Throughout this summer, I have worked with a non-profit who reaches immigrants in my local area, Easthampton, Mass. At the beginning of the summer, I arranged to meet in- person with the coordinator of this non-profit, to inform her of my goal to aid in the immigrant crisis, and she was thrilled to have the help. She gave me a list of items which the families were in crucial need for. Throughout the summer, we kept in regular contact, and this list was adapted as items were added or removed. By the end of the summer, I had helped donate $1,000 worth of items such as napkins, brooms, towels, shampoos, deodorants, and sponges. However, halfway through the summer, the coordinator contacted me to inform me of a single mother who was soon to be birthing triplets, and needed a three-seat stroller. I was quick to respond, ordering one and driving it to the donation spot, and as I did so, I realized the lasting impact this action would have on the family.
That was probably the most important lesson I learned because of this grant. There is always a family in need of help, yet there is almost always a specific type of help needed. When, instead of buying what you think they need, you take the time to reach out to them to discover what is actually needed, your help will be much more appreciated and will have a much longer impact.
This is how I know my grant work was successful this summer, because I researched and contacted people, and learned to cater my help to the real needs in the community.
https://deerfield.edu/index.php?gf-download=2024%2F08%2Fmerged-pdf.io_.pdf&form-id=182&field-id=6&hash=0aee8ee7fd9476cc5b1be1425720addbd79edd93a075d9785a45fe296dce3256