This week on The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast, I had the honour of speaking with someone I can only describe as an Earth Angel . Her story is one of compassion, courage, and purpose, reminding us of the power one person has to make a difference in the world. From a single act of kindness that changed countless lives to her unwavering strength in the face of adversity, Karen’s journey is a true celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. I invite you to take a quiet moment, listen to her story, and feel inspired by the extraordinary impact of an open heart.
There are moments that stay with you because they awaken something deep within your heart. My latest guest, Karen Olson, is one of those extraordinary souls who reminds us what it truly means to live with purpose, compassion, and courage.
When I called Karen an Earth Angel, I meant it wholeheartedly. Her story is one of grace in action, a life transformed by a simple act of kindness that rippled out into the world in ways she could never have imagined. In 1981, when she stopped to help an elderly homeless woman named Millie on the streets of New York City, Karen’s heart opened in a way that would change not only her life, but the lives of countless others.
Out of that single encounter, Family Promise was born, a national non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting homeless and low-income families. What began with one woman’s compassion became a nationwide movement that has now touched thousands of families, offering them not just shelter, but dignity, stability, and hope.
Karen’s journey is one of incredible resilience. Behind her compassion lies deep personal pain, the loss of her mother to suicide when she was only 12 years old. It’s often through our own heartbreak that we find the strength to reach out and heal others, and Karen embodies that truth so beautifully. Her purpose became clear not through what she planned, but through what life presented, a gentle reminder that we are often guided toward where we are needed most.
Even when faced with unimaginable challenges, like the accident six years ago that left her paralysed from the neck down, Karen’s light has never dimmed. Through faith, gratitude, and sheer determination, she continues to move forward, now walking again and sharing her story with such humility and grace. Her spirit radiates resilience; her gratitude, even in adversity, is a lesson in itself.
As I listened to Karen speak, I found myself deeply reflecting on the power of one person to create meaningful change in the world. Her story reminded me of my own small act a few years ago, when I decided to sleep out in my back garden to raise awareness and funds for the Galway Simon Community, an organisation close to my heart that supports those affected by homelessness here in the West of Ireland. What began as a personal gesture soon grew beyond me , the following year, I was joined by family and friends, and today, the Sleep Out for Simon has become their largest community fundraiser in the West. It’s a powerful reminder that when we take one step with intention and compassion, the ripple can reach further than we ever imagined.
Inspired by that experience and by stories like Karen’s, I felt called to do more. In 2020, I reached out to some of my therapist colleagues and invited them to collaborate on a book that would share personal stories of overcoming adversity, healing, and finding purpose. That book, Awaken Your Wellbeing, was launched on November 1st, 2020 and every single copy sold supports the Galway Simon Community and their vital work. It’s yet another example of how when hearts come together, healing expands outward into the world.
Homelessness is something that touches me deeply. It’s easy to pass by and not see, yet behind every person sleeping rough or struggling to find shelter, there is a story, a life, a human being who longs to be seen. Many who experience homelessness describe feeling invisible, as though they no longer belong anywhere. But the truth is, every one of us deserves to have a place to call home, a place of safety, warmth, and belonging. It could be any of us. Lives can change in an instant through illness, job loss, family breakdown, or circumstances beyond our control. When we open our eyes and hearts to that reality, compassion becomes not just a feeling, but a responsibility.
Karen’s book, Meant for More – Following Your Heart and Finding Your Purpose, captures that same spirit, reminding us that we are all meant for something greater when we lead with love. Her story is a living example that kindness, even in its smallest form, can change lives and ignite a movement.
As Karen shared during our conversation, if you are not sure how you can help, maybe start with volunteering, connecting with a local homeless organisation, or simply finding a way to offer your time or support, every little helps. Her message is a beautiful invitation to look within and ask how we can each contribute to the collective healing of humanity, no matter how small our actions may seem.
I am deeply grateful for our conversation, for Karen’s presence, wisdom, and the light she continues to share. She truly is an Earth Angel walking among us, and her journey reminds me that we each have the power to be one too - one act, one heart, one ripple at a time.
Listen to our full conversation here: https://youtu.be/RA3T0j6btBw
November is National Homelessness Awareness Month
Sharon Fitzmaurice
Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Podcast Host