Survival.
When you hear that word, what do you think of? Do you picture one of the many reality TV shows that portray adventure enthusiasts spending time living in the wilderness or a post-apocalyptic zombie movie where a ragtag group of misfits have to get creative to make it to the end? If so, you should count yourself lucky. For too many, survival is the reality and focus of each and every day. Mental illness, addiction, abuse, and simply unfortunate circumstances leave individuals fighting for their lives and the lives of their families, even within our own community.
Before we can help children achieve grade level reading, before we can work with parents on financial and physical wellness for their families, and before we can mentor children who have experienced trauma, we have to remove the trauma and help people meet their basic needs. Food, shelter, and safety are the first step toward the rest of these goals.
Thankfully, United Way funds many Safety Net Services to help people get back on their feet. Crisis Intervention is provided by A Better Way to help safely remove people from difficult and dangerous situations, then create a plan to move forward. A safe place to sleep and figure out the next step is provided through programs like the YWCA’s C.O.T.S., Christian Ministries’ Family Shelter, and Bridges Community Services’ Homeless Service HUB. Second Harvest Food Bank regularly visits different schools around the community, ensuring that families don’t also have to worry about where their next meal is coming from on top of their other struggles.
If you want to help make sure these life-saving services continue to be available to those in need, please donate to the 2020 United Way Ball State Employee Campaign by visiting https://www.bsu.edu/web/unitedway/how-to-give or texting BSU20United to 91999. More Campaign details can be found at https://www.bsu.edu/web/unitedway. For social service assistance call 765-288-HELP (4357) or visit Where To Turn.