Each month in our INSPIRATIONS column, we share an encouraging story that renews our faith in the goodness of humanity.

At Bread for the Journey, we believe that the people who are most skilled in healing the wounds of a community are those who know where the hidden wisdom, strength, and courage live there. Bread for the Journey is privileged to partner with these wise community volunteers in cities and towns across the country. Our central office in the San Francisco Bay Area engages over 100 volunteers nationwide who run Bread for the Journey chapters in 20 cities throughout the U.S.

Bread for the Journey volunteers raise money from friends, family, and neighbors, and then give grants to inspired people who live in and serve their community. They find people whose spirits are on fire with a passion to make something grow, heal something broken, set something free in their community, and they fund their vision to help it swiftly and surely come alive.

This month’s story comes from our newest chapter, Bread for the Journey of Seattle. Their creative project focused on helping children develop empathy for the homeless in their community through working together to assemble care packages for women at a local shelter. May this story will fill you with hope as it did us.

Warmly,

Wayne Muller
Founder, Bread for the Journey

Practicing Philanthropy with Children and Families

One mission of Bread for the Journey of Seattle is to involve our children and families in the process of philanthropy, to make the abstract concepts of generosity, compassion and empathy real and tangible.  Our first family activity was focused on understanding the homeless in our community and was organized around assembling care packages for women at a local women's shelter.  Mary's Place is a thriving community focused on providing a safe space for women and their children. Women come together, not only to find their basic needs met, like meals and showers, but also their spiritual life and relationship with one another nourished.  It is a unique place that offers hope, love and an opportunity to build relationships based on trust.

Our family activity began Saturday morning with adults and children as we shared coffee, poetry and enthusiasm for our mission.  We gathered around a table to form an assembly line to fill 75 colorful packages, each with a non-perishable snack, feminine supplies, items for personal hygiene and an inspiring poem.  Even the youngest child in attendance, 1 ½ years old, found a place among us!  Gratified by the efficiency of our teamwork, we shared lunch together, and the women and children among us delivered packages, donations and ice cream to Mary's Place.   At first we found ourselves somewhat timid, but many of the women were happy to receive ice cream or a colorful bag, and we found ourselves relaxed and grateful to share the day with the women at Mary's Place. The supplies to fill the care packages cost $453 – an amount whose value far exceeded the dollars spent.

If you wish to make a donation by check to our Seattle Chapter mail to:
Bread for the Journey - Seattle Chapter
634 NW 181st Court
Shoreline, WA 98177

Click here to read the previous INSPIRATIONS.