Get Money Do Good

by J.D. Vermaas

Twelve Children. Four Countries. Two Capitalists. One Story.
Debut author J.D. Vermaas confronts autism, human trafficking, capitalism, and conventional methods of "doing good" in this brutally honest adoption memoir. With the spirit of The Blindside and the “love does” heart of Bob Goth’s Dream Big, Get Money Do Good tells this family's epic journey to a dozen children. Having become successful in business beyond their wildest dreams, Drs. Garry and Jodi Vermaas embraced a deeply felt responsibility to do the most good possible. Having a son with autism spurred them to rescue 11 more children out of slavery and sexual exploitation. From Southern India, across China, and to the Philippines, they endured government opposition, financial ruin, broken bones, and children who-they were told-might never love them back.Face-to-face with fierce opposition, wild success, and unthinkable heartbreak, J.D. Vermaas takes you on a life-altering journey that challenges everything you know about altruism. Her action-packed memoir illustrates a life of relentless faith while opening your eyes to the possibility of changing the world one messy story at a time.

Genres: Nonfiction

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2020

Reviews

[Tina Strohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a family with heart, grit, and unwavering love. Get Money Do Good made me laugh, cry, and change the way I look at what it means how to do good. You take a trip through the slums of Manila where sex trafficking is thriving on kids that search for belonging in this dark world, to a family riding its a small world. You see their heart as they maneuver through difficult challenges from diagnosis of autism, to losses of dear loved ones, and scary medical moments all the while trying to do good in a world so harsh and unforgiving. This is an unforgettable tale of loss of life, businesses and family and the journey to find family in the mist of it all. A must read for everyone.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Get Money Do Good,” by J.D. Vermaas, PhD, is the memoir/biography of multi-millionaire humanitarians/social justice warriors who practice what they profess. Drs. Jodi and Garry Vermaas are the parents of thirteen children, (two biological, eleven adopted). Some were rescued from child trafficking or destitution, while others have a different story. This remarkable couple tells the story of how it all happened, how they opened their hearts, minds, and bank accounts to help children have a chance in life.

Some people merely talk about doing good in the world. Some wealthy people would never dream of parting with their hard-earned cash. But these two doctors see it differently. What started as a personal mission for their family has blossomed into a worldwide community/movement of do-gooders with similar stories of how they use money to make a difference in their own neighborhood, or around the globe.

This memoir will do two things: 1. Break the stereotype of the selfish, greedy capitalist who cares only about dollar signs. 2. Demonstrate that one person, one couple, or a family with the finances and will to do so, can change the world, one person at a time.

I like the spirit of this couple–Jodi an experienced counselor, life coach, and motivational speaker, Garry a successful architect and engineer. The stories they tell, from multiple points of views and family members, really bring you into their lives and motives in an intimate way. You do see their family and how devoted and committed they are as parents. They decided to use principles of honesty and integrity in their giving, instead of using established charities, giving straight to the person in need. This was the method that worked for them, and they encourage others to do the same.

Money can do more than buy mansions or yachts. It can save a life, feed a person, create families, make homes, and offer hope. Though their mission and adventures have been rocky–some of their experiences seem right out of a Lifetime movie, but they really happened–they stuck to their ideals, which in turn will inspire you to be the hero in someone’s life. Come along to meet this special family. “Get Money Do Good,” by J.D. Vermaas, PhD, is more than a memoir. It’s the story of one couple’s calling.

[Barbara Bamberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get Money Do Good
J.D. Vermaas, Ph.D.
Review by Barbara Bamberger Scott

