A Vision in Motion: Jim Greene, Overcoming Adversity & Character Development

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Overcoming Adversity

Character Development

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Biography

Jim Greene has overcome numerous physical, spiritual and emotional obstacles in his life, including two battles with major clinical depressions. Jim courageously speaks to others about ways to overcome depression and despair, while helping dispel the stigmas and myths associated with mental illness. In his presentations, he shares his stories of overcoming adversity to encourage others to avoid becoming victims of negativity and to accentuate the positive. Jim uses his dynamic and inspiring style to inspire others to succeed in life despite their obstacles.

Working in the Mental Health Field for over 15 years with children, adolescents and adults, Jim helps others lift their worlds upward and onward. His captivating programs reflect his desire to guide others towards their goals through encouragement and perseverance.

Program Titles

Overcoming Depression and Despair

My Field of Dreams

Breaking Through into the Zone

Hometown: Hoboken, New Jersey
Family: His parents, James and Antoinette, and his sisters, Mary and Jennifer
Overcoming Adversity: Two battles with major clinical depressions. Jim courageously speaks to others about ways to overcome depression and despair, while helping dispel the stigmas and myths associated with mental illness. Jim believes that his experiences with facing depression and despair should no longer be shunned due to the stigma that society attaches to mental illness.
Education: Masters in Theology, Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J.; Bachelors degree in Psychology, Kean College.
Hobbies: scuba diving, football, basketball, surfing the web, reading books about inspirational people, listening to positive music.
Favorite Quotes: “Love thy Neighbor, as Thyself.” -- Jesus of Nazareth
“It’s always to soon to quit!” -- Rudy Ruettiger, of the motion picture "Rudy"
“The greater the struggle, the greater the victory.” -- Rudy Ruettiger.
“The proof is in the pudding.” -- former coach and motivational speaker, Edward Agresta
Role models: Jesus Christ, my parents and sisters Mary and Jennifer, my friends and those who seek to instill hope in others.
Goals: To share my stories of overcoming adversity and depression to enlighten others. To help people understand that we must remove the shame and stigmas that have been attached to mental illness. People with mental illness deserve the same dignity and respect afforded everyone else in society. Furthermore, to help make the mission and philosophy of A Vision in Motion a reality.
Greatest accomplishment: Overcoming the odds and playing football for 12 years despite those who thought it couldn’t be done because of my small stature. Fortunately, no one can measure the size of your Heart. Graduating from Kean College and later earning a Master’s degree in Theology from Seton Hall University.
Describe the work you do to help others:
Dedicated to working with children and adolescents for the past 15 years, of which 5 of them were in a hospital on an inpatient psychiatric unit helping to heal wounded children. Presently, I am a Youth Minister in Oakland, New Jersey, providing youth with spiritual, physical and emotional programs. I try my best to help them in all aspects of there lives. Overall, I am a simple man, with simple words to say. I try to live each day to the fullest while reaching out to my fellow neighbors with love and compassion.

TESTIMONIALS

"Thank you so much for the exceptional program you presented to the people of St. Valentine's Church. The response from the many who attended was wonderful. You made it a comfortable and informative evening for all of us. Questions were answered professionally and with real compassion. You helped many people realize that they are not alone and that there is help in times of depression and despair. Thanks for all you do to make this a better world for others. Hope to see you again soon." -- Ellen Bilinski, RN--Glen Ridge, NJ

"Jim Greene skillfully and compassionately demystifies, and puts a human face on the illness of depression. Jim's presentation has something for everyone, he talks about the emotional and physiological causes of depression, he displays statistics and talks about surveys, but most importantly he courageously speaks about his own experiences as an individual who has fought two major battles with clinical depression. Jim bravely demonstrates through his own experiences that no matter how far one may fall into a state of depression, there is always HOPE." -- Lou Rusignuolo, Bloomfield, NJ

"Jim had them listening, which is indeed rare with our students." -- Kenneth, Teacher, Passaic County Alternative High School, Wanaque

"He was able to draw their attention and keep them interested - not an easy task with our kids. Great Job, thanks for coming. Our kids need your programs." -- Ms. Lane, Teacher, Paterson Alternative High School

Jim enjoys sharing his uplifting experiences with students, inspiring them with his heartfelt and captivating lessons to build self-esteem and self-confidence. Realizing a Dream: As a young boy at 10 years of age and weighing only 85 pounds, Jim was told that he was “too small” to play football. Ignoring those admonitions, he went on to play football in high school and Kean College on the Division III Level of the N.J. Athletic Conference.

In Football Uniform, 1981

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