Well another year has come and is almost gone. Our community has fed and clothed itself and made a difference again in 2012. Every year our “meal count” rises. The stories become “closer to home” and the needs continue to increase, as do the stories of success.

The year 2012 brought more hunger, more need for coats and clothes and groceries to “make it to the end” of the month. Families Feeding Families and the Hope Chest has assisted with finding jobs and housing and “making connections” because it is needed.

This year has exposed families to the weathers of situations many have never experienced before and together we will continue to make change. Our organization focuses on meeting basic needs … the needs necessary to move to the next level – finding work, and improving situations. When a parent or family is concerned about food, shelter, clothing or basic safety then they are not able to venture past meeting the basic needs. Have you ever tried to focus on a lesson or meeting when you skipped breakfast and you are getting really hungry?

You are not able to focus completely and miss information because of your body aches, thoughts of providing a meal, bed or coat. We have parents and grandparents experiencing this on a daily basis. This is not acceptable. Hunger, cold toes, babies without a bed is not acceptable and is a problem here. Just this holiday week, our organization has had 4 family calls needing assistance – some needed food assistance, some needed a couple of coats and blankets. We had a young lady desperate for a second chance with the legal system and community.

Because we are truly local, because it is a part of us, because we know the outcome of “no,” we stop and meet the needs. You stop and meet needs … you do this because You are a part of Families. Together we make a difference in our neighborhood and community and the needs continue.

Remember, behind ever statistic is a story, and a person – a part of a family… it is a mom or dad or brother or sister or son or daughter. Every story matters. As we hear these stories, often times we are able to connect people to other opportunities, perhaps assisting in enrolling in advanced studies, assisting with a resume and clothes for a job interview. We have been able to connect employees and employers. Because of each of you, Families Feeding Families meets a huge range of needs and opportunities. We are able to make such an amazing impact because of the willingness that you as a community and individually provide. This is because Families Feeding Families is made up of each of you – together the impact is so much more that what one person or family could ever accomplish alone. Since 2004 we have watched families become clean and sober. We have witnessed birthdays and loss of “family.” We have celebrated homes being bought and beds being “found.” We also pray with and for families experiencing loss and fear and daily struggles that “shouldn’t be” in America.

The “face” of hunger continues to evolve into middle class … families needing assistance includes working families who have not needed assistance previously. We are serving families who continue to serve in our communities. Families Feeding Families continue to hear stories of working families experiencing unexpected medical expenses, families are being turned away from federal programs as well as food pantries due to “religious” choices or being over income guidelines. This is a problem. Hunger and need is exactly that, there is not a magic number that allows individuals and families to automatically “be okay” because they are over income.

We meet people daily with stories of pain and fear. We meet families working and budgeting but due to a childhood illness or perhaps a parent diagnosed with an illness or disease, life changes in the blink of an eye. These are the families we are seeing on a daily basis. We have to continue to join together to make a difference in our community.

You are a part of the Family. You make a difference. It is up to you as to what we can accomplish together. Families Feeding Families provides food, clothes, support, guidance and other connections within the community on a daily basis. This service meets many basic needs for life.

Last year, Families Feeding Families spent $80,000 and provided over $900,000 in charitable acts within our community – your neighbors with no qualifications. We ask questions so that we may be able to continue to meet needs and actually make a difference in the lives of people we come in contact with. Families Feeding Families non-profit organization makes a difference with a 2013 budget of $92,000 for the upcoming year. Families Feeding Families is completely local, we receive no state or federal funds because we believe it is our responsibility to take care of our neighbors.

We also believe in God and know that with God all things are possible. We believe in prayer. We have everything we need “right here.” We (FFF and the community) have made a difference every year since 2004 and will continue. The need for community support is great. Families Feeding Families continues to need your community support. We need your prayer, time and donations. Families Feeding Families needs you to continue the success in our community.

For more information, call (580) 230-9142 or email tish@familiesfeedingfamilies.org.