Tales of Transformation and Artistry!

Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix -- Welcoming Families Home

Gilbert and Melissa Baldenegro and their two children were living in a lovely home in the North Valley of Phoenix, Ariz. Melissa was a stay-at-home mom who volunteered regularly. Gabriel worked in construction.  Their two children attended the local elementary school.

Then in August, 2008, the subprime housing market crisis hit its peak. Because they were renting at the time, they believed they wouldn't be affected by the turbulence going on in Arizona and throughout the country, until they received a call from their landlord. He had lost his home to foreclosure and would need to move into their three-bedroom rental right away. With only days to make arrangements, pack their home, and find a place to live that would keep them in the area, you can imagine the panic! They ended up moving into the only thing they could afford -- a 500-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment.  

They made do for the first year. But, to avoid this in the future, Melissa and Gabriel decided to explore buying their own home. The first thing they needed to do was improve their credit score so they went to a credit rebuilding agency. They paid $100 per month for nine months to help. But at the end of nine months, the agency had done little to help fix their credit.  

That's when they attended an event for first-time home-buyers. Several agencies, including Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix, made presentations at the event, outlining their services. 

"In that room you could sense the urgency and hope from all who attended," said Melissa.

Melissa contacted Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix and got an appointment right away.  

"From the minute I spoke to NHS, we were invited to 'come in and let us help you,'" said Melissa. "That FIRST meeting was with a housing counselor.  She gave us two tasks to accomplish and told us once they were completed and our credit was repaired, NHS could definitely help us."   

Three months later they returned with their completed paperwork. The information was verified and their case was forwarded to a mortgage loan originator to start the approval process for a loan.

On November 21, the loan officer called Melissa and Gabriel to give them the fantastic news: They had been approved for a loan and should start looking for a home.  

"Only eight months after starting the process we received the best and most amazing Christmas gift," said Melissa.

Ten months later, the Balenegro's were in their new home.

"We are free of scary neighbors, bugs and ever-changing landlords," said Melissa. "I can cook in my own kitchen with all my gadgets. We sit outside and enjoy the air on our bodies as we listen to the crickets, feel the wind, and enjoy the absolute peace.

"My husband works on our lawn as any proud homeowner and researches how to get the greenest grass. We get up and go to work, school, church, the store, wherever, leading our lives and always, at every last turn, there is our home to greet us. We are together and comfortable. We are so incredibly blessed to finally be here."

For more information on NHS Phoenix and its programs, click here to visit the website: NHS Phoenix. 

I'd love to entertain your guests at your next event with your favorite song and a selection of contemporary, light jazz and country favorites! 

Vocalist Andrea Beaulieu, accompanied by pianist Richard Palalay.

New Video Release!

One Heart, One Mind

by Andrea Beaulieu and Richard Palalay

I'm beyond thrilled to share the video Richard Palalay and I produced to share our new song, One Heart, One Mind. We had a lot of help from friends. Richard Gehrke and Robert Zusman contributed their stunning photography. Richard Gehrke and Jim Pfingst helped us learn how to use IMovie -- that was a stretch for me, I can tell you!

Click on this photo to see our video. I hope you will share it. Let's get this message out there!

One Heart, One Mind

A moment (actually 5 minutes) of musical delight for only $.99!

Richard and Andrea have come together to create heartfelt and uplifting music that is emotionally and spiritually exciting and reminds us of our connection to one another.

One Heart One Mind is a song for our time. The song begins with Richard's poignant solo piano intro that draws you in with its simple and evocative mood, setting the stage for Andrea's exquisite and stirring vocals. It picks up tempo and takes the listener on a transcendent orchestral and choral journey filled with hope and happiness.

As an executive speech coach, story performance and presentation skills coach, strategic brand message consultant, and authentic leadership executive coach, Andrea Beaulieu combines her abilities as a speaker, writer and performer to coach her clients to be powerful presenters and tell their stories with enthusiasm and passion.

She has graced numerous stages as a professional speaker, singer and actress. She knows the ins and outs of working with an audience and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her clients, helping them capitalize on the power of the platform and avoid the pitfalls.  

Andrea has trained hundreds of individuals and groups in speaking and presentations skills. She has worked with numerous C-level individuals at international and national organizations over the course of her career, crafting speeches and other communications materials including editorial, branding and marketing communications. She assists individuals and organizations to get to the essence of their purpose, values, and goals and deliver them powerfully and authentically in the world.

As a professional speaker, Andrea has shared her expertise and inspirational stories with diverse audiences including the Women in Intel Network, Scottsdale Healthcare, the American Academy of Family Physicians Women's Health and Physician Wellness Conference, Northern Trust Bank, and the Association for Financial Professionals of Arizona, among others. Additionally, she has performed on hundreds of stages in various venues, and traveled with the international organization, Up With People, singing and dancing at Super Bowl Halftime, the Indianapolis 500, and Bob Hope's Birthday Party.

She is the author of two books, "Finding Your Authentic Voice, Seven Practices to Free the Real You and Find Love, Happiness and Fulfillment," and "Ah Ha! 100 Flashes of Insight and Inspiration from Your Authentic Voice."

Prior to starting her business, she served as director of public relations for Ramada, Inc., as the executive director of two nonprofits, and in management and creative positions with a public relations agency, a national retail company, and an emergency medical standards organization. She is the recipient of numerous awards including The Art of the Show First Place from the International Association of Exhibition Management and the Copper Quill Award of Excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators.

Andrea has received certifications from the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) in Facilitation Training and from the Chemical Awareness Training Institute in Student Assistance and Support Group Facilitator Training. She is an Advanced Communicator Bronze with Toastmasters International. She has a certificate in Transformational Life Coaching from the highly esteemed, nationally accredited Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, Tempe, Ariz., completing an intensive 100-hour course. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in Mass Communications from Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz.