Current Appeal

Today, James lives his life helping others.  He gives back anyway he can because he is so grateful for the help he received throughout his life.  James was the youngest in his family of 2 brothers and sister who raised him after his mother was murdered.

After finishing high school, James worked in the building trades for several years, and then as an information desk agent.  He was making enough money to start a family and raise 5 children of his own. James said, “I was an athlete when I was younger, I was strong and vibrant.”  He had been involved in leadership at his church and he was doing okay, until one day when he encountered the man who had murdered his mother.  He was traumatized. 

He began using alcohol and drugs.  Beer, liquor, marijuana and eventually cocaine.  James could see he was in a downward spiral, he said to himself, “I need help.”

James knew it would take a lot of effort and commitment to turn his life around.

He attended and completed an addiction rehabilitation program.  He then attended and completed training at a culinary institute which he paid for himself.  James was ready to begin again. He was confident, proud, and secured a good job.  James worked as a chef for the next 12 years.

One day while working, he injured his back lifting product.  James suffered in pain for days and later learned he had herniated 3 lower discs in his back.  Unable to work, James began to lose the mental and physical strength he had acquired.  James relapsed into his alcohol addiction for a period of years until he recovered once again.

Today, James said, “Things are a lot better.  I have been clean for five years,” which is about the same length of time he has been visiting FONP. 

James said, “You help people, you help a lot of people. You don’t pick and choose who you help.  The staff is friendly, they treat people with respect, the food is great.”

Recently, James moved, and lost his food stamps due to a mix up with his mail when he changed addresses.  He was again grateful for FONP.

“You help so many people out, clothing, you even give showers, stuff like that, a lot of people don’t have that stuff.  I think that’s a great idea.”

Your gift is incredibly helpful to people like James who said, “Personally, you all help me.  When I needed clothes, you were here.  When I needed a meal, you were here.  So, I just want to say thank you.”

 

 

Because of you, James is happy and stable. Thank you for helping care for those in need in our community.

Thank you,
Sincerely,