In an engaging family chronicle, with far-reaching global implications, author, counselor and mother JD Vermaas shows how personal and professional aspirations can intermingle with charitable idealism.
Telling her story from the voices and viewpoints of four of its characters, debut author Vermaas paints a vivid picture of how she and her entrepreneur husband Garry, two of the voices, combined their career goals with a sense of higher purpose. Both were graduates of Columbia University who started their married life in comfort in the US. An economic downturn stymied Garry’s ambitions, so with a business strategy he had been carefully devising, he moved JD, son Garret, daughter Jolyn, and baby Shi Ya, adopted in China - to Qatar, where he would design an Emir’s palace. There JD reluctantly accepted that women had no significant status, and Garret refused to be educated at a posh private school that required him to wear scratchy uniforms. Garret, the third of the book’s story carriers, was burdened by autism. Fortunately, his own intellect was finally acknowledged despite his unusual ways and he came to enjoy being part of pack of adopted siblings that would eventually number 12, including himself and Jolyn. Angela, the book’s fourth voice, is a third world orphan living every day in hunger, fear and desperation, unable even to imagine the “happy ending” that she will eventually experience. Her sorrows, terrors and survival instinct provide a counterpoint to the safety and comfort generated and shared among the Vermaas family circle.
...Finding and taking to heart each new child required international travel – to China, India, and the Philippines - offering a distressing picture of the culture and surroundings these “unadoptable” little ones sprang from. The adoptions sometimes entailed governmental/bureaucratic interference and a high level of frustration for the determined couple, up to the last titanic effort – six siblings at once. Sincere Christians, Garry and JD tried to interest home churches in supporting orphanages overseas, and as these pleas were rejected, they decided that their tithes would go to the children rather than the church.
Now residing in Tennessee, the author still imagines at least one more child who needs to be added to the family. Writing is a new field for her and she has proved herself well suited to that endeavor in this lively multi-viewpoint chronicle, a well-executed device neatly tied together in the book’s satisfying conclusion. Those who read her vibrant creation may find it almost unbelievable at times, but doubtless there will be those who will want to follow the less-traveled road depicted by JD Vermaas, responding to her strong, distinct yet simple credo: if you can help, you should.

[Naslha Espinal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and messages all packaged in with incredible writing and use of POVs. An entertaining, insightful, heartwarming, encouraging story of a family of 14 changing the world by doing good in their way.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get Money Do Good by J.D. Vermaas is a powerful true account of many adoptions into one family.
From a family of two children it grows to twelve as the Vermaas parents open their home and hearts to children who are unwanted and damaged.
The family live in America but adopt from overseas. Their son has Asperger’s so they understand all about love, care and patience. Their hearts are huge and full of love.
Get Money Do Good is an inspiring read about an amazing family. The chapters alternate between the voices of four of the family members. There is honesty, heartache and above all – love.
Their home can be summed up as:
“You are loved. You are wanted. You are safe.”
This was such an amazing, powerful and inspirational read. I can highly recommend it.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! There aren't adequate words to describe how amazing this book is. It covers so many topics and issues in an entertaining way while maintaining a non-judgmental feel, even when the author is describing something their family disagrees with.

The book description compares it to Love Does by Bob Goff, I would say it is a combination of that and Weconomy by Craig & Marc Kielburger & Holly Branson. It explores the idea of doing good through capitalism (two things that are often considered mutually exclusive) and questions the status quo of ministry, giving, and charities. It gives a very honest glimpse into one family's life and struggles including special needs in both biological and adopted children and how those struggles impact the parents and siblings in both wonderful and hard ways. Issues include the difficult hurdles involved in adoption and the red tape that hinders traditional ministry approaches.

All of these issues are addressed through the simple telling of this family's amazing story. The entire story comes across as humble sharing and a thought provoking conversation without judgement, accusations, or proclamations telling you how YOU should be doing things. Their story is one way of doing good and changing lives, your story will likely look different but you will be inspired. Read this book, ponder the issues, come up with a way to do good yourself!!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was amazed by this story! I really liked how the perspectives switched between the different members of the family.
I loved the heart of this story, I loved the passion to help the vulnerable children. I really admire people who go out and DO something!
I understand the frustration of the red tape that many people face who want to help.
I loved the messy truth of the adoption stories, I loved the raw honesty of how hard it can be to love a child that fights you, and continue to fight for them. This world needs more people like this, who are willing to go out and help kids even when it isn't pretty.
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions are honest and completely my own.

[Jolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!! This book is one of the best books I have ever read. Dr. Jodi Vermaas really speaks truth about life, she is such an amazing lady. This book fits every title. If your looking for a how-to, this is your book. If your looking for a lifestyle book, this is your book. If you to be inspired to get money and do good then this will always be your book.

