By Brian Murdoch, Board Chairman
“Why?” is a question that anyone who has spent much time with a four-year-old knows all too well. Children are inherently curious and want to know the underlying reason that we would do, well, most anything. The reason why we look both ways before we cross the road or decide to help someone in need is important. In fact, it’s in our own best interests to look before we cross the road and lend a helping hand to others in our community not just once, but habitually.
The Upstate Family Resource Center is THE hub of community engagement and assistance in northern Spartanburg. Kelley Ezell, Executive Director, and her team are busy at work putting your financial donations to good work by providing families with the tools they need to be strong and self-sufficient. One example of this effort is the Strive to Thrive University. This one of a kind program aims to help with budgeting, communication, active living and healthy eating. Families benefiting from Harvest Family Ministries are encouraged to participate by earning credits in exchange for supplemental items. The response from this program has been positive and will lead families and individuals to be able to provide for themselves, and in time, help others.
In addition to financial donations, the Center is in constant need of volunteers. Our website lists numerous ways you can lend a hand to your community. Can you make time in your schedule to assist in sorting food boxes for our pantry? Are you talented in working with your hands along with the willingness to assist in maintaining our facilities? If you would like to assist, please call Kelley for details.
Please review your personal situation and explore how you can help your community better by being involved with the Upstate Family Resource Center. I did, and found that being involved brings much more than the feeling of being connected and helpful (which it does, by the way). More importantly, it’s about changing lives for the better, and giving that boost to others that makes stronger families and a more vibrant community.
