Family Services Agency of Marin thanks Harbor Rotary
Posted by Mary Sackett
Each year during the holidays the San Rafael Harbor Rotary Foundation reviews applications submitted by Family Services Agency staff members on behalf of the families they serve. The families do not ask for the money, they are surprised with financial aid and holiday gifts which their case workers think they need. Family Services Agency thanked Harbor Rotary in their January newsletter.
The FAMILY TO FAMILY FUND began with the generosity of FSA board member Randy Fong in 1991 to assist agency clients facing extraordinary needs during the holiday season. Every year since, the Fong family, along with other generous donors, have anonymously surprised deserving families with financial aid and holiday gifts.
Each November FSA staff confidentially identify candidates from among the many struggling families in their caseloads. The recipients have not asked for financial assistance from the agency and are, without exception, deeply surprised and touched by the gift.
Two examples of the 24 families helped this year:
BRENDA
Brenda is a single mother living in low-income housing in Marin City with her young son. She recently secured housing after being homeless for nearly a year. Even though Brenda works at a nursery school, she and her son had to sleep on the floor because she couldn't afford beds or mattresses.
With a gift from the Fund and logistical help from her FSA Parent Aide, Brenda was able to find two used bed frames and new discount mattresses for herself and her son.
LISBETH
Lisbeth is a single mom with a three year-old daughter who fled a violent relationship. Working with her FSA Parent Aide, Lisbeth was just barely making ends meet "attending the College of Marin to become a medical assistant" until she had a serious car accident. Her vehicle was totaled. Her only means of transportation was a bicycle but she couldn't afford to purchase a bike trailer to transport her daughter. In addition, this hard-working mom didn't have money for warm clothes or Christmas presents for her daughter.
The Fund was able to surprise Lisbeth with money for a bike trailer, winter clothing and gifts for her daughter.
MANY THANKS TO OUR DONORS, INCLUDING THE SAN RAFAEL HARBOR ROTARY CLUB AND PARTNERS IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS!
Each November FSA staff confidentially identify candidates from among the many struggling families in their caseloads. The recipients have not asked for financial assistance from the agency and are, without exception, deeply surprised and touched by the gift.
Two examples of the 24 families helped this year:
BRENDA
Brenda is a single mother living in low-income housing in Marin City with her young son. She recently secured housing after being homeless for nearly a year. Even though Brenda works at a nursery school, she and her son had to sleep on the floor because she couldn't afford beds or mattresses.
With a gift from the Fund and logistical help from her FSA Parent Aide, Brenda was able to find two used bed frames and new discount mattresses for herself and her son.
LISBETH
Lisbeth is a single mom with a three year-old daughter who fled a violent relationship. Working with her FSA Parent Aide, Lisbeth was just barely making ends meet "attending the College of Marin to become a medical assistant" until she had a serious car accident. Her vehicle was totaled. Her only means of transportation was a bicycle but she couldn't afford to purchase a bike trailer to transport her daughter. In addition, this hard-working mom didn't have money for warm clothes or Christmas presents for her daughter.
The Fund was able to surprise Lisbeth with money for a bike trailer, winter clothing and gifts for her daughter.
MANY THANKS TO OUR DONORS, INCLUDING THE SAN RAFAEL HARBOR ROTARY CLUB AND PARTNERS IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS!