Empowerment, Heros, And One "Empowered Man"

Yesterday I talked about Empowerment and how it is the process of enhancing the capacity of individuals or groups to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes.

Today, I am gong to share with you a real life example of a truly "Empowered" individual...a man, loving father, devoted husband, devout christian, a friend of mine, a friend to many, an example for us all...real Empowerment! Sgt. Henry Prendes was a detective in the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, until a little over three years ago when he made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty...doing what he did best..."helping others".

I had the privilege of meeting Henry about 5 years ago through a mutual business associate. I was immediately impressed by the passion he displayed for helping others. As I got to know him on a more personal basis, his true Empowerment became very apparent. Each time that I would go out to visit him and his wife Dawn, I would step into their home and would notice that they had contemporary christian music playing on the sound system. As we would talk about different things, our conversation would frequently get around to a topic that we were both passionate about...helping others...especially under-privileged kids. At that time, I was in charge of "Kids Ministry" at a local church, so we often threw ideas back and forth. Henry had a dream... to purchase property in a country setting and build a christian camp for kids to attend with no barriers. Meaning that if a child wanted to attend who could not afford the cost, a way would be provided for the child to attend at no cost for them. Henry was already a very "Empowered" individual. He never went anywhere without his Bible. He would frequently be seen having Bible studies with his fellow police officers.

Tragically, a little over 3 years ago, his life was taken from him. Henry "Empowered" so many people around him throughout his life. His influence and dynamic personality were, and are to this day an inspiration to so many people. It is quite possible that his life and spirit have "Empowered" more people in Las Vegas than anyone individual. His dream lives on. His wife, Dawn, vowed to fulfill what he started. Each year she puts on the Henry Prendes Annual Golf Charity Tournament. (Henry was an avid golfer) Proceeds go toward Henry's Place, a charitable foundation committed to fulfilling Henry's dream...to help change lives of young people...to "Empower" them. This will be the third annual event, March 27th of this year, in Las Vegas.

Dawn recently purchased about 15 acres of land in the Cedar City, Utah area with plans to move forward on construction very soon. Strategic partnerships with local businesses have been arranged and forward thinking individuals are becoming more involved and "Empowered".

Civitan International, an organization long known for sponsoring and assisting physically challenged individuals, as well as being involved in brain and spinal research...has become involved, at the local level in Las Vegas..."Civitan On The Greens" in Las Vegas has become a strong supporter and strategic partner with the Henry Prendes Charitiable Golf Tournament.
Mark Eisinger, the chapter president of "Civitan On The Greens" as well as the President Elect of Civitan International, has become an "Empowered" strategic partner with Dawn Prendes, to help see Henry's Dream and "Henry's Place" become a reality.

We as humans, no matter whether we are christian or not, have the ability to become "Empowered". We can help others. We can inspire others. We can make a difference. You can make a difference today. Even something as simple as a smile and a warm greeting can Empower someone...as the Nike logo states..."Just Do It"!

For more information on Henry's dream click on the link http://www.henrysplace.org/
for more information on Civitan International, click on the link http://www.civitan.com/