Photo courtesy of Charity Schaulis

This section highlights a local person of interest and admiration, a person whose achievements, manner, leadership, and/or character distinguish them.  If you know people we should include, please apprise us at editor@candor.news, and we will interview them for future issues of Candor. In your submission, include the person’s name, noteworthy traits and accomplishments, and their contact information.

In this issue, we are highlighting Charity Schaulis.

1. How did you get established in Wichita and what keeps you here now?

Thirty-two years ago, and two months after we were married in my home state of California, my husband Rick accepted a promotion at Excel Beef, Cargill’s meat division headquarters here in Wichita, Kansas. Our adult children and extended family live coast to coast, but in Wichita the cost of living affords perks like travel. Here we enjoy lifelong friendships in a supportive community.

2. As you look back over your life, highlight a couple of your most satisfying accomplishments or contributions.

I’ve had the honor of contributing to several start-ups. Seeking competition while coaching Forensics, I hosted local competitive speech and debate tournaments for over 500 homeschool students, 24 of whom competed at the national level. Continuing with classical education, I coached Forensics and Value Debate for a new start-up school, the Classical School of Wichita. In 2009 I helped launch the 21st Affiliate of Christian Youth Theatre as the first Board President and Managing Director. But the test of my leadership came in 2013 when comedian Robin Williams committed suicide and I was serving as Executive Director of HopeNet, a local faith-based nonprofit offering coaching and counseling.

At a time when mental Illness was equated with mental health and stigma was highest amongst the Christian community, I found my voice. Sharing about the importance of practicing mental health, I experienced the distinct privilege of watching the community around me wake as the entire nation began to recognize the need for practicing wellness. A million-dollar-plus renovation campaign emerged as an outcome of an exponential increase in donor support (by over 10 times), facilitating an increase in the number of persons served by HopeNet from 200 to 3500 persons per year by the close of my tenure.

My personal highlight during this season was earning the trust of philanthropists and leaders in our city, many who sought advice in times of crisis or transition. This led me to gain training and skills to build their natural strengths while practicing wellbeing to meet goals. Today, as an Associate Certified Coach I find great satisfaction in coaching highly functional people who move forward exponentially in confidence and contribute to our community and the world.

3. What have been the happiest, most fulfilling times of your life?

Experiencing the joy of my family connecting and caring for one another is particularly gratifying because I no longer take it for granted. Meeting my husband, building a new life together with our 3 children has been my greatest priority and fulfillment. Having survived a significant family crisis, our family now enjoys the sweet joy of redemptive healing as each member has grown more in faith and respect for one another. Honestly, my most fulfilling times are spent on my knees as I surrender and trust God with what is most dear. Last month, our son became engaged and I am profoundly happy as our family continues to grow and embrace change together.

4. Favorite things:

I truly enjoy prayer, Bible reading and exercise because they provide the fuel I need for the remainder of the day. I find pleasure in projects that involve color and texture such as decorating and sewing. My soul is renewed when exploring God’s creation while hiking or walking along the beach - and my husband and I love to travel and explore places near and far.

5. Life is full of teachers and lessons. What are some key lessons that you learned early to great eventual advantage?

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area during the “Make Love Not War” Flower Child era of the late 60’s and early 70’s. Raised by a single mother, I learned the importance of education and achievement to change one’s life trajectory and put myself through college. I came to the end of myself in my second year of college, however, and discovered the unknown God named Jesus who met me in my college dorm room.

Fast forward 25 years into our marriage and a successful career. Our youngest child took a dive into alcohol abuse. This brought me to my knees as our family system shook and nearly crumbled. Courageously, each member committed to our family and embraced hard personal work. As only God would have it, I was forced to practice what I preached, especially in regards to practicing wellness, and took a life-changing sabbatical, which provided the renewal I needed. Today, our daughter is sober and thriving of her own accord. Through our season of suffering, I learned to love God through surrender and stewarding myself, His beloved. In this practice, I am able to love others more intuitively.

6. In what most significant and non-physical ways have you changed over the course of your adult life?

I learned the importance of letting go of adult children. Like watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon only to let it fly away to unknown dangers and toils, parenting adult children is about releasing control. I had to let go of my hopes and expectations. I thought their lives were a reflection of mine; when instead, they need to explore their own reflection. In this, I found my reflection in Jesus and his great love for me which does not waiver with their choices.

7. Tell us about the last really good book you read.

White Fragility. Every. Single. Person. Should. Read it. I gained a whole new perspective on hidden bias and gained insight into what it means to love my neighbor as myself.

8. In this difficult season of pandemic, did you learn – or have reinforced – anything about yourself?

The pandemic allowed me to slow down in ways I didn’t know I needed. My husband and I focused on daily disciplines and discovered ways to travel virtually. We began an adventure of experience together through studying one continent a month; we will complete our trip around the globe in March.

9. Any life regrets?

“To regret deeply is to live afresh.” – Henry David Thoreau.  I have many regrets, yet none at all. Regret reveals my humanity and exposes my need for grace. May God use my faults to teach me how to love God, myself and others more deeply.

10. What will be a hopeful path to Wichita’s future well-being?

Love your neighbor with simple acts of kindness. This works best when you know what loving them actually looks like -- to them! Our community will benefit if we take a position of life-long learning, while promoting round-table, critical discussions. In terms of individual contribution, knowing and developing your own strengths will increase your potential impact and help you identify effective ways you can invest in the community around you.