crest is about a charitable champion and hero to Nevada’s families in need. Jimmy Monaghan, Executive Director of Olive Crest in Nevada, is a clinical counselor and oversees an important Las Vegas nonprofit. Here’s a word from Jimmy:
Jimmy, what is your favorite philanthropy memory?
“22 years ago, a woman in an agency very similar to Olive Crest spoke hope into my life in a time when life felt like it was close to ending. In that moment… a moment when I felt seen, I felt heard and I felt valued. My life changed with a whisper. It was the first time as an adult, another adult believed in me. She was the spark needed to embark on a life changing journey that would see 2 horrifically addicted people become warriors for their child, which turned into 4 bio kids, 4 adopted kiddos, and a bunch of fostering. This woman at that helping agency was a messenger of HOPE. She saw past the mistakes, the looks, the rap sheet, and saw the wounded child, the scared little boy, the demoralized young man and the completely defeated adult, and she saw… HOPE. That was the beginning of my life being committed to helping…helping people see and feel just how incredible they are.”
Jimmy, if you could pass a magic wand. What’s something you would change if you could?
“I would change the stigma around how we, as men, are supposed to just pull ourselves up from our bootstraps. I didn’t have said proverbial bootstraps. All I had was substances and violence to mask the pain and establish my identity. The greatest realization I have had in my years of life, is that it is okay and even makes my life better, to ask for help. So, I would change the stigma that you have to do it alone. I would change the stigma that one is weak if they need help. I would change the stigma that you must be mentally ill if you see a clinician. I would like to change the hate in the world and replace it with a pure altruistic mindset and practice. I would want people to know the only thing I could change to reach any of where I am now was…me.”
Jimmy Monaghan Celebrates Olive Crest
In 1973, Dr. Don and Lois Verleur took in four teenage girls and opened their first home for children. Drawing from the olive tree in the front yard and the idea of a family crest, Olive Crest, a name symbolizing “peaceful family,” was born. Olive Crest prevents child abuse and help preserve families for generations to come.
Here at Olive Crest, we believe every child, young adult, and family is worthy of love, safety, and the opportunity to live a fulfilling life, free from pain, fear, and isolation. Every child who comes into our care will be nurtured in a safe and loving home. Together, we can ensure kids experience the childhood they deserve.
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION:
Isolation. Past abuse. Poor coping skills. A lost job. Substance abuse struggles. A broken marriage. The list goes on for stressors that leave innocent children hanging in the balance and vulnerable to abuse. So many families and parents without the resources to change turn to old patterns and learned behaviors passed down through generations, resulting in continued abuse and a seemingly never-ending cycle. But, together we can stop it.
HOMES FOR CHILDREN, TEENS, & YOUNG ADULTS:
Olive Crest has collaborated between area churches, volunteers and child care professionals designed to support children and parents in crisis. This collaboration gives volunteers an opportunity to have a powerful impact in the lives of others while practicing biblical hospitality and extending the love of Christ to people in need — all from their own home!
HOW IT WORKS:
Early Intervention: Olive Crest provides a safe alternative to child welfare custody. Families are given time to address risk factors in their lives that, if left unattended, could result in substantiated abuse or neglect of children. Child Abuse Prevention: Olive Crest provides an overwhelmed and resource-limited parent with a safe, temporary place for their child without threat of losing custody, which can avert potential abuse/neglect episodes. Family Support and Stabilization: Many parents struggle because of limited informal social supports and unavailable extended family. Many Olive Crest families become the extended family that a parent never had.
Olive Crest programs are based on the teachings of Judeo-Christian principles while respecting the religious background of each individual. Olive Crest acknowledges the existence of a creator through whom restoration and healing of a person’s life can be fully accomplished.
Grace: Compassion, Forgiveness, Encouragement | Feeling compassion toward those who are experiencing crisis. Encouraging others through forgiveness. Loving your neighbor and sharing God’s undeserved kindness and mercy.
Truth: Honesty, Courage, Respectfulness | Exhibiting integrity through honesty. Demonstrating the courage and respect to be truthful, even in difficult situations. Doing the right thing even when it is hard.
Servanthood: Perseverance, Responsibility, Giving | Showing tenacity and responsibility in our commitment to serving children and families in crisis. Persevering where others may not in the relentless pursuit of God’s best. Providing meaningful ways for others to give back to those in need.
Jimmy Monaghan: A Caring Expert
