Introducing “Ten Questions” a new feature to the Prudential Vision Properties Blog. Each week, we’ll ask the movers and shakers of Columbia just Ten Questions. It’s quick, it’s new and it’s only here on PrudentialVision.com!

This week:

Tia Felts, Community Coordinator – Circles

Tia Felts Community Coordinator - Circles

1. What does Columbia need and why?

Our community has been extremely fortunate with the quality of leadership in all of the local elected offices.  I am excited for the upcoming elections to continue the tradition of excellence in regards to leadership.  Our community has an amazing ability to choose diverse community minded leaders, and I look forward to the opportunity to add to that diversity in just a few short months. My hope for the incoming group is an increased emphasis on public service.  Our city is a great diverse community, but, like every community, there are those that need a louder voice.  Leaders who put an emphasis on the importance of community service will in turn, create an even stronger community.

2. What do you do for fun?

I absolutely LIVE to spend time with my family.  With two kiddos, my husband and I are constantly on the go. We love being outside, watching movies, and cheering on our MU Tigers!  My hubby and I love the arts and are always on the lookout for a date night which would include a great show at Jesse Hall followed by a dinner at one of our amazing local eateries!

3. What are 3 things people don’t know about you?

• I married my high school sweet heart.
• I am a very open individual.
• I participated in the local Soap Box Derby in 1993.  I ranked 1st in Columbia, and 7th in my division at the National competition in Akron Ohio.  An absolute MUST for all children in our area.  What a self-esteem booster and  a great opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their children!

4. What’s the best advise you’ve ever gotten and from whom?

I regularly look to both of my parents and my husband for advice.  My father has been known to give some pretty quote worthy advice.  The old trust worthy “Let Go, Let God” sure comes to mind here.

5.  What are 5 things you couldn’t live without?

HMMM,

1. Absolutely my family, each and every one of them
2. (as materialistic as this sounds) My Chi Flat Iron (women that have experienced a Missouri summer know what I’m talking about!)
3. The Four Seasons
4. Mugs Up, Murry’s  and Thin Mints
5. The occasional Pedicure is always a treat!

6.  What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?

Absolutely the family my husband and I have built.  We are so lucky to have amazing family and friends and two of the most beautiful children on the planet!

As far as professionally, I am thrilled to say I am a part of Central Missouri Community Action.  It is such an amazing agency that is focused on empowering individuals to achieve self-reliance.  We are providing a voice for those that go unheard.

7. What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?

I would LOVE to own my own business!  Being my own boss and taking on such a challenge is so appealing.  Well, and then there is that whole want to be a famous star thing… my steering wheel says I have a fabulous voice!

8. What music is in/on your car or home stereo right now?

I absolutely LOVE our local radio stations.  I flip between three or four of the local channels all day: KBIA, Clear 99, KPLA, BXR, and Y107.

9. What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie and The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, both recommended to me by my dad.  Great books!!

10. How would you like to be remembered?

I hope I am thought of fondly by my friends and family as a lover.  I hope my name is synonymous with a long list of accomplishments that are community based.  I was raised by movers and shakers, and by golly, I plan to be one too!!

Bonus Questions:

11. Is there anything else you would like to add or plug?

I am thrilled to be a part of Circles through CMCA.  Circles takes those that are living in poverty in our community and matches them with members of the Middle Income, seeking to get more involved in their community. Not everyone living in poverty WANTS to live in poverty.  Because of this relationship of support, less fortunate individuals feel empowered to strive for their goals.  This is most definitely taking a deeper approach to community service, but the relationships that are created within this initiative, are just inspiring.  I am so lucky to witness these amazing relationships come to life every day.

12. Which Columbian should we interview next and what should we ask them?

Jan Stock Executive Director of Rainbow House.  I truly believe in the difference Rainbow House is making in young lives, and they have a boat load of exciting projects on the horizon.

13. What is “Circles”?

One of the fundamentals of the Boone County Circles Initiative is “Creating relationships across race and class lines”.  We work with individuals living in poverty in our community and match them with an individual of the middle income. Together, they become friends and create a relationship.  We meet weekly where we provide a meal and childcare and after the meal we either welcome a guest speaker or have a group discussion.

It is truly amazing to witness an individual become empowered enough to reach for their dreams, and that is the epitome of what Circles does.  To get the point further across, I ask “who is in your Circle?” meaning, other than your significant other, who would you call if you needed some advice, or wanted to bounce ideas off of someone.  The top two or three people that come to mind are considered in your “Circle”.  Poverty is an extremely isolating place, and Circles tries to provide individuals wanting to better their lives, with a support system.  It is amazing the risks people will take when they know they have a hand of support on their back. 

My primary responsibility is to recruit community minded individuals wanting to give a little deeper than making a one-time donation.  I am on the look-out for people that are looking for an opportunity to give back to this amazing community.

If you would like more information about Circles, please email Tia at:

 tia-felts@showmeaction.org

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