Elaine Livas | The Meaning of Passion

Livas was motivated to start Project SHARE back in 1985 by Cumberland County residents who were continually dismissed by the general public as a problem. She explained that the initiative originated from the combination of a perceived need in the area and her own core beliefs. “No one should have to go hungry” she asserted, “every person has value and is a legitimate member of the community.” Subsequently, Livas set up a makeshift office in the trunk of her Honda and Project SHARE was born. When she needed more space, she moved into the Molly Pitcher Hotel, a building that housed many of the Carlislians whom the project assisted. She described these individuals as to Project Share’s development. They compelled her to see the importance of persistence and resilience in the pursuit of an idea.

Initially, Project SHARE helped community members with everyday tasks that they were unable to complete themselves, such as filling prescriptions, finding furniture for their homes, or moving. Livas soon focused primarily on food dispersal, noting that “the problem of people not having enough to eat in our community, in our nation, and in our world is something that I feel really strongly about.” She did not want to simply give out food, however, because she felt that this would prevent people from becoming independent. It is important to Livas to show those in need that they are capable and that they have value. As a result, the Personal Energy Transportation (PET) element was added to Project SHARE. In addition to receiving food, Carlisle residents participate in the construction of hand-cranked wheelchairs that are given to people who are immobile across the globe. At the workshop of the current Project SHARE site they are able to learn new skills and revel in the satisfaction of helping others less fortunate than themselves. Livas explained that “People who feel they are at the bottom come and build PETs, and they undergo an internal transformation. They are taught to make something that transforms [the lives of] others. PET teaches need.”

Project SHARE’s current goals are to increase PET production, fundraising efforts, and other programs that teach skills to volunteers and those in need. Livas wants to host a welding class at the workshop, which is the only step in the PET production process that does not occur in-house. Additionally, she wants to provide lessons in cooking, food preservation, and gardening. A long-term goal of the PET project is to organize a dispersal trip to a developing country for those who have demonstrated a commitment to the project. Livas is optimistic that community members who rely on Project SHARE will realize through the PET initiative that they can provide assistance to others in the world too.