People do care. There are people all over the world trying to make a difference, in one way or another.
Take time to ask people how they truly feel. Lend a helping hand to those in need. Even with a brief online interaction, you can make an impact on someone you’ve never met in person.
“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.” – Alfred Adler
Tune into these positive stories that can serve as a powerful reminder about the power of empathy!
- Coffee shop empowers the disabled community
- A group of dedicated animal lovers serve foster dogs
- Veterans receive home care from caregivers
- People in recovery receive rehabilitative support
Weekly Uplifting Stories – July 22nd, 2024
Coffee shop provides opportunity for people with special needs.
Adeel Asif found his calling in creating employment opportunities for those with disabilities.
A former special education teacher, Adeel is closely aware of the struggles that people with special needs endure during their job search.
Adeel founded I.N.C Coffee Roasters in California in 2018 to break down barriers and create work opportunities for people with disabilities.
He makes sure the staff members have a comfortable and safe environment at work.
Also, through its coffee cart program in local schools, the company empowers students with the skills they need to join the workforce and find a greater place in the community.
“INC is short for inclusion – the goal is to create a fully inclusive environment, for our customers, everybody that comes in through our doors,” said Adeel.
Animals in need receive love and care from dedicated volunteers.
The Northwest Dog Project in Eugene, Oregon is a group of animal lovers who enhance the lives of dogs in need.
This organization has the support of many wonderful volunteers such as Erin Beck, who dedicates her time to providing better care to rescue dogs.
She has even built a small foster cottage on her property to provide a nurturing sanctuary for the dogs she brings home.
“I was grieving the loss of my first soul dog Maxine, and I sort of thought of all the Maxines that were out there and how much help and support that they needed and what a joy to be able to honor on a daily basis by dedicating my time to these animals that give me so much back,” said Erin.
Local rescues are always looking for volunteers, donations and support, so if you want to get involved, do a quick search in your area for, “animal rescues near me,” or start following some of them on social media!
Aging veterans receive care in loving homes.
Shantel Cross has welcomed three veterans, Charles McCoubrey, Peter Samaras, and Ekkehard Thies into her home, as a part of the Medical Foster Homes program.
This program is for veterans who may need extra care later in life. The veterans are placed in homes where they’re treated like family.
Shantel and her family ensure the veterans have a comfortable stay in their home.
Medical professionals and social workers visit the vets regularly. The veterans get the care they need while also nurturing a special bond with a loving family.
“It gives me a peace of mind to know that I’m able to help others and give back. I love helping others and I love giving back,” Shantel said.
People in recovery find a sense of purpose and belonging in self-help homes.
The nonprofit Oxford House provides housing and judgment-free support for people recovering from addiction.
This self-managed community gives people the chance to stay on the path of sobriety. People staying here learn to embrace the responsibility and accountability that is needed to begin a new life.
Those in recovery also find a sense of belonging in these homes, since they are surrounded by people going through the same issues.
The Oxford Houses residents can stay as long as they need, provided that they follow the rules of the House.
“It saved my life; I don’t think I would be sober for almost 3 years now. If it hadn’t been for Oxford House, just the support of women that are just like me, the accountability, the fact that I know that hey, on that bad day when maybe I wanted to have a beer or something, if I go home, those girls are going to know and I’m going to lose my home, I’m going to lose my friends,” said Jennifer Endress, an outreach worker for Oxford House.
Final Thoughts
Thanks everyone for reading and have a great week ahead!
If you find any heartwarming Uplifting Stories that you’d love to share, please comment with a link in the box below, or message us on our Instagram with a link. We’ll mention you in a future article. Take care!
Photo by Streetwindy
