Paula has a conversation with Devin Beale, Matt Brady & Jinah Kim
May 24, 2021
Hosted by Paula Claussen
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
In this weeks episode we meet key members of the annual Baja Challenge, a house building event held jointly with Project Mercy in the poorest of neighborhoods in Tijuana, Mexico. Devin Beale has been an active member of the San Diego chapter of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association for the past 16 years. For much of that time he has led the Baja Challenge Organization that is dedicated to constructing homes for destitute families in Mexico. Devin has been an active member since 2001, helping construct over 300 homes for families in need. Devin is also a board member of Project Mercy Baja. You will also meet fellow volunteer Matt Brady, Executive Vice-President of Ware Malcomb Architects and Jinah Kim, Principal & Executive Producer for WordWide Productions LLC. Jinah is also a news reporter for NBC and has covered several Baja Challenge events. Jinah is a past board member of Project Mercy.
The Rewards of Volunteering
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel
Our show delves into the whys, wherefores and outcomes of volunteering, both spiritual and concrete for all involved. Compassion should lead to action driven by a desire to make a difference.
When you invest your time, your energy, and a belief in making a difference in the world, you walk away with pride and fulfillment. When you see your contribution lift people up and give them a better life, it is awe-inspiring.
We examine the backgrounds of diverse volunteers and leaders, where they come from, why they volunteer and continue on this path. Project Mercy has worked with hundreds of volunteers from diverse walks of life for over 30 years.
Our volunteers are unified by a desire to help devastatingly poor families living south of the US border, literally, in our own backyard. These volunteers help poverty stricken families build their own home so they can live in safety and security. We introduce some of these volunteers and donors so you can hear their stories.
Paula Claussen
Paula Claussen and her family live in San Diego, California. Thirty years ago a friend asked Paula to accompany her on a mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico to give out donations. What Paula saw that day, the broken-down shacks and desperation of the families, just minutes across our southern border, horrified her.
She was determined to do something to make a difference and it did not take long for it to be evident that the main need was adequate shelter. From this experience Project Mercy was born. Paula created a network of volunteers building homes for impoverished families.
In 2016 she was nominated as a CNN Hero for her work and volunteer outreach. Paula found the award both humbling and gratifying on a personal level, but more important was the recognition of the Project Mercy program and people involved on both sides of the border.
With Paula’s guidance, Project Mercy has grown from a bunch of friends handing out items to needy people to a respected 501c(3) non-profit organization that has built over 1,500 solid houses in the past 30 years.
Episode Directory
June 2021
May 2021
- 5/31/2021: Paula interviews long time volunteer & PM board member Dave Mason Listen Now
- 5/24/2021: Paula has a conversation with Devin Beale, Matt Brady & Jinah Kim Listen Now
- 5/17/2021: Paula Claussen & guest Brett Schwemmer International Relief Teams Listen Now
- 5/10/2021: The Rewards of Volunteering: Paula Claussen interviews Rick Hall Listen Now
- 5/3/2021: The Rewards of Volunteering: Jinah Kim interviews Paula Claussen Listen Now
