NEWSLETTER WINTER 2024 CHRONICLES OF CARING YOUR CARING TURNS TRAGEDY INTO HOPE BETTY’S LIFELINE AMIDST THE FLAMES Betty is an elderly woman who struggles with a hearing impairment. On a winter night, she was warned of the fire burning through her apartment complex when a concerned neighbor banged loudly at her door. With little time to evacuate, she was forced to leave her belongings behind. Standing witness to the blaze, Betty watched as her cherished home succumbed to the flames, erasing years of memories. The sudden loss of her home, lack of financial resources or family for support, and an uncertain future looming, left Betty feeling frightened and alone. But she was never truly alone because your caring was right by her side. *Name and photo changed for privacy CARING Donations Scan to make a monthly gift or a one-time donation, or visit FayetteCares.org/donate Mary watched her home succumb to the flames... erasing years of memories Fayette Cares became Betty’s lifeline. Beyond temporary shelter, at Fayette Cares she received food, new clothing, and help to recover. Her face lit up with appreciation as she collected a bounty of fresh fruits, milk, baked goods, and new garments. Betty has captured the hearts of the Fayette Cares staff. Facing her difficult situation with a cheerful demeanor and steadfast faith, she remains optimistic about transforming her new apartment into a welcoming home. Because of you, she is looking forward to creating more wonderful memories. The support extended to her was made possible by generous contributions from donors like you, who give money, time, food, and clothing to provide hope amidst adversity. We thank all Fayette Cares supporters for demonstrating the collective power to aid not only Betty but thousands of men, women, and children facing hardship. Support the Fayette Cares mission today. Donate today using the QR code or visit FayetteCares.org/donate. THE
Revive Your Garden and Restore Hope Join Us at the Fayette Cares Plant Sale on April 13th! This winter has left many gardens in need of a fresh start, and the eagerly awaited Fayette Cares Plant Sale on April 13th in Oakland is the perfect opportunity for garden enthusiasts to come together, celebrate, and make a meaningful impact on the lives we support. Imagine the diverse selection of plants awaiting you: brilliant flowers, fragrant herbs, wholesome vegetables, and more. Over 10,000 plants to choose from! These aren’t just plants; they’re vibrant bouquets of hope that provide lifesaving service to those in need. This year’s sale is a chance to rejuvenate your garden after the challenges of freezing temperatures and heavy snow, simultaneously contributing to the rebuilding of lives. Have questions about the best plants for your garden? Master Gardeners will be on hand to cultivate your plant knowledge and answer your gardening queries. In its impressive 31-year history, the sale is one of Fayette Cares’ enduring fundraisers, blossoming into a significant source of support for the mission. Originating with neighbors giving treasures from their gardens, the sale now includes local growers and offers the largest selection of plants in Fayette County. Chris Lemoine shops for her flower beds, container & vegetable gardens Let’s dig in together and ensure that this year’s plant sale becomes a perennial success, filling your garden with beauty and supporting a great cause! Learn more at FayetteCares.org/plants. Birdies & Bogeys for a Better Tomorrow Register Now for the April 26th Tourney Prepare to hit the greens at our highly anticipated Golf Tournament on Friday, April 26th, hosted by Fair Oaks Golf Club. Join us once again for a day filled with fun, competition, and camaraderie. This event is no mere tournament; it’s an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a memorable day that includes a four-person scramble with three scoring flights, offering both morning and afternoon slots, delicious food, exciting contest giveaways, valuable prizes, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the sport, our 18-hole tournament caters to everyone. Secure your spot before April 12th to get an early bird discount! See how you can support the Fayette Cares mission by participating as a golfer, sponsor, or volunteer. Visit FayetteCares.org/golf for details. 2023 Tournament Champs David Pike Party proudly display their trophy The Fayette County