[Sou Hi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very heart-touching true story about how an American family grows into a multinational family.

Please see my full review here.
https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...

[Starla Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. Very eye opening.

[Shirley Alarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get Money Do Good has something for everyone. It’s a backseat pass to the Vermaas’s worldwide whirlwind adventure as they build their family in an extreme, non-traditional way, with the intention of doing good in the world. In Get Money Do Good, Jodi and Garry begin their journey on the traditional road of donating to charitable organizations and working through the ‘normal’ philanthropic channels, only to find it doesn’t work well for accomplishing their goals. The ensuing ‘we’ll do it our own way’ path is an inspirational example of creating a family, while doing good.

The memoir unfolds using alternating voices of both Jodi and Garry, their birth son and adoptive daughter. The varying voices give beautiful insight into the challenges and rewards of building a super-sized international adoptive family. Ms. Vermaas doesn’t gloss over the painful losses, difficulty of the lifestyle they’ve chosen, and the physical and medical challenges of most of the children, making the successes seem even sweeter. This unflinching openness brings credibility to the Vermaas’s interesting and inspirational journey.

The backdrop of capitalism and the need to work hard for the money that’s necessary to attain the things we want to accomplish in life is inspirational for anyone who aspires to a monumental goal. The exposure of the dire needs of children around the world provides tough but necessary insight for every reader.

How this book affected me: Inspirational narrative nonfiction is my favorite genre, so I was looking forward to reading Get Money Do Good. As a former foster mom, I could feel for the children coming from dire conditions who needed families. I particularly enjoyed hearing the adoptive daughter’s side of the story, but the various voices of the parents and birth-son gave a well-rounded perspective. It might seem impossible for two working parents to give twelve children the time and attention they need, but for children who need a loving home, it could be a Godsend, as this story conveys.

Who would enjoy this book: Narrative nonfiction fans who enjoy inspirational adoption or family stories would enjoy this book. People searching for purpose in their own lives would be inspired by Get Money Do Good. This book covers business-minded ground, traditional and nontraditional parenting, global missionaries, non-profit organizations, and finding your unique path in life.

Our Christian Book Reviews: The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books – adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. Our specialty is books on faith and new Christian book releases. We’re proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers. Our publisher partners include New Growth Press, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Revell and BakerBooks, divisions of Baker Publishing Group. I chose to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jennie Louwes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is told from a handful of distinct yet intertwined perspectives. It's this way of telling and sharing the stories within that makes it a 5-star book, a must-read, and most noteworthy of all: Memorable.

Not only will you remember all of what you've read but you'll also be left with the desire to "Get Money" and "Do Good" within your own accord to join forces in changing lives and making a true difference in the world.

Angel's story is the one that haunts. It's how this book begins and ends that pierces you to your core. It's the miracle that you want to see come to fruition but has yet to manifest. It's the knowledge of how many young people are lost, suffering, being taken advantage of in the worst ways possible; the knowledge of neglect and abuse that's intolerable and we all know must come to an end, but how? One rescue at a time. One child at a time. One adoption at a time; and, sometimes, six children at once!

The most frustrating aspect of this read for me, as a Christian, is the knowledge that churches as a whole sometimes get things wrong. It's the red-tape and human failings found within leadership. It's legalism instead of passion. The head instead of the heart. The expansion of buildings locally rather than the expansion of the tent pegs of God's kingdom globally. It's humans getting in the way of God's plans, playing it safe, and thinking too small.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is create your own path. The Vermaas family has done this time and time again. Getting uncomfortable, starting over, taking countless leaps of faith to advocate for those that are disadvantaged within various people groups around the world to include the children within their own family.

This book will take you around the world to places you've most likely never been and will open your eyes to the plight of others in such a manner as to leave you questioning how you too can "Get Money", "Do Good", and become another change maker this world (and its children) so desperately need.

A must-read! Deepen your well, fill it up, give; but, beyond giving, couple that gift with doing something alongside it. Use your hands and feet and become the hands and feet of Jesus on earth.

*I received an advance review copy, via Reedsy Discovery, in exchange for my honest review.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers the growth of a family from couple's first meeting through their life in the DINK stage, having 2 biological children, living in several states and countries and gradually, the adoption of 10 children from 3 countries. I found it fascinating. I loved their rationale of faith as their reason to pursue monetary gains to achieve good works.

