Do Something More-Nonprofit Spotlights & Ways to Serve Your Community • 91. ‘Turtle Shelter Project’ and Bringing Warmth and Hope to Homeless Individuals with Handmade and High Tech Vests (with Founder and Executive Director, Jen Spencer) • Listen on Fountain
91. ‘Turtle Shelter Project’ and Bringing Warmth and Hope to Homeless Individuals with Handmade and High Tech Vests (with Founder and Executive Director, Jen Spencer)
91. ‘Turtle Shelter Project’ and Bringing Warmth and Hope to Homeless Individuals with Handmade and High Tech Vests (with Founder and Executive Director, Jen Spencer)
Send us a textTrigger warning: this episode mentions suicideJen Spencer had spent 20 years as a meth addict and was living on the streets of Ogden, Utah during a particularly cold and bitter winter. She remembers the feeling of cold completely overwhelmed her, zapping her energy and even her will to live. During a particularly dark and broken moment, she decided to reach out to God in prayer. The answer she received during that prayer helped her to start a rehab program. Only three months into her recovery she learned about the technology of foam clothing and instantly knew this was something that could help many in the homeless population.It took a few years, but she was finally able to find affordable ways to use this technology and design a vest that could be given to homeless individuals. That was the beginning of her nonprofit, the ‘Turtle Shelter Project.’ Now through organized service events they are able to create and distribute over 1500 vests each year, but as Jen says it’s not really about the numbers. It’s about helping people be able to make the choice to stay one more day so they can find hope, healing, and recovery.Listen to this episode to hear Jen share her story, her relationship with God, and how she knows He has helped direct her every step of the way.Links mentioned in the episode:Turtle Shelter Project WebsiteTurtle Shelter Project InstagramTurtle Shelter Project FacebookFollow the podcast on social media:Do Something More InstagramDo Something More FacebookDo Something More YouTube
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Do Something More is a service-oriented podcast dedicated to sharing inspiring stories of people and organizations who are making a difference. Each week, host Melissa Draper highlights the helpers—volunteers, nonprofits, community leaders, and everyday individuals—who have found meaningful ways to give back and uplift their communities.Through heartfelt interviews and practical solo episodes, this podcast explores real stories of service, acts of kindness, humanitarian work, and grassroots impact. Listeners will discover simple, actionable ways to serve, volunteer, give back, and create positive change in their own communities.Whether you’re looking for ways to get involved, searching for volunt...