With the holiday season in full swing, I realize you're reading this at a time when we’re all a little busier than normal. As we count down the days until Christmas, the pace seems to quicken as we make last-minute preparations to celebrate with family and friends.
No matter how busy or crazy things get, we can always return to a promise Jesus made: “I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27).
Better than anyone, Jesus understood what would be lacking in our world, and so he left us with what he knew we’d need — peace of mind and heart.
Though my staff and I witness incredible strength and resilience every day, I can tell you that our neighbors need this gift too. And so I’d like to ask you to make a donation so that we can sustain the life-changing programs we provide.
Your support is needed, not only to improve outcomes for low-to-moderate income families, but to help them chart a course toward self-sustainability.
Maintaining Neighborhood House as a vital resource our community can depend on has always been linked to the kindness and generosity of others.
From preventing homelessness, to empowering children and youth, to counseling first-time homebuyers, to ensuring our neighbors have enough to eat — all of it is connected, in way or another, to the care and concern of our partners and friends.
For almost a century, we’ve had the privilege to create ripples of change in underserved communities. That work could not happen without the generous support of people like you.
When it comes to capturing the full depth of what Neighborhood House means to those we serve, words often fall short. The impact is best reflected in the stories of those whose lives we've touched. One such story comes from Carolyn, beloved grandmother and longtime resident of Southbridge.
Carolyn's experiences with Neighborhood House span decades and illustrate the heart of what we do. Here, in her own words, is what our work has meant to Carolyn and her family:
“[Neighborhood House] has fed us when we had nothing. They’ve helped buy oil when we had no heat, assisted with electric bills. Then came the Christmas times they made possible. This is truly a wholeness center. They are so available to everyone. And spiritually, yes, I've been prayed with, prayed for, and even hugged when I needed one. From the front desk to the day care, to the after-school programs, to the social services they perform, I would rename this place ‘The Neighborhood Love Center.’ I thank God for this place.”
Every bit of help creates ripples of positive, lasting change in families like Carolyn's. And with $3,000 in matching funds available, every dollar you donate unlocks even more support for Neighborhood House.
I hope you’ll give today, knowing all that your generosity makes possible.
- Alison
