Imagine someone you cared about hit rock bottom. What if they faced poverty, hunger, homelessness or even a spiral into addiction. Where would they go for help? Who could offer hope and guidance toward a new life?
I want to share with you the story of how my Foundation is doing just that. If you’ll allow me an Easter indulgence, I believe that my team and I walk humbly in the footsteps of Jesus; bringing hope to the poor, the dispossessed and society's outcasts.
Sometimes that manifests itself in simple ways. For instance, a middle-aged man recently came to us for a meal. I could see he was struggling with his demons so I sat beside him and we talked.
Life had not been kind. He was alone with no one to care for him, so I held his hand. It was a simple gesture of compassion, but it gave him the reassurance he needed. In that moment he knew he had someone who could help.
Nearby, a tall and slim man sat with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He hardly had two cents to rub together, so he couldn't afford a meal, let alone the price of his children's school clothes.
My team of social workers were on hand to help and he soon had a food parcel and vouchers to restore some dignity to his family.
Everything we do at my Foundation is focused on hope and renewal. That often starts with a free meal, but it’s our wraparound care services that make all the difference. The story of Sarah exemplifies that ethos. She too was battling her demons.
Sarah came to us after being released from a women's correctional facility. Like so many others in that predicament, she struggled with significant physical and mental health challenges, including a history of drug and alcohol misuse. In spite of that she embraced our helping hand as we got her mental health issues diagnosed.
Indeed, Sarah took control of her journey to wellness. She actively sought out the right treatment and services; completing a detox program in hospital, not to mention a long-term drug & alcohol rehabilitation program.
Impressive as that was, Sarah’s recovery didn’t stop there. With our help she remained committed to her sobriety, attending weekly AA, NA, and Smart Recovery meetings. In fact, Sarah has been abstinent from all drugs and alcohol since March 2024.
It’s the sort of story that fills my heart with joy, but incredibly Sarah’s story gets even better.
With our encouragement and showing a determined spirit of generosity, Sarah commenced volunteer work. What’s more, she also got a paid job in a kitchen, then she enrolled in TAFE where she’s studying for a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. Sarah’s goal is to build a culinary career.
I’m sure you’ll agree, Sarah’s story is truly one of remarkable renewal. However, you might not appreciate that it only happened thanks to the support of people just like you.
It is the sort of generosity that enables us to provide the essential support, treatment and rehabilitation that Sarah and others like her need to overcome life’s toughest challenges and build a better future.
That’s why I’m asking you to donate today. If you donate, my Foundation can do more than just feed the hungry. We can renew people’s lives; people like Sarah who are now feeding others. When you donate to my Foundation, together we make the community better; one person at a time.
God Bless
Rev. Bill Crews
