The Official Modest Needs Blog

Get It to Give It: Modest Needs' Cheater's Guide to Gratitude

It's Thanksgiving--and this year we're not asking you to share what you're thankful for. Instead, we ask that you take part in a very brief exercise. (This one works particularly well if you're already in a foul mood.) All you need to do is take two minutes to read the words of a few Modest Needs grant recipients who, independent of the holiday, reached out to thank donors for changing their lives.

We're asking you to do this because it's good for you.

Here's why:

Experiencing the gratitude of others, either by witnessing it directly or reading it on a page, leads to an automatic self-inventory, the kind that can help anyone accidentally discover something (or someone) they are thankful for.

Example:

Phase 1: You read one person's appreciation for having their electricity restored.

Phase 2: While reading their story you put yourself in their shoes, imagining what it must have been like to live without working lights or a refrigerator.

Phase 3: You recognize that your electricity is on. You appreciate your lights. You love your refrigerator.

Phase 4. You suddenly feel thankful for your electricity.

Phase 5. You feel thankful, period.

Thankfulness is contagious.

Using another individual's gratitude to uncover hidden appreciation is an exercise that can help anyone, even those suffering hardships or disappointment. Consider it a cheat code for accessing your own thankfulness. And never feel guilty for using it. In trying times it can seem impossible to find something that you're just "okay" with, let alone something you're outright "thankful" for. Using another person's gratitude as a springboard to launch your own hurts no one and helps everyone.

We hope that the testimonials below will help kick your own hidden gratitudes to the surface, making this holiday season one where you exerpience the natural high of gratitude. So go ahead. Here's four chances to try the exercise out:

Grant Request Title: "Widow Raising Grandchild Needs a Hand with the Mortgage" (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Testimonial:

"I would like to thank all of you for fully funding my application for help with our mortgage! I am a widow struggling to stay on top of my bills while taking care of my granddaughter. I work full-time, but my salary is only a little more than minimum wage. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is still effecting our lives, and has burdened me with unexpected expenses to repair our lives and home. I am so overwhelmed and grateful. Until your help we thought we would lose our home. I know your good deeds come from your hearts. Just knowing there are people out there who care about helping other people all over the world is a blessing. God Bless all who donated. My sincere thanks to you all."

Grant Request Title: "Must Have All Teeth Extracted, Procedure Not Covered By Insurance" (Morgan Hill, California)

Testimonial

"How can I thank you enough for your selflessness to grant my application? It is so difficult to express how your assistance will help me in my time of need. I am a disabled senior living in a SAFE senior park, and now because of you, I will be able to stay. I did not have to choose between my health and having a home. It is so frightening to think about homelessness at my age. The effects of your generousity carries over into my health. The less stress I experience, the better my blood sugar results become and the fewer overall health problems I have. So you see how awesome it is for me that you chose to fund my application. It also makes me feel hopeful about the future. I assist others in this park who have less than I do, and this fortunate experience allows me to continue my efforts to stay here and continue my support to others."

Grant Request Title: "Single Mom Needs to Pay Nursing License to Keep Job!" (Olympia, Washington)

Testimonial:

"Thank you so much for helping me pay for my nursing license renewal! I could not have paid this without your help. Now I can keep working and bringing in income to support my family, and avoid incurring crazy fees or losing my license. It's wonderful that there is a program that helps people BEFORE they fall through the cracks, not after they fall. I hope someday I can help others the way you've helped me. I can't get over your kindness. Thank you so much!"

Grant Request Title: "Must Buy and Train New Service Dog to Remain Independent" (Lyons, New York)

Testimonial:

"I applied for a grant with Modest Needs to help me adopt a service dog to be my companion and to help me remain independent. After applying, I tried to control my hope. I have suffered many disappointments, including the recent death of my long-time service dog and best friend, and didn't want to be disappointed again. I didn't know if I would have the spiritual strength to apply again for help if I got denied the funding. Which is why I was overwhelmed when my application was fully funded!

Even though I have tried to express how I feel, it is impossible to really tell you how much this grant means to me. It has rejuvenated my will to live just when I needed it most. I will now really be able to raise another puppy to be my constant companion and eternal friend. I will not be alone. I will be able to maintain my independence, something that is important to me and who I am. I am so grateful to everyone. Thank you!"

 

There. That was quick. And painless. Don't you feel just a little bit better? A little thankful, even? There are even more testimonials here.

