An apple is an apple is an apple...
About Me
My Bio
I am a seasoned resource development professional, serving various faith-based, community development, social service, arts & culture, and educational nonprofits for more than 35 years. I help mission-driven people and organizations reach for their potential by acquiring and multiplying resources to be effective in serving some of the world’s most vulnerable individuals and communities. I am part of Franklin Federated Church in Franklin, Massachusetts, am a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and reside in Norwood, Massachusetts, with my two cats, Neo and Trinity. I have a BA in Community Studies from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and an MS in Leadership and Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University. I am Principal at Fruit in Season Consulting and can consult with small to medium-sized nonprofits needing assistance with fundraising, marketing, public relations, and communications. Learn more at www.fruitis.net.
Love is love is love!
“This simple story makes my heart sing! ”
Reuben M. Reynolds, III
Music Director, Boston Gay Men’s Chorus
“The Crabapple Tree is an important book that will help children know that their innate differences from others should be embraced and cherished.”
Hubie Jones
Founder, Massachusetts Advocates for Children
Dean Emeritus, Boston University School of Social Work
The Crabapple Tree
June 2, 2019
The Crabapple Tree is about bravery, courage and standing up in the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition, criticism, judgment, and invalidation of personal identity. It is about crushed hope that is restored and dreams that were snuffed out being rekindled. It is about the gender-neutral artist who was told over and over again, "You will never amount to anything if you follow your creative heart." It is about the athletic girl who was told, "You aren't pretty enough," or the sensitive boy who was told, "Real men don't cry." It is about the non-traditional family with two moms or two dads who are told, "Your union is dishonorable, and you are a threat to my religious liberty." And it is about me, a gay boy who grew up in a whirlwind of pious legalism, convinced that something was terribly wrong with me. It is a story of hope deferred and a renewed belief in the fulfillment of longing. It is a story that elevates the marginalized and calls forth the ostracized. It is a story about the Greatest Voice speaking into the hopeless heart saying, "I see you. I made you. I love you. I want you. Never forget that love is love is love."
100% of proceeds from sales of The Crabapple Tree in all formats, ebook, paperback, and audiobook from June 2 through July 15, 2019 will go directly to support the mission of Boston's Higher Ground, a wonderful nonprofit in Boston that helps at-risk kids and families in some of Boston's most vulnerable neighborhoods. Go to www.higherground-boston.org to learn more about Higher Ground!
"My name is Penny and I know my purpose!"
Coming
Penny's Purpose: Choosing Purpose Over Pain to Live Your Truth
This book will tell the story of how one penny inspired collective action that raised half a million dollars to help a small school in Boston to get a new playground.
Featuring a Collective Impact Primer: The 5 Pillars of Purpose for Mission-Driven People and Organizations
Get In Touch
Use the contact form to inquire about speaking engagements or to arrange signing and reading events for The Crabapple Tree.
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