I work at an inpatient Drug and Alcohol facility. Many times, our clients come to us discouraged and hopeless. As they spend time here, they become clearer with what they want to do with their lives. One thing they enjoy doing is giving back to the community. It gives them a sense of purpose. So, recently, we made up “Care Bags” for the local homeless shelter. Our clients included toothpaste, dental floss, mints, soap, deodorant in the bags. They also included handwritten cards of encouragement and “You Matter” cards.

The bags were delivered, and the response was amazing. Not only did these bags make the day of the people who received them, it made the clients who came to us for help for themselves feel alive and hopeful again. They felt that they were paying it forward and allowed them to realize they have a productive life ahead of them. They felt like they mattered.

Thank you.

–Lisa from Beaverton, PA