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SEEING POTENTIAL, NOT POVERTY
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We are thankful for your commitment to Kootenai County as we work together to promote the human flourishing of our neighbors. Here's a peak into what we've been up to:
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Over the summer, we shared about the car, Violet, donated by Joan Woodard. Well, this beloved car recently found a new owner in Chrystal. This "sale" was made possible through not only Joan's donation, but Mountain West Bank
’s budget training and special loan program for Rides, AND Lake City Auto
, who handled the “sale transaction” paperwork to transfer the car from Charity Reimagined to Chrystal.
Rides is such a fun and meaningful program because of how it incorporates so many aspects of our community. Lake City Auto's Operations Manager, Jessica, shares what it means to them to be a part of Rides:
"Ensuring access to dependable and cost-effective transportation is crucial for leading a fulfilling life and being a valuable member of our community. Rides for a Reason goes beyond simply providing transportation to those in need; they offer a vital resource that enables individuals to work, care for their families, and engage in community activities. We are proud to contribute to the positive impact this program has on our beloved community. Donations of vehicles are greatly appreciated."
At the end of the day, Rides is about the people we have the privilege of loving on as a community. We can't say it better than Chrystal herself who sent us this "thank you:"
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"To [the Charity Reimagined Team] and Violet’s donor, (and all the people behind the scenes who I didn’t get to meet!!),
I have drafted and deleted this several times and finally just decided to write a heartfelt thank you. I know it’s long…I’m sorry for that...
When [I was] told... about Rides for a Reason and Charity Reimagined, I had just had my car repossessed. I was oddly at peace with it; I’d lived in that car, I’d been beaten up by my ex boyfriend in that car, I’d survived, and I’d finally chosen life in that car.
I’d made the decision that I wasn’t in a place financially to save it from repossession—and it was also the last remaining symbol of a life I’d left behind. I needed to let it go and move on, however that looked.
I’ve worked really hard to get where I’m at in my life. Everything is going so well. The biggest obstacle for me has been not having a car. I didn’t need somebody to give me a car—I just needed someone to see me for what I am, what I am doing, and to help me a little bit.
Things as simple as buying groceries become even more expensive and difficult without a vehicle. I was doordashing toilet paper in the winter to avoid walking with it in the sloppy, wet snow. I have the work ethic and I earn a good income, but my credit is not so good.
The financial literacy training with Joy (at Mountain West Bank) was a pivotal point in this process. Joy helped me to map out a plan to really take back control of my financial success. I feel more confident than ever that I’m on the right track and that the next chapter of my life will be the best ever. This car not only puts me back in control of my own independence, but the loan will allow me to finally start building my credit, which has been really holding me back.
Someday, I hope to buy a house, so this is also the first step toward that bigger goal down the line.
I’m just so grateful that so many people came together to help me succeed. I’ve worked hard. I didn’t need a hand out, I just needed a hand up. I can’t thank you all enough.
Please keep in touch! I LOVE MY NEW CAR!
Chrystal"
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We all know a single mom raising children and trying to make ends meet on her own – never easy in today’s environment. How many of us know a single dad raising 3 children under 10 on his own? Meet "Andrew:"
Andrew and his wife of 10 years made a home for their 3 children, with his wife working while Andrew was a stay-at-home dad. It all seemed okay, until it wasn’t.
It started with emotional and mental abuse from his wife which led to a separation. It
culminated with his wife hitting Andrew with her car, resulting in permanent nerve damage for him and trauma for the children. With his wife arrested and charged with aggravated assault, Andrew knew he needed to start picking up the pieces for himself and for his children.
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Where would they live? Where could he find employment to pay for childcare and living expenses? How would he help his children heal? He needed support and assistance from multiple people to close these gaps.
He was determined to figure it all out
.
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He sought counseling for himself and for his children through the Kroc Center. He then reached out to Love, INC where he learned about and completed their budget coaching program. They also submitted a Christmas for All Year (CFA-Y) application to assist with rent for one month while he looked for employment and more affordable housing. CFA-Y was also able to provide him with Super 1 food cards to ease the stress of feeding his family.
