JT-Olson-1.jpg

JT Olson

Author, Founder & President of Both Hands

Forty years after being orphaned as a child alongside his four siblings, JT Olson went on to start a faith-based non-profit serving orphans and widows called Both Hands. Their goal is to fulfill the call in James 1:27 to care for orphans and widows by alleviating the financial burden facing families considering adoption.

Both Hands helps families organize service projects for widows while raising funds for their adoptions. Similar to a 5k race, a family gathers a team of volunteers who raise sponsorship for their day of service with the funds raised going towards adoption expenses or adoption grants. Over 1,400 Both Hands projects have been completed across 45 states and have raised $20+ million for adoption costs, and counting!

Olson’s personal tragedy gave him an overwhelming understanding of the need to find loving homes for the world’s orphaned and vulnerable children and inspired his family’s life-altering decision to adopt their daughter, Grace, from China. His book, The Orphan, the Widow & Me, captures his powerful story through God’s transformation of pain into passion, the joy found through adoption and the value of choosing life.

Speaker Location

Nashville, TN

Travel Notes

Speaking and travel fees are handled on a case by case basis. Please contact team@bothhands.org for more information.

Speaking Themes

JT has spoken at various churches, corporate events and conferences across the country (CAFO, Replanted, RE Conference, HOPE Conference, Renew Retreat, Filled, Cross Point Church, Brentwood Baptist, etc.) With over 20 years at the Southwestern Company coaching and motivating sales teams, his enthusiasm is infectious, bringing energy, engagement and humor to any audience.
  • Turning Pain to Passion – His life story of being orphaned and how God used his pain to adopt their daughter and eventually start Both Hands
  • A Kinship Adoptees Perspective – Sharing his experience of being adopted by his aunt and uncle with a focus on encouragement for foster parents and kinship adoptions
  • Organizational Leadership – 10 Principles of building and leading a healthy organization
  • How to Fund Your Adoption – Covering grants, loans, fundraisers and other financial assistance available to help families adopt debt free

Links to Previous Speaking

Row rect Shape Decorative svg added to bottom

Stay connected with news and stories of impact in your inbox