Nature Made Vitamins, Nutritional Information, Health and Wellness Topics and Herbal Supplements

Prev Next

When interior designer Terry Grahl first walked through the cheerless rooms of a shelter for abused women and their children, she did not realize she was walking into a wonderful new chapter in her life. Terry took some snapshots and went home to think about how she could use her design sense to surround shelter residents with a sense of comfort and hope. One photo in particular inspired her-of an old, stained mattress with a little girl's bright polka-dot pillow on it. Terry thought back to her childhood and how her mom always tried to make their modest home cozy and cheerful, even though they had very little money. So with no budget, but lots of cool ideas, Terry sprang into action. She started by personalizing the bedrooms with fanciful hand-painted murals. Word spread, and people Terry had never met before appeared in her life to lend a hand. Today, Terry and her nationwide network of volunteers-many of whom were once victims of abuse-- have given several shelters Enchanted Makeovers www.EnchantedMakeovers.org. The process has transformed the lives of many residents, as well as volunteers, including Terry herself. "For years I have known there was something more in me. I finally found my true calling."

Who has influenced you in your life?
My mom. We didn't have much money growing up, but she always made our home comfortable and nice. She would make things for us to show her love and make us feel special. I didn't know this at the time, but she was depressed. Sewing and cooking and taking care of the house is how she survived. She taught me it is ok to have your imagination be a refuge.
Do you feel a special affinity for abused women?
As a kid, I was shy and bullied by other kids. I let it happen and never stood up for myself. It took a long time, but I finally let the old me go, the one who never felt good enough. Doing the shelters has healed me, as well as helped abused women. I believe I have something positive to offer that gives them hope and eases their pain. I just want women to be unafraid and to be themselves.
What keeps you going?
The volunteers and donors. It just keeps waving out to more and more people and projects. I think they are attracted to this positivity. It helps the givers and the "givees." You just lead a better life when you are helping others.
What are your volunteers like?
They come to me via divine intervention. 80% of the time, these people have abuse or addiction somewhere in their backgrounds. There's a man in Minnesota who is making homemade hope chests for all the girls at a shelter in Dearborn Heights. A woman in Arizona is making 84 embroidered pillowcases for a shelter in Missouri. Another makes goodie bags with towels, washcloths, toothbrushes, soaps--so you feel good when you go to bed at the shelter. One woman who makes necklaces is really shy, but this project has brought her out and opened her up a lot. It's so good to see people doing what they love and feeding their passions.
How has your shelter work affected your family?
I have four children I am raising. But this is my passion. If you love something, you make time for it. All my kids have visited the shelters and spent time with the kids there. My oldest son helped me paint. They always have an eye out for items they think the kids will like. I think this whole experience has taught my kids to recognize that people in shelters are people, and just like them, they deserve respect.
Do you have new projects in the works?
I am mentoring other decorators now who want to make a difference. And this October for the Society of Professional Decorators TableScape Challenge, we are doing a design to bring awareness to domestic violence. It's to benefit a Missouri shelter that gets the least help of any in that state. It's also a way to wake up designers and decorators to use their talents to help other women.
Where do you get your energy?
I love what I do. I finally have found my true calling.
What was the greatest obstacle you have had to overcome?
Fear. To finally trust my inner voice. We all have highs and lows, but I had to learn to realize I will get through this and to keep the faith, no matter how long it takes. I am hoping this self-knowledge helps women in the shelters and that they will pass it on to their kids, too.
What are the most important things you have learned from this experience?
Follow your passion and stop worrying about the money. And, when you help others, it transforms your own life. I am a living example of waking up to what's really important.

The generosity of others

Creativity and color