City of Good {COVID} Neighbors Gives to Child & Family Services

We have never stopped serving families during the pandemic, and the community has never stopped helping us. Most recently, the City of Good (COVID) Neighbors surprised children in Residential Services and domestic violence survivors at Haven House. Megan Haven buys meals from local restaurants and gives the food to someone who could use a boost. Megan explained, “This is a really hard year, and it’s hard on so many people. So, it’s a little touch of ‘Hey, you’re not alone. People care. You’re not invisible, and let me just try to make you smile.’”

You can see how it worked for the children in Residential Services. Smiles ear to ear with a heaping bowl of ice cream. Yes, chocolate sauce and sprinkles! Sarah Frank with Residential Services explained, “Being able to pull together an ice cream social to give the children something to look forward too is really special. Thank you to everyone involved.” The yummy treats came from Nina’s Custard.

The City of Good (COVID) Neighbors also treated domestic violence survivors and their families to special meals from the Clarence Bowling Academy, Hollow Bistro, Deep South Taco and Babycakes Cupcakery.  Lauren Gorlick, Community Liason for Haven House, was there for each delivery and knows what this means in shelter. She said, “It gives the survivors and families a moment to enjoy a comforting meal together. It’s these moments that help them to heal.”

Megan has been surprised at the generosity of the community and inspired by restaurants that she tries to help. Megan said, “The restaurants keep giving back. I call the restaurants and say no we are doing this to support you and almost every single one has given us a discount or thrown something extra in… It’s just jaw dropping. So, I just try to over-tip and pay it forward.”

This has also created an invaluable opportunity for her children to experience the power of giving. She said, “We are certainly getting way more out of this then we’re giving…. kindness is contagious.” Kindness is also appreciated even more, a year into the pandemic.