Boy, Did I Open a Can of Worms

Yesterday, I was so moved by the letters people sent to Modest Needs in response to our most recent 'Profiles in Courageous Generosity' that today, I thought it would be a good idea to say a little something in honor of those people we *haven't* been able to reach so far this year.

Honestly, Modest Needs is doing very, very well this year. But I'll admit it:  I think it's important for us to have something to strive for. 

Realistically, even with unlimited support, it would be impossible for us to reach every person who really needs the type of assistance Modest Needs is designed to provide.  For us to have funded 61% of our qualified applicants so far this year is tremendous.  But I'd really love to see us funding 75% or 85% of those persons on a regular basis. 

I know that most of you would like that too.

So today, I sent a quick note to ask the Modest Needs community for the additional support we'd need if we're to begin the process of moving towards that goal.  People have helped, to be sure - but in the process, I think I heard from all but three or four of the 31% of people that we haven't been able to help this year. 

Understandably, their notes weren't quite as - what's the word? - encouraging as the letters that flowed so openly into my inbox yesterday.

All the same, I'd like to thank those people publicly for writing to me. 

Those letters, always heartfelt and often difficult to read, serve as constant reminders of why we work together - all of us - to make Modest Needs into a more responsive, more effecient, and more generous resource for more people than any of us would've ever imagined possible - even when, realistically, it would be a lot easier to just say 'You know, a 61% success rate is great.  I think we should just be grateful for that and not worry about the rest.'

Today, I set out to remind people of why we do what we do at Modest Needs.  I ended up opening quite a can of worms.  But in the process, we've found  - so far - the funding to help at least five or six more people next month - people who we couldn't have helped otherwise.

All things being equal, that's what I call a good day.

Comments

[septemberschild]

Well, I waited all day to comment because I have been quite vocal lately and thought perhaps maybe I needed to sit back and be quiet. But I cant lol I just think that yes people who dont get funded are hurt but look how many did get funded. I mean without this organization there would be much more grief in this world. I also think that even though you had some negative letters (which is a natural response to those who werent funded) . I commend you on your efforts to bring fourth more assistance and it obviously did pay off and well I just see that you set out to help not hurt and well I think your intentions were all that matters at this point. Thank you again for being there and creating this organization. Please continue to stay positive that is what keeps the cause going. Just look at the results you are getting. I pray one day everyone's requests will be funded. But until then I know you are on a mission to make that happen. And you will have some people upset. But so much good is going on - miracles after miracles. God bless you and all of Modest Needs.

[Michelle]

I have recently forwarded the link to modest needs to people who I feel would contribute to it's mission. Modest Needs helped me and slowly I have been making small donations back to help others. I think its great that you are able to help this many people!