Kym Gordon Moore is an award-winning poet, freelance writer, and transformational speaker selected as one of the contributing authors to the 2010 Chicken Soup for the Soul Series, “Thanks Mom.” Moore, author of Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit, is also co-founder of “Favorite Things for a CAUSE (Creating Awareness by Understanding Setbacks through Edification),” which promotes hope, goodwill, and mentoring by collaborating with community alliances. As one of the 2009 General Mills Feeding Dreams Community Champions for the Charlotte market, Moore was recognized for her volunteerism with Dove’s Nest, a subsidiary of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. Proceeds she received from General Mills were donated to the capital-building fund for a new expansion facility for Dove’s Nest. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and expects to complete her MBA by the end of this year.

TCW: What are the last three things you Googled?

K.G.M.: The Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County; New York City Advertising Agencies (for one of my graduate classes); and Consumer Reports (for the best LCD/HDTV sets).

TCW: What article of clothing transforms you into your strongest, most wonderful You?

K.G.M.: Accessories are an absolute necessity to complete the attitude of my wardrobe. I am by no means a petite woman, so dainty does not do it for me. My personal accoutrements are oversized (borderline gaudy), unique jewelry indicative of the fabulous, vintage Hollywood era. For me, it just ain’t done until it’s overdone!

TCW: What can you not work without?

K.G.M.: In our techno-savvy world, it’s imperative to have my computer accessible for the daily things I have to do. However, while I am traveling, I must have a good writing pen (either my Mont Blanc or a fountain pen, along with my journal or a notepad).

TCW: What project, cause, or personal effort are you passionate about right now?

K.G.M.: The cause that has really grabbed my attention is the new face of homelessness. This rapidly spreading epidemic includes more women and children than we’ve witnessed in the past. I didn’t realize just how widespread this problem was until I began volunteering with Dove’s Nest, a subsidiary of the Charlotte Rescue Mission, in 2007. Dove’s Nest is a women-specific recovery program that provides a loving, highly structured Christian environment to help women understand and deal with the core issues of their alcohol and/or drug addiction. As with many organizations, this area needs more financial support for programs, assistance and placement to help these individuals return stronger, healed, and as a viable contributor to society.

TCW: What was your first job?

K.G.M.: The first job that I received my first “real” paycheck from was working as a part-time cashier for Kentucky Fried Chicken, when I was a junior in high school. I adored and had the utmost respect for my store manager and assistant manager, who were a husband and wife team. They treated all of their employees with fairness and as family. For me, that was incentive enough to come to work and do the best job I knew I was capable of doing. Plus, I was able to save up enough money to make a down payment on my “first” car, a 3-speed, 1973 Ford Mustang Fastback that I wish I had today!

TCW: Your best day looks like ...

K.G.M.: Whether I’m feeling my best or not, every day is a good day to celebrate the gift of life. I try to approach each day with a grateful heart.