In just six months' time, he found housing and employment, and he and his children are diligently attending counseling. He is working with a workforce training organization to improve his skills which will lead to a better paying job. Andrew hasn't only worked hard to overcome these hurdles for himself. He has started to think about starting a support group for single Dads to help others in similar situations.
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Andrew is resilient and determined to provide a better life for himself and his family. He is receiving critically needed support and resources - think development, not charity - from multiple organizations that are helping him and his children get through this very difficult year. Most importantly, they now have hope for a future filled with opportunity and success.
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DOING BENEVOLENCE BETTER
(with dignity)
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Reimagining charity is about digging into how we help the needy:
Not just loving with our hearts and hands but loving with our minds, too.
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Through stories like "Andrew's" and Chrystal's, we see firsthand the need for personalized compassion. What are some tools that can help us as charitable organizations practice individualized care
?
This article
published by True Charity
outlines 3 tangible steps that can change the narrative of not only those you serve but of their entire families:
1. Encourage
natural affiliations
whenever possible.
Broken relationships are painful, and it’s easy to run instead of restore. You have an amazing opportunity to encourage the restoration of family relationships – if and when it is possible for those
relationships to be healthy
. Not only are individuals hurting, but their family likely is as well. Get used to asking, “Where is your family?” and be prepared to dive into the messiness that comes with family relationships.
2. Restore hope through achievable goals.
Many individuals can’t think past their current situation. They are defeated
and don’t know that a flourishing life is possible. In short, hope is lost. Their poverty reaches far beyond a material need.
Creating achievable goals can restore hope in the lives of those we serve. As created beings, made in the Image of God, we were made for a purpose. Work and productivity were given as a blessing before the fall of man. Therefore, work tends to awaken worth in an individual. Create goals. Empower them to reach them.
3. Help restored families establish boundaries.
Trust has been broken in many of these families. Families are afraid to be taken advantage of. They may also fear creating unhealthy dependency instead of empowering support.
Working with restored families to create solid boundaries
can help ensure healthy connections. Boundaries exist for the good of both parties involved, as family demonstrates trust in an individual, and that individual is held to high expectations.
These practical steps empower us to walk alongside our neighbors meaningfully, digging deep into the true wounds and seeking healing and hope that endures.
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REFERRING PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
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IdaHope Families
is a nonprofit ministry of Jesus Christ that empowers local church communities to provide compassionate support to families in crisis. Their vision is to equip families in crisis with solutions for success, keeping children safe and families together during difficult times.
IdaHope Families steps in when families have no one to call to help them during overwhelming circumstances.
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Referring Partners are the boots on the ground, our community's Unsung Heroes, serving the poor who refer their clients to Charity Reimagined for specific assistance tailored to our work.
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BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
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Leading cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kevin Johnson and his skilled team at Advanced Aesthetics
specialize in helping clients find the perfect aesthetic treatment for their busy life. They serve patients near Spokane, Washington, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and surrounding areas to enhance their quality of life.
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Business Partners offer their services at a discount in order to meet the needs of those rising out of hardship. They give clients the dignity of interacting in the business world for their needs, not just receiving handouts. The role played by these partners cannot be overstated!
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Donor's Corner: Why We Give
"My wife and I strongly support Charity Reimagined because it focuses on transforming chronic dependence into sustainable, holistic growth for individuals and families. By partnering with various organizations, they emphasize dignity and responsibility over mere handouts.
Additionally, their commitment to establishing measurable outcomes ensures that their efforts are effective and impactful
."
-Brad and Shariae Dugdale
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If you're new or would like to learn more, we'd love to grab coffee with you and get connected. Your partnership makes effective charity in Kootenai County possible.
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OUR VISION
No matter how big or small, no single church, charity, or “helping” organization can meet all needs. But, by all of us working together through communication and collaboration to identify categories of care and responding appropriately, pride can replace shame, hope can replace despair, and lives can be changed.
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