A Generational Impact

When most people are asked what they do, a common pleasantry, he or she will answer with a job title. They will say something like, “Oh, I’m a teacher.” For some reason which psychology could probably speak to, people define themselves by how they contribute to the work force, not by who they are in their family unit or how they participate in society. They speak not about happiness and interests, but how they earn income.

Though Frank Staropoli has an accomplished career—he’s a formally trained chef as well as the director of business development at a prominent firm—that isn’t what he leads with when asked the small talk query. Moreover, most people who know the self-proclaimed “lover of joy,” know him first as a father, husband or community advocate. They might not realize his other successes until later, because he drops the pieces of who he truly is everywhere he goes, like the undeniable Live Oak dropping acorns. Those acorns are the axioms of his life: faith, family, friendship and philanthropy.

Staropoli, a New Jersey native who relocated to the Lowcountry in the eighth grade, is particularly known in Dorchester County for his giving spirit. Though he can be seen supporting the community at almost any charity event, even taking home awards like the Junior Service League’s prestigious John Tupper trophy for community service, one particular cause stole his heart and prompted him to develop a now thriving charity, The Beacons.

The Beacons is a group of qualified male and female volunteers who meet weekly with young students in need of some type of extra support from community members. The goal is to provide these at-risk individuals with guidance on a consistent basis which they can count on every week. The mentors provide encouragement, friendship and opportunities these students might not otherwise receive. Sometimes the program provides more basic necessities like food or clothing when they see a need. The big goal is to create a safe and stable space where kids are able to exhale and dream a little bit. It’s about creating that chance, that break that everyone needs at some point.

Summerville mayor Russ Touchberry calls this kind of work “generational impact,” meaning it is work done now that can cut someone off at the pass and change the trajectory of their entire lineage. By doing that it can change the trajectory and mindset of entire communities.

Staropoli decided to step in front of a moving train that can mean poverty, crime, food insecurity or just low self-esteem, and he is diverting with the help of others. Once it’s re-routed in one life, it’s often re-routed in the lives that follow. Staropoli said, “Like myself, when people select their communities, they want to plant roots in what they consider multiple things. Some of those are school district, safety, opportunities for businesses, community activities and proximity. It is up to us as its residents to preserve and simultaneously develop the best of what we come to love. Communities will always change, but how it does, depends on us. There are many vocal individuals, but not all actually roll up sleeves and get involved. I want to create a community that my children want to raise my grandchildren in.”

One of the community members who have hopped on board with Staropoli is Heidi Gordon. Newer to Summerville, she immediately saw a place to serve.  Gordon said, “When Frankie asks you to be a part of something, you don’t hesitate. You know it’s going to be worthwhile and fulfilling to all parties involved. Watching the progressions of eye rolls to hugs has been pretty amazing. Being a mentor to my sweet girls fills my cup.”

Staropoli cites his own childhood as a catalyst for the type of work he’s doing. Though he had strong family members to look up to, times weren’t always easy. His family, which had thrived in New Jersey, found struggle and loss after the closure of a restaurant and labor of love in the Lowcountry. Staropoli changed his “entitled” mindset to a “humbled” mindset when his father worked multiple jobs from sun-up to sundown to make ends meet. During that time, Staropoli also found his village in mentors. Adults stepped into his life, looking after him, encouraging him and motivating him. He recalled, “To think the bonds and relationships being created with each mentor and mentee can literally change or propel their direction in life — and how that could lead to how they treat others, enter the workforce and parent — is amazing. My own daughters constantly hear my gratitude and appreciation for my own mentors like Sam Clark, Johnny Leviner, etc. These men helped shape me into the man I am today because of an investment they made into me at a young and impressionable age.”

When asked about his future goals, though Staropoli hopes for continued success and a fun retirement like the next guy, right now it’s just to “keep serving.” He doesn’t set his sights on peaks to summit but places every day to keep making an impact, and it’s clear that most of his goals aren’t even about him, but about those around him. “I don’t try to plan ahead for specifics in terms of service. I have always found that the best servant leaders are not those who make plans to seek out board roles or organizations purposefully. It has been my experience that I am more successful when the relationship happens organically. The only board position I have pursued was Beacons development, because I believe in its mission so much. My other board involvements have occurred when their executive directors have reached out and had a transparent conversation with me over coffee or lunch to discuss their goals. I do decline what does not align with my personal beliefs because I believe it keeps me sincere. I will still support other organizations in other forms, but to serve, it really must speak to my heart and my personal purpose. So, for that I try not to plan out too far in advance. I prefer to let God and my heart guide me. I like surprises.”

The community also loves the kinds of surprises Staropoli has in store and can be certain there are more to come. Impacts put into motion by Staropoli and his volunteers will surely be felt long after the forebearers have departed. One day these roots will run generations deep. Smiles will be on faces Staropoli will never see, because of the ones —often missing their two front teeth — which he has helped to craft. ϒ

To learn more visit BeaconsMentoring.org.