There’s a concept of the Matthew Effect which uses math to illustrate what folks have lamented about for thousands of years – the rich get richer while the poor get poorer. Take tech for example – the rich and poor often have different problems, but because it’s more profitable to solve problems for the wealthy a disproportionate share of tech innovation focuses on solving problems for the affluent. However, it doesn’t have to be this way – and we have been blown away by the thousands of members of our community who have devoted their lives through their businesses, organizations and art to serve the underserved.
Tricia Deboer
Living in Hope Ministries serves the homeless orphans aging out of foster care. The Lord allowed me to meet a young lady and her 3 month old baby. She had just moved into town and before she moved she was living in a car and pregnant. I invited her to church, and our church gave her $100 for groceries as well as connecting her with a couple who blessed her with a car and many things that she was in need of. I give God all the glory because he bought me the connections to bless this beautiful young lady and her adorable son. She is now going to church with me and has a beautiful community that encourages and loves her very much. Read more>>
Tonja Rice
In 2020, I visited the Hour of Grace Educational Complex in the rural Western Region of Ghana. Pastor Michael Nkrumah and his wife, Sarah Nkrumah, started the school years before as there was not an affordable local school for underprivileged students to attend. Although donors were able to help the school get supplies, a bus, and even portable water, there was one issue that many children faced, a need for school lunch, a need for at least one meal during the school day. Due to financial constraints, many parents were unable to ensure their children could have lunch while attending school. Some parents avoided sending their child(ren) to school altogether because of a lack of resources to provide school lunch. And some children would go a day without having a meal. Read more>>
Diane Carbray
Our mission at Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We do this through exceptional after-school programs. For 75 years, we’ve been serving the underserved, placing our Clubhouses in areas where crime, poverty, and gang violence are most prevalent. Our Clubs are a positive and safe place for kids & teens, but more than that, we are a place where they have opportunities to grow. At the Club, social barriers are redefined, passions are ignited, and futures are changed. For many the Club is their second home. For some, it’s their only home. Read more>>