A New Friend and a Life Lesson...

I’m very excited and honored to be welcomed into the Patch community.  I am the founder of a nonprofit organization called Hope for Creativity that provides homeless children with the tools to create.  I believe that in order to end or fix certain problems, we need to really understand the people we are trying to help. In the past two years, HFC has provided hundreds of art packs filled with art supplies to homeless children in Massachusetts, but because of confidentiality reasons, we haven’t been able to meet a lot kids we’ve helped. Recently, we were able to connect with a shelter in the area that was looking for a group to do activities with the kids and I jumped at the chance.  I was excited to work directly with the children and know more about them. 

I was nervous about meeting the kids.  I didn’t know if they would open up to us. I was hoping that we would be well received and that they would have a good time. I bonded with one of the girls on our first visit and she’s become my partner in crime.  She has siblings, and just like me, she loves the color orange, likes to sing and is a bit shy. We found out we have the same middle name. The last time I saw her, we discussed how we both had upcoming concerts in school and she was very excited to be singing on a stage. She never talks about her situation, and she carries on with her life as if nothing is wrong. She, like the other kids and the parents, love it when we go to the shelter.  The parents are very welcoming and grateful for the visits.  The kids don’t really know what HFC does, they just know that we come to play, and that’s the way I want it to be.   

In learning more about this little girl and trying to understand her situation, I have actually found a new friend and have come to understand myself more. I’ve learned that no matter how hectic my life can get or how many responsibilities I have, I need to embrace them. I complain about some things but in the big picture, they aren’t really a big deal. If this girl can live her life happily no matter what her situation is, then I can do the same.  

To learn more about Hope for Creativity, visit us at:  www.hopeforcreativitiy.org