-01.png)
(NEIGHBOR SPOTLIGHT: Etta, 73)
As we wrap up 10 years of ministry, it’s humbling to reflect on how the Lord has used Kind at Heart and this community to bless others. We are incredibly thankful for our ministry partners and are encouraged by the faithfulness of so many supporters who make another year of ministry to the aging and disabled possible. Because of your generosity, we are helping more and more of our “Neighbors” regain a sense of independence, honor, and quality of life. Neighbors like Etta.
At age 73, Etta (pictured above) doesn’t have the luxury of retirement or fancy vacations. She wakes up before the sun several times each week in order go to work, where she makes homemade biscuits for hungry customers—oftentimes individuals enjoying their retirement years over a cup of coffee and small talk with friends.
We first met Etta when she reached out for help last fall. She had been struggling to get up & down the steps of her trailer home (which had been given to her after a house fire in 2013), and was risking a fall, subsequent injury, and loss of work & income. With the financial support of a local church, we were able to build a ramp that supports her ongoing safety and independence. At that time, we also set her up for additional support through our maintenance program, which continues to this day.
While some organizations provide “once and done” interventions, Kind at Heart aims to build a pathway to relationship through consistent and meaningful support. Just this month, we had a volunteer group deliver 4 ricks of wood to our friend who relies on a wood-burning stove to heat her poorly-insulated trailer (see pictures below). And as part of a bi-annual maintenance check-up, we discovered a 2-inch gap on Etta’s front door AND a kitchen sink in need of some love. Thanks to the support of this community, she can look forward to washing her dishes in a warm home, without having to worry about whether or not she emptied the bowl of water that’s been catching dirty dishwater under her sink.
Your support makes serving Neighbors like Etta possible.
So far this year, we have stood on the doorsteps of 170 homes and have completed more than 580 projects for Neighbors receiving our support (40 of these projects focused on making a home safe and accessible for a mobility-impaired Neighbor). This is a 29% increase over 2017! On top of that, nearly 3,000 hours of volunteer work have been poured out, reminding our friends that they are valuable and worthy of investment.
And the year's not over!
As the aging population continues to grow, we must also grow to meet the increasing need. There are many more “Ettas” in our community that need the help we can provide. But like most things, it comes at a cost (see graphic above). It is only through your generosity that we can continue to meet increasing needs with the type of love and support that never runs out! We need you!
Would you prayerfully consider giving a year-end, tax-deductible gift toward the mission of Kind at Heart? Your financial gift enables us to build ramps and bring encouragement to some of the loneliest in our community. And through your generosity, we can bring the “Sweet” back to “Home Sweet Home”. . . kitchen sink and all. Giving a gift is easy.
We are so thankful for you and the support that has made loving our Neighbors possible these past 10 years!
May God richly bless you,
Wayne Thomas
Founder & Director
Comments