Johnson County family gives $25,000 to the homeless shelter that helped get them on their feet

OLATHE, Kansas - Stephanie and Shomari Tillman have come a long way in eight years.

Today, they own ikros.com , a branding agency in Olathe.  During a time when many companies are staying lean, they are expanding.  The Tillmans measure their success on their ability to give back to the community.

"At the end of the day, we aren't looking for a big fat bank account.  We want one for a moment so we can give back," said Stephanie Tillman.

The Tillmans just donated $25,000 to the Salvation Army's Family Lodge in Johnson County.

They are sponsoring Room # 4 when the Salvation Army opens its new shelter in 2012.

"She (Stephanie) came up to me and said I want to make a contribution to the campaign and she said my family and I want room four.  It took a moment to sink in and the I realized that's the room they stayed in and they want to sponsor it and I got all teary eyed," said Major Mark Martsolf with the Salvation Army.

The Tillmans moved into the Salvation Army homeless shelter eight years ago with their two small children, Desiree and Isaiah.  The move came just days after the couple married. 

Stephanie jokingly calls their time in the shelter a four month honeymoon. 

"To have an opportunity to sit in four walls and look each other in the face, see our children right there every day... and look at each other and say what today?" said Stephanie.

When Stephanie and Shomari were in their early twenties they used and sold drugs.  After one too many traffic violations, Shomari landed himself in jail for a month and a half. 

"There was a guy who talked to me (in jail) and said you have one of two options: you can get out and do what's right or you can continue in this lifestyle.  But you will either be dead or end up here.  At (that) point, I realized it wasn't worth it anymore," said Shomari.

Around the same time, Stephanie had her own epiphany in chruch. 

"I saw this girl... she (talked about how she) had overdosed... and I just lost it.  (I thought) I can't let my kids find me like this.   That's not o.k." said Stephanie.

When Shomari got out of jail, that's when the couple decided to get married, move into a shelter and clean up their lives.

"They (the Salvation Army) did do a lot as far as getting us back on our feet but it came down to us as a family coming together and saying we can make a change and we can make a difference with their support," said Stephanie.

Instead of running away or feeling ashamed, the couple embraced the help and opportunities that came their way.

A defining moment for Stephanie was when a documentary filmmaker approached her about designing a poster for a fundraiser.  Even though Stephanie didn't have a background in design, she took a chance and then another and another.

Over the years, Stephanie taught herself graphic design, accounting and business and eventually started her own shop.   Shomari has stood by her every step of the way.  But now, he's getting ready to start his own journey: music ministry.

"One thing I've learned is good things can happen overnight and great things can happen over time.," said Shomari.

Today, Isaiah and Desiree value the importance of giving back just as much as their parents do.  Desiree spent her 12th birthday ringing bells in front of a Walmart.  It was her idea. 

"Being homeless made us stronger and gave us something else that pushed us," said Desiree.

"Not many kids go from homeless to greatness," added Isaiah.