Facing the Chilling Reality Annual Effort to Combat Homelessness According to the latest data from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, we’ve seen a heart-wrenching 12% rise in homelessness in our country since 2022. These aren’t just statistics—these numbers represent real people, with real stories, and real struggles. Imagine spending nights in the bitter cold trying to find shelter in a car, abandoned house, or shed. Worse yet, imagine your children shivering, frightened, wishing for warmth and comfort. This grim reality touches thousands who’ve sought help from Fayette Cares and motivates volunteers to participate in an annual effort to record data on homelessness. Volunteers learn to identify homelessness Each year Fayette Cares volunteers engage in a nationwide Point in Time Homeless Count to shed light on the scope of this challenge, but more importantly, to catalyze our compassionate response. “After the homeless count training, I saw my familiar country roads in a different light,” says Barby Watson, who joins the volunteer team searching for and recording data on homelessness, “I found myself thinking that a homeless family could be living down the roads I typically drive past.” As temperatures dip, our commitment climbs to ensure everyone has warmth and safety. Whether our emergency shelter, utility and rent assistance, or first responder food and hygiene kits, Fayette Cares’ services are more than relief from the cold—they are a lifeline. Donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word about services to restore hope, one precious life at a time. Learn more about help for those in need at FayetteCares.org/our-programs. Lives You Touched January - December 2023 (Annual) TOTAL SERVED 1,311 355 Children 320 Seniors 636 Adults ASSISTANCE PROVIDED 441 Food, Hygiene, and School Supplies 14+ Tons 28,767 lbs. of Food Distributed 121 Clothing and Housewares 137 Scan the QR code to find a drop-box location or visit FayetteCares.org/shop-for-a-cause Donations that Inspire Dignity Are Your Contributions Uplifting? Carolyn (pictured here) has dedicated months of hard work as the primary volunteer at our donation center. She diligently sorts through tons of clothes and trains other volunteers to thoughtfully inspect donations before they reach clients or stock the shelves of the Fayette Cares thrift shop. Carolyn’s training sessions play a crucial role in checking for and removing clothing with stains, tears, missing or broken parts, or unsanitary conditions. This step is vital to ensure that useful apparel can be promptly provided to those in need or sold to raise funds for our services. “Sometimes it’s a brand-new suit or blouse, but other times it’s a bag of dirty underwear and holey shirts!” remarks Carolyn. “The last thing we want to do is give someone in need clothing they have to fix or feel embarrassed to wear. The people Fayette Cares serves deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” emphasizes Carolyn. When you thoughtfully donate high-quality clothing and apparel to Fayette Cares, families receive a gift that uplifts and strengthens them on their path to stability. It also fills the shopping bags of those who help fund our mission by making purchases at the Fayette Cares Thrift Shop on the Square. Learn more about what and where to donate at FayetteCares.org/ shop-for-a-cause. Emergency Shelter 146 Rent, Utility, and Transportation 270 Domestic Violence Intervention 641 Case Management and Life Skills 5 Medical/Mental Health 749 Christmas Caring
Fayette Cares 13300 N. Main St. P.O. Box 326 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Somerville, TN 38068 (901) 465-3802 FayetteCares.org Somerville, TN Permit #45 First and Last Name Street Address City, State Zipcode Fayette Cares Board of Directors Debbie Sullivan, President Fred Walker, Treasurer Drew Johnston, Secretary Josh Holley Amy Oliver Katherine Schrader Civil Miller-Watkins Interested in serving on the Board? Apply at: FayetteCares.org/Board-of-Directors-Application A MESSAGE FROM BOARD MEMBER Amy Oliver My fairytale romance took a dark turn when prince charming, who once knelt before my family and proposed to me, became the man who cracked my skull, broke my hip, stole my savings, and distanced me from my daughter. Thanks to you, I found Fayette Cares. Mark Your Calendars! April 13 April 26 June 8 Plant Sale September 14 November 9 December 7 Golf Tournament Forks and Corks High Cotton 1k/5k A Night of Southern Elegance Christmas Caring Today, as an advocate and Fayette Cares Board Member, I am a survivor championing the mission to help others battling abuse, poverty, and despair. My commitment to our work is grounded in having experienced FAYETTECARES.ORG every program that this amazing organization offers, from emergency food, shelter and clothing to life skills, utility and rent assistance. My journey from the depths of adversity has taken me to a place of health and happiness in a loving relationship, and molded me into the daughter, sister, and mother I always aspired to be. As a person whose family found safety and support at Fayette Cares, I know firsthand that your gifts bring hope to the hopeless. Let’s continue to stand together, fighting for a brighter future for everyone we serve. Volunteer, Shop, Donate, Attend Events | (901) 465-3802 Follow Us
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