And for the record, we at Modest Needs are thankful for your ongoing support. Without you, our work would not be possible.

The Faces of Those Whose Lives You've Changed

Below are just three of the individuals and families whose lives you've turned around with your generous contributions. You can read more testimonials on our website.

 

 

 

 

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"I was completely overwhelmed and excited that my application was funded. It may sound silly but to me this means a great deal as I only have a few back teeth left and many years of health and nutrition ahead of me. Now I am feeling confident that I will be able to preserve those that I have left and am very excited about going to visit the dentist."

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"It means so much to us to know that we will no longe have this stress and wait on top of us not knowing whether or not we where going to be able to pay the bill or have the debt or end up not being able to pay for something else like school clothes for our kids or groceriess, and now with the help we have received we can now get back to enjoying our new home with our family. I wish so much that I could shake each one of your hands and tell you all thank you and how much this mean to us!"

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"Words can't express the feelings I feel right now. I'm overwhelmed from the responses I have received from complete strangers. I am in tears knowing that there are people that are as generous as you all are. It's a great feeling to know that there are still generous loving people in the world. Thank you all so much and God Bless you and your families."

How You've Helped: Thank You Notes

A few people want to say thank you for investing in them and their future:

"I am already feeling stronger every day and your help has given me the courage to move on with my new life." -Single mother and bus driver in Alpharetta, Georgia who was diagnosed with Lymphoblastic Leukemia and was running out sick days 

"I am not eligible for help from any place because I work part-time to supplement my disability income. I have no family to help and my friends are struggling as much (or worse) than I am. I had begun to think about a payday loan which I know would have made things much worse over the long run. Again, thank you so much for your kindness and generosity in this difficult time. This may very well have prevented me and Ivory from becoming homeless." -Single woman whose therapy dog needed emergency surgery

"Without all you wonderful people, I could also possibly be awaiting foreclosure on my home, which is all I have at this point in time in my life and more chemo treatments a head of me, all having to paid in cash or no treatment. You are wonderful people who truly care for the human race and mankind." -Single woman laid off after cancer diagnosis, left with no income or insurance

"You have done your country, as well as your fellow man an immeasurable kindness. I cannot stress enough the amount of gratitude I have for you. I will now, thanks to you be able to serve OUR country and OUR fellow man much more successfully in the current struggles that we are battling." -Soldier who needed glasses and ballistic goggles

"With your generosity, we are now going to be able to store food, and have a cold drink. If you have ever experienced this loss, you know the frustration of not being able to prepare a nutritious meal. It is difficult to make many meals without eggs, milk, etc., so we had to be creative. We do not live close to a store, so frequent trips were not possible. Your generosity allows us to go to the store, buy refrigerated foods and rest assured that they will be safe to eat. I can give food to our sons and know that it is safe to eat. I can be assured that my insulin will be at the proper temperature, and will not have to discard bad medication. This act of yours assures my health to be regulated. Thank you life saver!" -Family in Westerville, Ohio who needed a working refrigerator

[Photo by Ben Fredricson]

This Is What We Mean When We Say Your Gifts Change Lives

With our Application of the Day feature, and other appeals for help, you are often presented with the moving portraits of those with modest needs. What you don't see nearly as often, is the outcome of your generosity. Which is no small thing, rest assured.

We talk about how your donations, no matter how small, can change a life. We stress that you can make an enormous impact. So much so, in fact, that "change a life" can become somewhat of a tired phrase. With repeated use, it can lose its impact.

Today, I'd like to tell you about a recent applicant who truly, genuinely had his world bettered by your gifts of compassion.

He is an Iraq war veteran who "suffered a head injury, gunshot wound, and shrapnel in [his] left side. As a result of [his] head injury, [he] lost some vision, hearing, and has chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder." As if that wasn't enough, he was also a victim of identity theft, which left him with unpaid debt and creditors breathing down his neck.

Because he could no longer climb the stairs, (the bullet in his leg prevents it, but removing the bullet would mean amputation) this veteran also had to move. All of these awful occurances caused, quite understandably, a financial shortfall. Without help with his mortgage, on top of it all, he could have lost his home.

