Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Salinas .
Hi Kayla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began with a suggestion to volunteer, which I initially resisted. I was told that giving my time freely to others without expectation of reward could be a foundational piece of transforming my life. At first, I was downright dismissive – self-centered and set in my ways, I didn’t want to give up my free time. But I was desperate to leave my old life behind and create a new path. As I started volunteering, I discovered a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I had never experienced before.
Today, I realize the small percentage of time it takes out of my life to give back is a worthwhile investment. It grounds me and reminds me what I’m doing here on earth. It allows me to get out of myself by being of service to others. Over the past two years, I’ve focused on bringing awareness and support to resources for those who might need them.
This journey has led me to establish my own nonprofit, a men’s sober living home, where I’m committed to providing a supportive environment for men to grow and thrive. I want to emphasize that this work is not about personal gain, but about the progress and impact on the lives of those we serve. I’ve seen firsthand how society often tells those struggling to “toughen up” and “get it together,” but I believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to turn their lives around. By providing structure, routine, and a supportive community, we help individuals build the foundation they need to succeed.
As the Executive Director of TARS Awareness Texas, I’m passionate about promoting inclusion and awareness for individuals with a rare genetic syndrome that often goes unnoticed or misunderstood. I was introduced to this cause while volunteering for a local race director, where I met Marla, the founder. Her mission resonated deeply with me, and I’ve been drawn to helping others who feel invisible, overlooked, or marginalized. Through this work, I aim to amplify the voices and stories of those who need to be seen and heard.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While volunteering and giving back has been a profoundly rewarding part of my life for over six years, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. On the personal side, I’ve found that giving back actually gives me more time to myself, as it reduces my worries and stress. However, as the Executive Director of TARS Awareness Texas and founder of my own nonprofit, I’ve faced significant struggles.
One of the toughest aspects has been navigating the business side of things. I’ve had to balance empathy and understanding with making tough decisions that benefit the organization as a whole. This has sometimes meant delivering difficult truths to people I care about, which can be emotionally taxing. Additionally, I’ve had to learn to be accountable to others, including my team, donors, and the individuals we serve. This accountability extends not only to them, but also to myself, as I strive to maintain the highest standards of integrity and transparency, recognizing that my actions reflect not just on me, but on the nonprofit as a whole.
By holding myself to these high standards, I’m committed to upholding the trust and reputation of our organization. Another key lesson I’ve learned is that I can’t save everyone or please everyone. As a leader, I’ve had to prioritize my commitments and focus on what’s best for the organization, rather than letting personal feelings or financial interests guide my decisions. It’s been a challenging but ultimately rewarding journey, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a recovery coach for homeless individuals struggling with alcoholism and addiction, I help them overcome their challenges and work towards achieving long-term recovery. My approach focuses on setting and achieving small goals and celebrating small wins, which empowers individuals to gain confidence in making positive changes in their lives.
My work is centered on building and developing the skills and strategies necessary for individuals to become productive members of society. I provide support and guidance to help them develop the tools they need to succeed, and I’m passionate about seeing individuals thrive and reach their full potential.
What sets me apart from others is my unique perspective and approach. As a recovery coach, My passion and conviction are rooted in a genuine desire to help others, and I believe this shines through in our one-on-one interactions.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
So many opportunities to meet new people and make new connections in positive environments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/kayla.salinas1/profilecard/?igsh=cGY4MXI4aWl0bDlo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayla.salinas1/profilecard/?igsh=cGY4MXI4aWl0bDlo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16NvKFwkgB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
