We recently connected with Jan O’Shaughnessy and have shared our conversation below.
Jan, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
When I became a mom, I found myself searching for ways my kids could get involved in something meaningful at a young age—something that would teach them about giving back, community service, and just being good humans. Of course, these values start at home, but I wanted something outside the home too.
When we began looking into extracurriculars, everything was sports-related. I remember asking a few friends if they knew of anything that focused more on service or kindness—and they all said the same thing: That would be amazing, but I don’t think anything like that exists.
That’s when the idea hit me. If it didn’t exist, maybe I could build it.
At first, it lived entirely in my head. I started imagining what this kind of organization would look like—what the kids would do, what they’d learn, how it would be run. Would they actually understand what it means to give back? Could this really make a difference? There were a lot of “what-ifs” and mental trial-and-error, but eventually I got up the courage to test the idea.
I sent out some information to a neighborhood group—just to see if anyone might be interested. I figured maybe a few families would respond. To my surprise, I got an incredible amount of feedback and several sign-ups right away.
Our very first meeting was held in Edgewood, and around 25 families came. I’ll never forget that moment—it was kind of magical. That’s when I knew this idea had real potential.
From there, I started organizing more events and reaching out to a wider circle. Then I applied to the Start:ME program, which supports entrepreneurs and community-focused businesses. I was accepted, and for 14 weeks, they helped me build the foundation—creating a business plan, setting financial goals, refining my elevator pitch. It gave me the tools and confidence to keep going.
Of course, just as we were wrapping up the program, COVID hit. That brought its own set of challenges—but by that point, the spark had already been lit. The community was there. The mission was clear. And even in the hardest moments, I knew I had started something meaningful.
From there, I started organizing more events and reaching out to a wider circle. Then I applied to the Start:ME program, which supports entrepreneurs and community-focused businesses. I was accepted, and for 14 weeks, they helped me build the foundation—creating a business plan, setting financial goals, refining my elevator pitch. It gave me the tools and structure I didn’t even realize I needed.
But just as the program was wrapping up, COVID hit.
Everything came to a halt—or so it seemed. Like everyone else, I had to pivot. In-person meetings were no longer possible, but the heart of the idea—the desire to create a space where kids could learn to give back—was still strong. So I got creative. I started offering service projects families could do from home: making cards for seniors, collecting items for food banks, kindness challenges, and more. Families were so grateful to have something meaningful to do together, especially during such a hard time.
That period taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability. It also confirmed that there was a real need for this kind of organization—not just in my community, but in others as well.
Looking back, it all started with a simple wish I had for my own kids, followed by a leap of faith and a willingness to learn along the way. It wasn’t perfect, and it certainly wasn’t all planned out from day one, but with each step—sending that first message, hosting that first meeting, joining that program—I built something real, something that mattered. And I haven’t looked back since.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m the founder of a community-focused organization that helps kids and families get involved in meaningful acts of service. The heart behind everything I do is simple: I want to create opportunities for young people to learn what it means to give back, be kind, and contribute to their community—starting at a young age.
The idea came from my own experience as a mom. When my kids were little, I was looking for ways to get them involved in service—not just at home, but out in the world. I wanted them to understand empathy, generosity, and community responsibility. But when we searched for local programs, everything was sports or competition-based. Nothing really focused on character, compassion, or contribution.
So I created what I couldn’t find.
That’s how The Neighborhood Project was born—with a mission to Give Back, Grow Goodness, and Cultivate Gratitude. We offer hands-on volunteer projects, family service days, kindness challenges, and activities that kids and parents can do together—both in-person and from home. We partner with local nonprofits and community organizations to create real impact, and we design our programs so that even young kids can understand the “why” behind what they’re doing.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just do good things—we teach kids why those things matter. We connect the dots between actions and values, so children can see that their contributions, no matter how small, really do make a difference. We also put a huge focus on accessibility—our projects are inclusive, easy to join, and designed to be meaningful for families from all backgrounds.
At the core of it all is my personal mission: to create World-Changer Day Makers and Joy Seekers. I believe in raising kids who notice the needs around them, who show up with kindness, and who find joy in making someone else’s day a little brighter.
What I’m most proud of is the community that’s grown from this—families who are raising thoughtful humans, kids who are leading with compassion, and the ripple effect that grows every time someone chooses to help. If you’re new here, I hope you’ll feel inspired to jump in and get involved. There’s always room at the table—and together, we’re doing something really special.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn is the idea that you have to be young to start something new. Imposter syndrome is real—and it hit me hard. I’d catch myself thinking, “I’m too old for this,” or “Younger people are more creative, more tech-savvy. Who am I to try and build something now?” That kind of self-talk was holding me back in a big way. I would scroll through social media, compare myself to others, and convince myself that I’d already missed my window.
It took a lot of unlearning to realize that none of that is true.
I had to reteach myself where confidence actually comes from—not from outside validation, but from knowing your purpose and showing up anyway, even when it feels scary. I had to accept that if anyone is judging me, they’re not my people—and they don’t belong in the world I’m building. Just because I have a career, a family, and a full plate doesn’t mean I can’t chase something meaningful for me too.
And I really had to unlearn what “success” means. I used to think it was tied to money, titles, material things. Now I know that my definition of success looks very different—it’s about impact. It’s seeing kids light up as they help someone else. It’s watching families come together around kindness. It’s helping people believe in themselves and feel empowered to make a difference.
That kind of success doesn’t care how old you are. It just asks you to show up and try.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
While Neighborhood Sprouts is still a small team supported by a board, I’ve worked with many people throughout my career, and I’ve learned that leading with heart is everything. For me, it all starts with showing up—being involved, checking in, and genuinely asking questions. When people feel seen and heard, they feel valued. And that’s something we all crave—recognition that our ideas matter, that our presence counts, that our time and energy are appreciated.
High morale doesn’t come from grand gestures—it comes from simple, consistent moments of connection. Celebrating small wins. Acknowledging effort. Saying “thank you,” even when someone is “just doing their job.” Because you never really know what someone might be carrying outside of the work you see. Life can be heavy. But when someone takes a moment to say, “Hey, I appreciate you,” it can lift a weight you didn’t even know they were holding.
Gratitude is powerful. It keeps people motivated, connected, and willing to show up not just for the work, but for each other. And that’s how you build a team that thrives—not just on productivity, but on purpose and care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theneighborhoodsprouts.com/
- Instagram: @theneighborhoodsprouts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theneighborhoodsprouts/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-o-shaughnessy-0235ba123/
