Providing a Way for the Will

A recent New York Times article featured a young man named Keith. He became homeless in his last year of high school, but persevered to get his diploma and then additional training leading to his present job. Two organizations supported his determination and helped enable the preparation for his future: the New York Time Neediest Cases Fund and Green City Force.

A description of Green City Force on their website: “Green City Force’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty, preparing urban young adults to succeed in their chosen careers by engaging them in service, training and work experiences related to the clean energy economy. As an AmeriCorps program, our program reduces greenhouse gas emissions, inspires passion for sustainability and service, stimulates the demand for green services, and creates ladders to careers in the green economy for young people living in poverty.”

Young Keith had a positive, can-do outlook and the determination to overcome his dire circumstances. But those personal traits still might not have been enough without the caring, hand-up programs mentioned above.

The 1981 poem-book, We Really Do Need Each Other by Reuben Welch communicates a truth as valid today as . . . well, from day-one. Obviously, the needs of some are greater than others. Such as Keith, who was not privileged to have a stable home with a loving, supportive family and financial help as I had. Point being: those of us “haves” do well to look with compassion upon the less fortunate, and put that emotion into helping actions.