The story is told from the perspectives of the mom, dad, biological son (who is autistic), and their adoptive daughter. In the audiobook the mom and dad voice their own parts, but actors were hired to do the parts of the children. The actors are great and the mom does a good job, but I found the dad's parts to lack expressiveness. In my opinion they should have hired someone to do his part.

Overall it was a very good listen. I would definitely recommend it.

[Alyse Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Get Money, Do Good' was an instant draw and it exceeded my expectations, having read it in less than 24 hours. Serial entrepreneurs, visionaries, and Kingdom seekers - the Vermaas' show how they've built their business and a family differently than most are built. They put the most important things first - seeking God's Kingdom by taking care of His children with every ounce of the resources God gives them. You'll see transparency, truth, authenticity, courage, and generosity through every page of their story. This book will enrich you whether or not you are Christian, a parent, an entrepreneur, or desire to adopt. This book gave me a refreshing new way to look at the world and has encouraged radical change for our family. I hope you have the same experience when you read it.

[Jaimie Homan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book weaves together two ideas that are often depicted as irreconcilable: capitalism and altruism. Readers witness the two in tandem as the family adopts ten children over the course of a decade. My favorite aspect of this memoir is the use of four perspectives, including Jodi, her husband Garry, their firstborn son Garret (whose diagnosis of autism gives his perspective a refreshing, tell-it-like-it-is, sometimes insanely funny twist), and their daughter Angela, whose narrative describes her early life and leads up to her adoption into the family. If you've ever craved a deeper purpose and wondered what you could really do to make a positive impact in the world, you will relate to this author and likely walk away with hope that it can be done.

[Susan Burlew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring true story about a couple with 12 children, ten of whom are adopted. Garry and Jodi worked hard and lived carefully wanting to help as many children as possible. After donating money to their church and other organizations and not always being happy with the red tape they decided that adopting children directly was the best way to really help. They chose older children with physical and emotional damage that no one else wanted. I admire them both but especially Jodi. Just dealing with the schools to get the services the children need was a full time job. She also learned to cook food from India, China and the Philippines to make them feel more at home. An amazing story of giving love. Highly recommend!!!

[Nate Loeffelholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get Money Do Good. Grit, culture, capitalism and tons of love for unique and abandoned children. This story pulls you inside the life of an amazing family focused on doing the most good by adopting and loving children that most people disregard. The journey takes you on the Vermaas’s challenging path from supporting their own two children and then eventually loving twelve. The journey is inspiring, hard to put down and when your finished you will want to do your own good. I was honored enough to be a part of this story and the end result is amazing! -Nate & Sarah Loeffelholz

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I didn't realize I needed when I started it. Wonderfully written to encompass the different viewpoints, concerns, and struggles of those involved. Deeply heartening and enlightening, the book holds something to touch everyone in these days we live in. As with me, there were areas that held an extra level of connection due to a variety of situations and circumstances in my life as well.

[Gina M Poirier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping story told from several points of view about one family’s determination to make a difference in the world. I appreciate how it doesn’t sugarcoat the tough realities about international adoption. It also demonstrates how children with trauma and/or special needs don’t need to be fixed or rescued; like anyone, they need love and an opportunity to shine. Not everyone can raise 12 kids, but everyone can use what they have to show love and “do good.”

[Christy Thedorf · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book for free with honest opinion about the book. I probably made it halfway through and had to give up. It was just too boring for me. This is really the genre that I like about people helping people but there was just too much specifics about things that didn’t really matter. I gave up.

[Lu Hubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing Family

This book made think I should do more good. The trials of the children were quite heartfelt and expressed clearly. The only reason there’s a four instead of a five is that I thought some of the business stuff thatGarry talked about was a little boring. Both the parents’ stamina and attitudes were inspiring.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story about a mothers heart. I’ll admit I wasn’t as interested in the business side of things but I recognize that money is necessary to complete the good that drove her heart. I’d love to read any further books about the inspiring heart of this mother and family!

[Gary Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching story, that pulls you in from the very beginning. Great people.