David’s* daughter Jenny was less than 2 years old when he learned she was experiencing developmental delays. David works full time but still lives paycheck to paycheck, so he didn’t know how he could afford to find help for his daughter. Thankfully, the family was connected with a local nonprofit specializing in helping kids like Jenny, and a scholarship made it possible for her to get the support she needed. Jenny thrived with therapy and began to learn to speak and walk.

A few months later, David lost his job when his company had to shut down during the COVID-19 crisis, and he didn’t know how they would make ends meet. The family was able to get support from a food pantry and referred to additional safety net agencies to help fill the gaps and stay safe and healthy.

Without this safety net of nonprofits to turn to, families would face devastating impacts because of a single crisis.

Without nonprofit summer school and after-school programs, our community would see lower educational achievement and fewer skilled workers.

Without nonprofit food programs, like food banks and meal assistance, children out of school would have fewer meals, seniors would have to choose between staying home or grocery shopping, and families struggling to afford basic needs would have to make a difficult decision between food on the table and other critical needs.

Working together, we can strengthen our safety net of nonprofits to help so many in our community facing hardship and adversity.