Unstoppable Achievers - Chris Lambert

Summary

In this inspiring interview, Chris Lambert, founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, shares his journey from a small Indiana town to transforming Detroit communities. Through repurposing vacant school buildings into community hubs and engaging thousands of volunteers in annual projects, Lambert's organization addresses disparities in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. His story highlights the power of collaboration and the importance of involving the community in sustainable revitalization efforts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Chris Lambert, the founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, was born and raised in a small town in northern Indiana and had a profound life change after a spiritual encounter in Australia.
• 🏫 Life Remodeled's mission is to address the opportunity gap in Detroit by repurposing large vacant school buildings into community hubs filled with nonprofits that provide services requested by community members.
• 📈 The organization focuses on three main areas of community needs: youth education programs, workforce development initiatives, and access to health and wellness services.
• 🏢 The Dery Innovation Society is an example of a repurposed building that now houses 34 nonprofits, including Detroit at Work, a major workforce development initiative.
• 🌐 Lambert emphasizes the importance of community involvement and learning from the community to ensure that the revitalization efforts are sustainable and beneficial to the residents.
• 💡 The idea for Life Remodeled came from Lambert's desire to support people experiencing suffering and life-controlling circumstances, inspired by his time in Africa and his spiritual journey.
• 👥 Life Remodeled's annual Six-Day project mobilizes 5,000 volunteers to beautify neighborhoods, but Lambert acknowledges that the real impact comes from the services provided in the repurposed schools.
• 🤝 Lambert believes in the importance of collaboration and that everyone involved in the organization learns and grows together, reflecting the name 'Life Remodeled'.
• 🌟 The organization has successfully revitalized six neighborhoods in Detroit, with a focus on not just physical changes but also providing opportunities for education, employment, and health.
• 🔑 Lambert's drive comes from a sense of responsibility, given the opportunities he has had in life, and a desire to help others access similar opportunities.
• 📆 Those interested in getting involved with Life Remodeled can participate in the Six-Day project or other year-round opportunities, including youth programs and community services.

Q & A

Who is Chris Lambert and what is his background?

Chris Lambert is the founder and CEO of Life Remodeled. He was born and raised in a small town in northern Indiana and later moved to Detroit. He is married with two sons and is deeply involved in community revitalization efforts in Detroit.

What is Life Remodeled and what does the organization focus on?

Life Remodeled is a nonprofit organization focused on repurposing large vacant school buildings into community hubs that provide opportunities for education, workforce development, and health and wellness services. It aims to bridge the opportunity gap in Detroit by collaborating with local nonprofits and community members.

What was the initial motivation behind Life Remodeled's establishment?

Life Remodeled was established to address the disparity in Detroit, where residents face challenges such as low median household income, inadequate healthcare access, and a high percentage of students reading below grade level. The organization seeks to provide the community with the opportunities they deserve.

How does Life Remodeled engage with the community to understand their needs?

Life Remodeled engages with the community by asking questions and developing trust. They focus on relationship development to ensure that the community's authentic needs and desires are understood and addressed.

What are some of the services provided by the nonprofits in the repurposed school buildings?

The repurposed school buildings house a variety of services including youth programs focused on education and leadership, workforce development initiatives that lead to sustainable jobs, and health and wellness services such as mental health support and early childhood education.

Can you provide an example of a repurposed school building by Life Remodeled?

An example is the Dery Innovation Society, a vacant school building that was repurposed and now houses 34 nonprofits, providing a wide range of services to the community.

What was a pivotal moment in Chris Lambert's life that led to his current path?

A pivotal moment in Chris Lambert's life was during his junior year of college when he moved to Australia for six months. There, he had a profound spiritual encounter that shifted his perspective and led him to a path of service and community work.

How did Chris Lambert's college experience influence his future endeavors?

Chris Lambert's college experience, particularly his time in Australia and his spiritual encounter, led him to reevaluate his life goals. Instead of pursuing a career in law and real estate development, he felt a calling to help people connect with God and serve communities.

What role does Chris Lambert see himself playing in the community revitalization process?

Chris Lambert sees himself as a learner and a facilitator in the community revitalization process. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with the community to understand their needs and working together to create sustainable change.

How does Life Remodeled's approach differ from traditional charity or gentrification?

Life Remodeled's approach focuses on working with the community rather than imposing changes from the outside. They aim for a multi-transformational process where everyone involved grows and benefits, rather than just providing charity or leading to gentrification.

What are some of the challenges Life Remodeled has faced in their community work?

Some challenges include maintaining the cleanliness and order in neighborhoods after initial cleanups, as well as ensuring that the community is actively involved and invested in the long-term sustainability of the projects.

How can individuals get involved with Life Remodeled's projects?

Individuals can get involved by volunteering for the Six-Day project, which happens annually, or by exploring other opportunities on their website, such as year-round involvement or working with youth programs.