We recently connected with Shellie Lonchiek Rabon and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shellie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have worked on is the non-profit I started back in 2008. I have always been a creative type and wanted to adopt at some point in my life. After my first son was born, I started volunteering my time at a group home that housed youth that were abused, abandoned or neglected. From there Calebs Dragonfly Dreams was started.

Shellie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Calebs Dragonfly Dreams is a non=profit organization that helps abused or neglected youth that reside in group homes. We travel to different group homes and provide positive activities. Activities include jewelry making, glass blowing, tie dye shirt making, canvas painting, leather work, etc. We also get them out of the group homes and do fun outings like waterpark days, fancy dinners, summer camping trips, and winter hiking to waterfall trips. Our work doesn’t stop there. When the kids turn eighteen and age out of the system, we still keep in touch with them and make sure they know we are still there for them just like a traditional family would be.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Non-profit management 101 is a book that I read to help me get my feet on the ground. I also spoke to the director of the group home that I volunteered at. I think it helps to speak directly to a person who has been in your shoes before and ask them for advice. I think you need to keep an open mind. I originally went into the idea of a non-profit thinking it was going to go in a certain direction but once you start helping you may need to pivot once you realize there is another area that needs your attention as well. As an example, I didn’t realize that when the kids age out of the system at eighteen, they are completely on their own. They still need guidance and that family to come back to whether it is for relationship advice or just to know someone still cares.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Just seeing the smiles on the kids faces when they make something. A lot of the kids come to the group homes with nothing of their own. We help them create something they can hang on their wall that is theirs or develop something unique. The non-profit host a fun family fundraising event called the Mythical & Medieval Fest that really gets my creative juices flowing as well. I get to create a whole whimsical village for everyone to enjoy and raise money for a great cause!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.calebsdragonflydreams.org
• Instagram: Mythical & Medieval Fest

Image Credits

Shellie Rabon & Dave Gombka