Denise Mancall, co-chair of the Family Crisis Services committee, reports on the success of our Adopt a Family project:
I just wanted to share a photo of the holiday gifts for our adopted family from the shelter. I am overwhelmed by your generosity, and can only imagine how touched our adoptees will be. As you may or may not know, we had a modest budget that the board approved. However, through the last minute appeal to the NCJW membership and generous response of donated items and monetary contributions, we raised a substantial additional sum to spend on the family. I am happy to say that every item on the list — including a Samsung tablet for the eight-year-old — was purchased, as well as a wide range of kitchen items needed to set up a new home, and gift cards to Walmart, Target, Olive Garden and IHOP.
I think you’ll agree we’ve helped to provide this woman and her children, who are in a very difficult situation, a spot of happiness as they make their way forward. I can’t thank you all enough for your help with this.
Throughout the year we provide personal items for shelter residents who have had to abandon everything. An advocate on the Family Crisis Shelter staff writes: “On behalf of Family Crisis Services, and people who use our services, I would like to thank you for your ongoing donation of welcome bags for our emergency shelter. As you may know, many people fleeing abuse leave everything behind when they come to us. Your support helps us provide them with the basic necessities, and to make the shelter feeel that much safer and more like a home.”