We recently connected with Justina Page and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Justina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
In 1999 myself, my husband and our 6 sons experienced a 4 alarm house fire that resulted in the death of our 22-month-old twin son Amos and severely injuring myself and our other twin Benjamin. All of my boys and my husband were burned to varying degrees and we loss everything we had. After a long and ardous journey to recovery and healing I went back on the burn unit to volunteer and was taken aback by the needs I saw. I was inspired to create my nonprofit organization, The Amos House of Faith, in memory of my son with a mission to provide post-burn support for children and families affected by burn trauma.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am an International speaker, author of 20 literary works, actress, voice over talent, lyricist, wife, mother, and grandmother. But my most rewarding work is helping burn survivors navigate the treacherous road of survival from burn trauma. The Amos House of Faith provides financial support for basic needs of caretakers and patients while on the John S Dunn Sr Burn Unit at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. We also provide emotional support and resources for emotional well being. On Thanksgiving we do blessing bags for the patients to encourage them through what can be a particularly lonely time during the Holiday’s and on Christmas we do Christmas Cheer Bags. We host a monthly meeting called The After Burns Club at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston. In this meeting we share pertinent topics such as dealing with teasing, anger, survivors guilt, etc. We also do activities and provide a meal. Another annual event that is dear to my heart is The Fire Safety Obstacle Course. The purpose of this event is to teach grade school children Fire Safety through physical play and essay.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I decided to establish my non-profit organization, there was a great number of people who backed me. My first Executive Board sat 7 people and Advisory Board sat 12. Unfortunately, someone who was jealous of what I was doing whispered lies in someone’s ear and everyone started dropping off like flies. It was very disheartening. In that moment, At the sane time, my husband lost his job and the car went out. It was a very trying time. I had to make a decision to give up, or push through. The memory of my son propelled me forward. I caught buses to make connections and meetings. The push payed off. I was able to rebuild my boards and wind up winning 2 significant awards that year. The Halliburton Hometown hero with the Houston Texans. Also, the Shriners Children’s Hospital Volunteer Group of The Year. It is so important to keep the vision in front of you!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A big one. Just because someone saw your experience, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they understand it or feel a need to be a part of helping with the vision you have. When my family went through our fire tragedy, we had so much support that the nurses thought I was a celebrity. After my emotional and physical healing, I started The Amos House of Faith and felt like that big group of people would be right there by my side. It was only a handful. Most of my support came from strangers. But guess what, that’s OK. God has a way of providing where he’s guiding.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justinarpage.com
- Instagram: justinapage
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100007308576283
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/justina-page-76583
- Twitter: @JustinaRPage
Image Credits
Jake Allen