Reflections on FYI’s Impact
As 2024 comes to a close, program director Gina Stevens reflects on FYI’s impact:
This holiday season, I am reminded once again of how privileged I am to be the program director of FYI. Having the honor of working alongside this inspiring community to create something so meaningful is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. Although this season eventually ends, the spirit of the holidays continues at FYI. I get to watch the steady flow of genuine kindness from some of the most caring people. I am unsure what touches my soul more: seeing the youth’s confidence grow and find success because they realize their value, or feeling the pure joy from community members who give selflessly to impact our youth’s lives. We will never know the exact number of lives forever changed because of FYI, but without a doubt, mine is one of them.
Toward the end of November, FYI was approached by a church group asking if we had any youth with a specific need. The timing could not have been more perfect. Information was provided and the group arrived a week later with a carload of wrapped gifts.
A few hours later, Bree* walked into the FYI office, which was filled with her gifts, and immediately began to cry. Bree spent most of her life moving from foster home to foster home but had recently secured her first apartment. It was the first time she had a place to call her own. She read a touching card filled with love and encouragement from the group that generously showered her with presents for her empty apartment. In her words, “This is crazy, I just moved. How did they know to reach out at the right time? I guess it was God’s timing.” She talked about how difficult it had been for her, that she never asked for help, but this time, she honestly didn’t know how she was going to afford the essentials. She smiled and said, “Now I don’t have to worry.”
Bree opened up the gifts, grinning and expressing gratitude the entire time. At one point, she looked up and said, “There are good people out there. I need to remember that when I am dealing with a mean client.” Once she opened all the gifts, we loaded them into her car. On the way out, Bree said, “I want to write each person a letter expressing my appreciation.” I told her one letter would suffice and would mean a lot. I also ensured she understood the group did not give her gifts to receive a thank-you but would love to hear from her if she wanted. Once she left, I grabbed my keys and headed to my car, but instead of driving home, I just sat there, almost frozen. I had witnessed something so magical I needed time to soak it in. Watching our youth be shown a love they have never experienced is an unexplainable honor. There are no words to adequately express the beauty of being able to witness the impact a caring group of people can have on someone. Christmas arrived early for me this year.
*Name changed to protect privacy