But, you stepped in. You gave what you could. You saw this modest need, with so many atrocious consequences if gone unmet, and you filled it. As a result, this veteran tells us, explicitly, that his life was changed:

Dear Modest Needs and Contributors,

Melody and I are overwhelmed at the generosity and kindness of the American people. By funding our need, your organization and the wonderful contributors have allowed us to breathe a sigh of relief, and also have renewed our faith in the fact that the trials we are going through surely cannot last. Modest Needs has allowed us to believe in the goodness and generosity of this great Nation, and the American people. Hope is now restored in our lives, and mere words cannot describe the gratitude that we both feel in our hearts. Thank you, Modest Needs, and thank you contributors; you have made a difference, and a lasting impact in our lives.

Sincerely, David and Melody Smith

Hope restored. Faith in a nation restored. His ability to remain financially self-sufficient restored. A positive outlook on his future, despite all that has happened in the recent past.

That is no small thing. In fact, it is enormous. And, I suspect, it fills your heart with pride and passion to help even more of those people just like Sgt. David Smith of Jacksonville, Tennessee.

This is what we mean when we say your gifts change lives.

And this is just one man. At Modest Needs, we often fill three requests in a single day. Thanks to you.

So, if you ever doubt what your dollars do for others when you give through Modest Needs, don't. It's huge. It's remarkable. It's actually, sincerely life-changing.

The Modest Needs Mission, In a Nutshell

Today we are going to rewind a bit, back to the year 2006, when Modest Needs was just four years old. The CBS affiliate in New York did a short piece on Modest Needs and its founder Keith Taylor, and what this short video does is succinctly summarize the mission of Modest Needs while adding sound and visuals that illustrate exactly what it is we do here day in and day out.

When spreading the word about Modest Needs, it is important to tell a story; something that people can relate to, something that touches them. This news pieec does exactly that.

Take a look at this to be reminded who you help with your generosity and how much it means to those on the receiving end:

How to Change a Life without a Single Cent

You might think that if money is tight for you, as it is for many people in this low employment, expensive gasoline economy that it is impossible for you to help others in need. If you struggle to pay rent each month, how can you help someone else with hers?

This line of thinking is understandable, but what you may not realize is that your desire to help someone else doesn't have to be squashed due to a stretched budget. It takes zero dollars to make a difference in the life of someone who is going without. Zero. In fact, all you need is a willingness to reach out.

The note below is from a very recent Modest Needs grant recipient thanking the donors who made her request possible. Pay particular attention to the sentence in bold.

"I am thanking the good Lord and all of you kind and wonderful people for helping me at my time of need. I can't hardly believe it. A friend from another website suggested Modest Needs when I was at my lowest, so I applied with a prayer in my heart. Since I applied my electric bill situation has only gotten worse and this will bring it current! I can breathe again! I am so grateful for this help, thank you, thank you, thank you. There will come a day when I will pay this forward thanks to you kind people."

This someone she is referring to changed this individual's life for the better. And how did she do it? Not with a donation, but with her mouth.

You don't need a red cent to tell someone else about Modest Needs. You don't need a single penny to share the word about this organization that helps otherwise self-sufficient people--people who have no where else to turn--get back on track and prevent them from falling into poverty.

If you know someone who could use a hand up with car repairs, missed bills, accessibility equipment or any other financial emergency, tell them about Modest Needs. Or link to us on Facebook. Or write about our mission on Twitter. There are countless ways to share the word about what we do.

But! Don't think you have to wait until you know of someone in dire straights to spread the message. The fact of the matter is that often people have overwhelming financial emergencies, but they are too ashamed or afraid to tell anyone. Sad, but true. So, don't hesitate to tell others about Modest Needs--even if you don't know of a specific money problem. You never know who might need our help.

I challenge you to tell one other person about Modest Needs today. You can call, text, tweet, update your Facebook, write on your blog (you've been meaning to update it!) or discuss it over coffee. Telling just one other person today about Modest Needs might mean preventing them or someone they know from the vicious cycle of poverty.

You don't need extra cash to make an extra huge difference. Communication is just as vital. Spread the word today.

[Photo by Flavia]

Everyday Superhero: How to Gain Restorative Powers

One of the greatest things about the Modest Needs mission is its restorative powers. "Restorative powers" sounds like a superhero's super power, but in reality it's much simpler.

While your gifts to Modest Needs allow hardworking people and struggling families to get back on track financially, you also restore their faith in the goodness of others.

Many of our grant recipients at Modest Needs have been victims of continued bad luck (for lack of a better term), often at the hands of other people. Some have been abused by their husbands. Others have been taken for a ride by sleazy roommates or landlords. Too many have been abandoned. So, when you give of yourself to pull them out of a rut, it's very often the first act of kindness they been privvy too in a very long time.

