60. Open Mic: Wholly Kicks

“Where there is no hope, it is incumbent on us to invent it.” 

–Albert Camus

I’m so xcited about this T&T Open Mic session because we are finally discussing a topic I have been waiting to unpack for a while, those experiencing homelessness. In times like these, we have more people than ever experiencing homelessness or are one paycheck away from being in that position. This is a very real reality and it’s something that anyone of us could face at any time. Today I sit down with Tyg Taylor, the Founder and Executive Director of Wholly Kicks. Wholly Kicks is a 501(c)(3) that supports those experiencing homelessness and economic disparity in North Aurora, Colorado and surrounding communities.  Wholly Kicks provides new shoes, love, encouragement and mentoring to those living on the street, in the neighborhood, and in the public-school system. Tyg is a long-time pastor (over 28 years) and left his church to move to the heart of Aurora to not just help a community in need, but genuinely be a part of it. He knew it was important to be amongst the community he wanted to serve, so he moved in and established Wholly Kicks. Tyg has an incredible story of loss, triumph, and hope. He breakdown so many pieces around homelessness, including language, understanding, approaching someone in that situation, and more. I just wish I would have had this convo years ago (like ALL the open mics!!). Empathy and understanding are at the base of a better future. This cast is really for anyone and everyone, we all need to understand each other more and the sooner we do, the sooner we can get to a more peaceful space. We don’t often get to walk in each other’s shoes, but if we can have a conversation and listen, we’ll at minimum be reminded that we are all human, seeking many of the same things: safety, shelter, love, and support. Home really is where the heart is. Broaden your perspective and extend kindness- always. 



Tyg”er” Taylor

is the founder and Executive Director of Wholly Kicks, a 501(c)(3) that supports those experiencing homelessness and economic disparity in North Aurora, Colorado and surrounding communities.  Wholly Kicks provides new shoes, love, encouragement and mentoring to those living on the street, in the neighborhood, and in the public-school system. 

For 28 years, Tyg lead an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregation in Monument Colorado and spent much of his time working among those living on the street in Colorado Springs. In January of 2019 he moved into the diverse neighborhood of North Aurora to live a new season of life on “mission.”  Tyg now “works” as a street pastor along the Colfax Corridor, filling his days with interactions with those whom he loves most in the world.  

Tyg”er” is a creator of fun cocktails, a cooker of well plated food, a grunty lifter of things CrossFit, a teacher of street things,  a so-so theologian, and at least a few other things.


WHOLLY KICKS

WHO WE ARE: We are here not for income, but for outcome

Wholly Kicks is a non-profit organization whose presence in Aurora, Colorado, and the Denver Metro area, exists for the purpose of “walking with” those in impoverished areas or those at risk of or, experiencing homelessness. Through the distribution of new shoes and socks, the focus of Wholly Kicks is to mentor and build relationships in “walking with” individuals who for varied reasons, find themselves experiencing economic disparity.

https://whollykicks.org

@WhollyKicks 

22. Naval Academy “Fails” Blaze Successful Life Long Leadership Trails

The first cast of 2020 and we are coming in HOT! SO appreciate this cast as Tim shares a detailed journey thus far from being a high school water polo stud, scouts honor (he was a Boy Scout too:), to him chasing the drive to serve which eventually lands him at the Naval Academy. The Naval Academy is not only one of the toughest schools to get into, it’s one of the toughest to stay at… and he pushed his luck, just enough to learn some lifelong lessons that have helped him in his most successful pursuits today. If you have ever wondered what it takes for a young person to make such a commitment, this is a good cast to listen to. It might not provide all the direct answers, but it will provide insight to a young ambitious mind seeking something beyond themselves. Perhaps a great reminder for us all to get back in touch with our young selves, our thoughts, dreams, hopes, and early life lessons. Remember when you thought you could do anything? Back to that.

It is as if every challenge presented in your life was a planned step for the next larger play, one that you don’t even know yet- but subconsciously seek. Who knew? Well, anyone that has failed and thought that it didn’t work out, only to give it some time, look back and see that it did. Every fail leads to success if you can keep you vision clear and helmet on, we are here for long game folks. Larger order in motion, keep the faith. AKA, negatives can be positives if you so choose, it’s not what happens, it’s how we react. 


Highlights

Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react. Voting for different parties, but having the same core values. PATRIOTISM. Your smart, authentic, 18-year-old self. Stereotypes. Influencers and early mentors. NASA as a neighbor and Beyoncé as a home town hero. Continuous life lessons of not being enough, only to make the choice to be more. Choosing your own destiny and rising to the challenge. 9/11. The call to serve. The balance or work and play. 


Tim Tacl (his words:):

If you want some pre-academy stuff I can talk about water polo & swimming varsity all 4 years of High School. Beach Lifeguard as a High School job (6+ rescues NBD) 😉 the attraction to serving our nation and 9/11 being a catalyst….

@hyperlite8


Spire Financial

Tim Tacl

After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, I served as an Officer in the Navy for just over six years. When it came time to leave the service I sought out an industry, and more importantly a company, that aligned well with the traits and values I gained during that time. I joined The Spire Team at AmeriFirst Financial Inc. because it is truly a family environment centered on providing our clients with the best service in the industry. I’m proud to be a part of such a great team and in a career that I can still continue to be a resource to the community around me.