Hi Everyone,
From unhoused to sheltered. From no education to enrolled in daycare and school. From blind and in pain to healing with partial vision in one eye. From unemployed to employed. From alone to having a community.
It is with immeasurable gratitude that I send this message to you all.
Roughly 40 days ago I sent a message out pleading to join together to help a family in dire need. This family walked into a cold shelter at Hope South Florida having nothing but the clothes that they wore. A mother, a blind father and 4 children including a one year old. Another individual that had experienced homelessness himself and is now sheltered selflessly offered his own spot in an attempt to do anything it took to help this family. That is level of kindness being paid forward here!
They needed us and we have all stepped forward to create a foundation that they will able to build success on. In just 40 days we raised enough money to cover one months rent and uber rides to the hospital to get the father the care he needs for glaucoma, we rallied together and pooled resources to help activate daycare, TOPS, provide babysitting, household items, clothing, the mother now has a job and move in assistance into their own apartment. This weekend, the father underwent a surgery at Bascom Palmer to help offset the impact of glaucoma. He will see his daughter for the first time. This was all made possible with the power of community awareness. Our collaboration helped to make all of this possible.
In just 40 days. These lives are forever changed for the better. The number 40 holds symbolic meaning in various cultures and religions, often representing a period of trial, transformation, or renewal. Many of us even set 40 day goals. Why 40 days? Habit formation!
Research suggests that it takes around 21 to 66 days to form a new habit. A 40-day period falls within this range, making it a suitable length to establish change! So there are a little more than 40 days left to plan our impact for Fort Lauderdale Cares Day and there is still time to make a big impact in the next 40 days.
Upcoming ways to help:
-An ongoing collection of gently used items, diapers, non perishable food and clothing. I will be hosting a sorting day on 3/22 and would like to invite you to help. Host a collection. Clear out your closets or come by and help us sort and deliver to organizations that directly help those in need.
-Stop by Ruth Ministries on any Thursday morning to help out with a meal.
-Help provide eye exams and glasses on the last Saturday of the month at LifeNet4Families
-Have something that you would like our help with? Respond to this email with an idea and let’s make it happen!
Look what we helped create so far this year and let’s keep going!
Thank you for being part of our team.
Sam
More ways to connect:
Follow me @wishconnect for upcoming events – and tell anyone you think would like to get involved to follow our work too
On YouTube for instructional how to help videos for local services
Check out www.wishconnect.org to sign up to help and to learn more about the community in need