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May 21, 2026 • Easton

A Genuine Purpose

Sandy Adams shares a personal story from the early days of Friends Helping Friends Network, Inc. to show why community support matters. Through a chance encounter with someone who had quietly depended on the organization’s meals, she explains how even small acts of service can deeply affect people in need. The article invites the community to support, follow, and help grow the organization’s mission of “Taking Those Around Us...To Help Those Around Us.”

When asked to do another article, I was asked a specific question… Why is it important for people of the community to support Friends Helping Friends Network, Inc.?

To me, the answer is very clear. The mere fact that we are changing the way traditional help is given to ensure a true goal and budget, in order to achieve successful independence, should be enough.

But for those who have never lived it, I have a story for you!

In the years past of trying to begin Friends Helping Friends Network, Inc., a friend of mine purchased a business sign with our information on it that magnetically stuck to my car door. At that time, we were doing a soup kitchen in a local church 4 days a week, once daily. For those who could not get to us, we delivered to them.

In the midst of running back and forth from the thrift store, to the soup kitchen, I needed to have my oil changed in my car. Being in the hurry that I always am, I chose to go to Jiffy Lube that day. I know, I know…

So, I go inside to check in. And the guy that pulled my car in the bay came up front to put my information in the computer. He was kinda gruff and to the point. Out of nowhere, he asks,

“What’s up with that sign that’s on your door?”

He caught me so off-guard, that I asked,

“ Excuse me?”

He said,

“That sign on your car. What’s up with it?”

I literally was a little intimidated at this point, and I answered,

“Well, I have a non-profit that I founded that helps those who are homeless, facing eviction, and single parents. And we also are doing a soup kitchen.”

He said,

“I know. I am one of those that you feed and I don’t know if you know how much we appreciate you! “

Immediately my heart dropped to my stomach and the tears started to swell up! I looked at him and said,

“How have I not seen you, or met you? I usually see who we feed.”

He then proceeded to tell me that he lived in the recovery home, (Fresh Start, at that time), and told me a little more about him and others who had no food and looked forward to what we brought.

At that time, we didn’t have much, but our volunteers worked hard to stretch every meal and make sure people were fed well. They helped us be as creative as we could with what we had, making the food last longer while still making sure it tasted good, too.

I’ve never forgotten that story, nor that gruff guy that became my friend. He knew then, and knows now, that if he’s ever in need, he can come to me.

As it is so hard to start a non-profit, we ended up not being able to make it at that time. We wanted to do this without federal grants, as we still desire to do. From lessons learned trying to start before, I started with a different set of priorities.

This time, we know that we need your support!

While still meeting with clients and working on programs with them, we are also still doing ongoing fundraisers, events and outreaching for sponsorship.

Our motto says it the most,

“Taking Those Around Us…To Help Those Around Us.”

We need you to make this work. And although we are starting back with the same platform as before, our plans have grown!

So please take a minute to follow us and see how you can support us!

We have big things to do!