Helping Hands Newsletter

Amy has been a patient of ours since before we began our Women’s Empowerment Program in 2007.  She slowly began to get involved over the years, progressively participating in the activities, educational programs, and support group open discussions.  She began to express that she wanted to better herself, seek employment, and try to find a place to stay.  We researched vocational opportunities and she was most attracted to the career openings in the UF Health/Shands system.  The only difficulty was her lack of any education that would qualify her.  She then went to work on her education.  She enrolled in basic English and Math classes at Santa Fe College last year. Although it was sometimes difficult for her, she never gave up.  Almost every week she would proudly boast of her progress.

Recently, Amy received her certificate of completion and test scores, which she could not wait to show me.  We went upstairs, and announced her accomplishments to thirty of her female peers. Everyone applauded, including volunteers and staff.  She cried happily, I cried, many others cried with the pure joy of self-worth and pride that she exuded and so richly deserved.  We are also proud to announce that she is now working part-time at Shands still to this day!

This story and many others are what “puts gas in our spiritual tank”, and inspires us to continue what we feel is important work.  But none of this is possible without good people like you who support this endeavor.  You are part of our team and share in Amy’s success.

Donations help us make a healthy difference in the lives of our community’s homeless & poor population.