"I'm hungry, and it doesn't feel good," cries a three-year-old child standing in line at the Christian Hope Association's Food Bank in Lynden. Helping the poor and disenfranchised feel good at their point of need has been the mission of CHA's program for over 34 years in North Whatcom County communities. But being alive and alert to needy hearts, CHA has evolved far beyond only feeding hungry people. CHA believes the transformation of the "whole person" is key to break the cycle of poverty. A new and innovative program, The Whatcom Dream, was developed to be a catalyst for vital, basic financial literacy skills training, enabling individuals to become economically self-sufficient. CHA connects with low-income families right where they are, while partnering with them through free teaching and counseling classes to help them discover (or rediscover) their hopes and dreams while empowering them to rise above the vicious cycle of poverty. With a long tradition of financial support from churches, businesses, service clubs, foundations and generous individuals, CHA has over 150 dedicated, compassionate volunteers allowing wise stewardship of available resources to serve 400 needy families a month. Services include food baskets, utilities help, eviction prevention, transportation, prescriptions, clothing, furniture and special Thanksgiving and Christmas toy and food baskets.
A wise person remarked, "The three things we crave most in life - happiness, freedom, and peace of mind - are always attained by giving them to someone else." Giving food to the little three-year-old crying in the Food Bank line doesn't just make her feel good. It makes all who had a part in providing vital resources to agencies like CHA feel good. Please make a donation and make a difference.
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