Dexter Nonprofits and Charities

I would like to share my heartfelt testimony about the incredible support and assistance my family received from a Pay It Forward during a time of immense hardship. Their intervention came when we were grappling with the aftermath of a challenging period, and their unwavering dedication to helping families like ours has left an indelible mark on our lives.<br><br>Our journey began when my husband encountered severe health issues that led to an unexpected and overwhelming financial strain on our family. It was a time of immense uncertainty, both emotionally and financially. As the holiday season approached, our hearts sank, knowing that we wouldn't be able to provide our children with the joy and excitement they deserved on Christmas day. The weight of our circumstances felt unbearable, and we questioned how we would overcome this setback.<br><br>In the midst of our darkest hour, this remarkable Pay It Forward emerged as a beacon of hope. They recognized the specific needs of our children and understood the importance of preserving the magic of Christmas for them. The Pay It Forward stepped in and graciously provided our family with gifts, ensuring that our children would experience the joy and wonder of the holiday season despite our hardship. It was an act of kindness that touched our hearts deeply and reaffirmed our faith in humanity.<br><br>Words cannot express the gratitude we feel towards this Pay It Forward. Their compassion and empathy transformed what could have been a season of despair into one of renewed hope and love. Not only did they fulfill our immediate need, but they also restored our faith in the power of community support during times of crisis. We were reminded that we were not alone in our struggles and that there were kind-hearted individuals and organizations willing to extend a helping hand.<br><br>Witnessing the incredible impact has inspired us to pay their good deed forward. We are committed to finding ways to support and uplift others in our community, just as we were uplifted during our time of need. The Pay it Forward profound influence on our lives has motivated us to become active participants in creating positive change, spreading kindness, and offering support to those facing their own hardships.<br><br>The non-profit we encountered has become a shining example of the transformative power of compassion and community. Their tireless efforts to lift individuals and families up during their most trying times are truly commendable. We consider ourselves truly blessed to have crossed paths with this extraordinary organization, and we will forever be grateful for the immeasurable impact they had on our lives.<br><br>In conclusion, I offer my deepest appreciation to Pay It Forward that came to our aid during our period of hardship. They have given us hope, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose. Their commitment to supporting families like ours is a testament to the selflessness and compassion that exists within our community. We will forever cherish their assistance and strive to emulate their example of kindness and generosity in our own lives.

Our small, all-volunteer non-profit organization of about 140 members manages, year after year, to raise a significant amount of money for local garden-related projects and student scholarships and internships. Since 1947, Ann Arbor Farm & Garden has distributed more than $500,000 in charitable gifts. www.annarborfarmandgarden.org

How to help families connect with each other, build faith at home, and not start another costly parish program? I know about good programs a parish can buy and put on, but here is an idea that families can do for themselves, with your encouragement: <br>I have had success with helping young families gather by inviting them to join the Christian Family Movement, one of the first Catholic family organizations. The U.S. Bishops praise CFM in their family documents. Learn more about CFM at www.cfm.org. You can see a sample CFM lesson here http://www.cfm.org/ttmadch1.pdf <br> <br>Here’s how CFM works in the parish or neighborhood: The families, in groups of 5-6 families, meet monthly. Adults use a program book provided by CFM as part of their membership ($40/family annually). The cost to the parish is $0. The children can join their parents for the opening prayer and then play nearby. The groups can meet in homes or in the parish facilities, whichever works. The group reflects on Scripture, looks at situations in family and community life, decides how a Christian should respond, and chooses an action to make a difference. The actions can be simple family-centered activities or service to others that includes the children in the action. <br> <br>CFM has a Starter Kit with a program book, Taking the Time to Make a Difference, for the reduced price of $10/family (includes 4 books). The Starter Kit includes free instructions on how one motivated couple can invite others to try CFM for 6 meetings. If they like it, they become members of CFM and each family gets a program book with 10 meetings. Members receive a monthly newsletter ACT that shows actions other CFM groups around the country are doing to enrich their family life and build faith. A new program is produced annually by CFM. Some recent titles: Homemade Disciples; Intentional Christian Families; Discovering Jesus; Love Still Happens in Families. <br>My husband and I are the local contact couple in Baltimore and I am the program chair. CFM has been important in our family life. If you would like to invite families for an information night in the Baltmore/Washington area, we can come and tell about CFM. <br>View a short video introduction here http://www.cfm.org/cfmvideo.html <br>