December is usually a month filled with joy and happiness, family and cheer, but for those struggling financially, or lacking a support system and close-knit family, this time of year can be extremely challenging.
Last month, a VMSI team learned that one of the maintenance workers in their building was going through an extremely difficult time: the woman was a single mother of three, providing for her children with limited funds in an unstable home environment. Our team immediately began rallying support from local contractors and federal employees to provide whatever they could for the hardworking mom and her family.
Fundraising efforts kicked off in early December and by the time Christmas approached, the team had gathered a huge pile of gifts for the children, toiletries and snacks, over $300 in gift cards, and a hotel room was even secured for the family to enjoy for four nights over the holidays!
Additionally, one team member supplied a gently used laptop with updated software! This gift will be especially beneficial to the mother, who is taking night classes to elevate her job skills, and her 16 year old daughter, who is working hard to graduate high school early so she can begin to contribute financially to the family.
The VMSI team realized that the gifts, toiletries and food they were able to provide, while extremely helpful, would eventually run out. In an effort to provide a longer term solution, information on available services and programs that the family may qualify for was provided in order to help them find a more stable living environment. In the interim, some team members have stepped up to provide safe storage of the family’s property until they have a more permanent residence.
VMSI is humbled and honored to have such caring and compassionate employees supporting our clients and our mission. As we reflect on 2015, and embrace the opportunities that lay in this New Year, such selfless acts remind us of the wise words of Margaret Mead, “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”