On Oct. 2, Frisco Family Services’ (FFS) launched its Community Caring Campaign to raise funds in order to continue their mission of helping those in the Frisco and Frisco ISD communities who are facing hunger, homelessness and other urgent needs improve their quality of life and achieve self-sufficiency.
Joseph and Melissa Bryant (last name changed) were living in Frisco with their two young children, Noah and Emma. However, in April 2013, Melissa went into the job she’s had for more than 10 years and was told she was being laid off. Ever the optimists, Melissa and Joseph held on to the hope that Melissa would find a comparable paying job and relied on Joseph’s paycheck as a self-employed accountant. However, months after searching and interviews, she still didn’t have a job.
With Melissa’s unemployment exhausted, the Bryants quickly depleted all of their savings. They were now struggling to pay their basic utilities, stay in their home and keep their family fed. Then their landlord informed them that their rent was increasing right after Noah had to spend several days in the hospital for acute asthma. Joseph and Melissa did something they never thought they would need to do. They asked for help.
Frisco Family Services assisted with their rent and utilities and provided them with food pantry visits. These services enabled them to keep their family in their home during Melissa’s job search. Working with their case manager, Melissa was able to find employment, enabling the Bryants to get back on their feet.
“Frisco Family Services helped us survive,” Melissa said. “They gave us peace of mind that our family would be ok. Wed never would have gotten back on our feet without them.”
Every day, families come through FFS’ doors looking for help, looking for strength, looking for hope.
Last year, FFS served more than 3,900 people providing more than $345,000 in emergency financial assistance that was used to pay the rent or mortgage, keep utilities connected, pay for prescription medication, keep the gas tank full and address other urgent needs. Through Frisco’s only food pantry, FFS distributed more than 572,000 pounds of healthy nutritious food allowing clients’ limited finances to go toward other critical needs. Frisco Family Services gave families the resources, tools and confidence to achieve self-sufficiency.
Every day, Frisco Family Services remains committed to helping its neighbors in need, but cannot do so without the generosity and caring support of the community.
To donate to Frisco Family Services’ and help families like the Bryants, go to www.friscofamilyservices.org. It’s an investment in the community and its residents. Individuals and families will continue to find support, strength and opportunities through the generosity of their neighbors.
Frisco Family Services is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization serving the communities of Frisco and Frisco ISD. The mission of Frisco Family Services is to help members of our communities who are facing hunger, homelessness and other urgent needs improve their quality of life and achieve self-sufficiency. FFS houses the only food pantry in Frisco and offers financial assistance for critical needs such as rent/mortgage, gasoline and utility payments. FFS sells and distributes clothing, furniture, and household items through Frisco Resale. Special programs include: Summer Lunch Program, Back-To-School Fun Fair, Thanksgiving Food Distribution and FFS Holiday Program. FFS also offers life skills classes, educational assistance and employment support to adult clients.