Here are just a handful of the testimonials that express sincere gratitude for restoring belief in mankind:

• "[You] have little by little shown me that while there is evil in this world, there is much good to temper it."
• "[T]his donation helps prove that there are great people out there that really do care about the well being of their fellow human kind."
• "I've always been told that there's no good left in the world. A message from the broken hearts I've known. I must confess, after all the turmoil I've seen and endured, I was starting to lose faith as well. With this act of kindness, you've restored that faith."
• "You have renewed my faith in humanity."
• "I have a renewed sense of hope in everything."
• "I will be forever grateful for your thoughtfulness and kind generosity. Not only by helping me financially, but also spiritually."

You can't underestimate the power giving someone hope. That's giving someone the gift of life. Because, you've heard what they say, you gotta have hope.

[Photo by karla_k]

See the Faces of Those Helped with Modest Needs

Before every check goes out to cover expenses for our applicants each individual writes a testimonial thanking donors and sharing their experience with Modest Needs. Here are the faces and words of three different applicants whom you helped avoid the punishing cycle of poverty. They, and we, thank you for all you do.

"Dear Modest Needs Donors, I am very greatful for the help you have given me and my family, with the help of loving people like you i know their is hope,your kind support is a Blessing to us, and i know you will be Blessed in return.The help you have given us means; no more paper in oven door to hold it closed,no more missing knobs, and no more smelling of gas.To me you are all angles from above. and i vow to help others in need through your organization. I send Love to you all. Carol"

"Thank you so much for offering to help me. Even though I requested a small amount its nice to know that you all cared and helped so quickly. It lets me know that their are others who care about others in the world.Thank for all of those who helped me out. God bless you all!"

"Thank you so much for granting my plea for help. I lost my progressive eye glasses and have been using my old ones which isn't a strong enough prescription for my 68 year old eyes. I am so grateful to you for making it possible to pick up my glasses when the grant goes to my eye doctor's office. I've been using a magnifying glass to read and praying that I can see enough to drive with my old glasses. I will be praying for you and thanking you every time I look up to drive or down to read! Frances"

When you see their faces and read their words you are reminded that the "applicants" are real people with real issues and real threats who truly are touched by your gifts of generosity.

These are the people whose lives you are changing.

You Understood His Need to Take Care of His Dad

One Modest Needs applicant spent five years caring for his aging father who was suffering for dementia. He did so full-time. It was his top priority.

This dedicated made sure that his father's final years on earth were as comfortable and as loving and as safe as possible. He helped his ailing dad die with dignity.

And you have made it possible for this grieving son to avoid being punished for choosing to be his father's caregiver. By giving to Modest Needs, even to a different cause, you have allowed this man to stay above water after his father's passing.

Now that his dad is gone, this one full-time caretaker is now looking for work. After five years caring for his parent, this search is not as easy as he would like. He used his father's SSI distributions to pay for the cremation, but had no money left to pay his outstanding mortgage.

That's where you stepped in. You rewarded this man's dedication to his care for his dying father. You gave him a hand because he spent so long lending his.

Here is this applicants thank you to you:

Taking care of my dad for 5 years was not a job, nor did it ever become burden to me. It was rewarding and a joy to do, when he needed me the most. And i would welcome the chance to do it all over again, if only i could. Even in being my dads caregiver, I knew that the day would come that he would leave me to be with god and my mother, that my financial situation, would be unknown on how i would be able to keep my home and pay my other bills. I have cried many tears, and said a lot of prayers since nov. 2010. Not knowing how I would keep my home. God has answered my prayers, and I now believe that there are true angles that live among us in this world. And they are working through the Modest Needs Foundation. Even though I miss my dad dearly every day, I now know in being my dads care giver with the support of the donors of Modest Needs, I can go forward with my life. God bless each and ever one of you that helped me in this difficult time in my life!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! May god bless you all!!

From him, from us, and no doubt from his dad: Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[Photo by mandiberg]

A Video Thank You from a Modest Needs Recipient

One of the families Modest Needs recently helped to purchase new eye glasses took the time to tape a thank you to donors just like you who gave $2, $5, $10 or $20 to their cause. She is a teacher who suffered a severe stroke, and who now relies on her husband for nearly all her wants and needs.

Below is a brief video showing their recieving the payment for the glasses. It's touching and inspiring and wonderful to see in person those who have benefitted from your generosity: