Last year I worked with Lolita*, a survivor of domestic violence and also a refugee who fled from Bosnia during the war in the 90s. She has endured more than many of us will in a lifetime or ever be exposed to. In addition to suffering PTSD, she is also disabled, partly due to the injuries she faced by the abuse, but also autoimmune diseases that are difficult to treat and yet chronic in their symptoms of excruciating pain and fatigue. She has undergone two back surgeries in the past 6 months and is exceptionally limited in her mobility. Currently, she only leaves the house for doctor’s appointments. She is also a mother to a 10-year-old girl who suffers from PTSD. *She gave permission to share her name.
As a survivor of DV and a refugee, she has only a couple of connections here in the Chicago area. She relies heavily on government programs and is often alone without family and friends.
As you may imagine she is tangled in many government systems that are exceptionally difficult to navigate. She seldom doesn’t have enough food or resources to take care of her and her daughter.
I have been blessed with tremendous kindness throughout my life and have access to communities with resources and generosity. I was taught by my father to always put yourself in someone else’s shoes. I was taught by my father’s best friend the true meaning of generosity and how kindness does change someone’s life.
I am writing to ask you for your help. Would you be willing to help Lolita and her daughter with basic necessities so they don’t have to struggle so much?
If you are interested in this mission, please either email me or subscribe to the volunteer newsletter.
Once I have a team, I will put a plan together AND together we WILL make a difference.
Here are some things that we will be working on together:
- Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner
- Groceries
- Home cooked meals
- Stocking up on hygiene products and house goods
- Clothes and necessities for 10 year old daughter (I have a list.)
- Christmas presents for mother and daughter
I look forward to creating a kindness team with YOU!
Remember to email me or subscribe to the volunteer newsletter.
