Fall/Winter 2015 Food for Thought newsletter

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Fall/Winter 2015

For

Food Thought In this Issue... Sue’s Corner Food Assistance Client Support Adult Education Building Update Youth & Family Volunteers Donor Relations Thrift Shop

Fall Food Drives: Nov. 3 - Election Day Food drive at all polling sites in Beverly Nov. 29 – Holiday Parade Food drive along the parade route

One Hard-Working, Kind-Hearted Family About three years ago, a family arrived in Beverly from Nepal to take advantage of the better opportunities available in this country. Mr. Singh arrived first and was eventually joined by his wife and their three children. They knew only limited English, so life here wasn’t easy for this family at first. In fact, their first winter they did without heat in their apartment so that they would be able to afford to feed their children. Once the youngest daughter’s teacher realized their situation, she recommended they seek assistance at Beverly Bootstraps. Asking for help was not easy for this proud family, but for the good of the children they did so. We initially helped them apply for fuel assistance, and then made sure they were aware of our many other programs in which they could get involved. Their first stop was a visit to the Food Pantry, where they were able to get nutritious staples and fresh produce. After these initial visits, Mrs. Singh said, “The staff at Beverly Bootstraps made me feel so welcome and at ease. It was like heaven.” With a little assistance from Beverly Bootstraps, they were able to lower their rent by moving into Beverly Housing, where they also have access to the Mobile Market program for additional seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. Mrs. Singh quickly graduated from the English Language class and started our job readiness program. Soon after, she was able to get a job as a Personal Care Assistant and currently works full time. The Singhs love their children very much. To be sure the children have gifts at the holidays, they have enrolled their family in the Adopt-a-Family program requesting only a few important items for each of the children. And to ensure the children are ready for each new school year, they have always registered them for the Back-toSchool Bonanza backpack program. The parents’ goal for the future is to keep working to ensure their children stay in and finish school. When given a little bit of help, and the correct tools, this family was able to work toward their own self-sufficiency, get established and build a successful life that they can be proud of in their new country. Thanks to donors like you, we have been able to provide them these resources to help them on their way. *Names changed for privacy


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