Message from a RESULTS advocate
Dear RESULTS supporter:
I’d like to take a moment to thank you for your generous support of RESULTS and RESULTS Education Fund. Your donations directly impact and empower so many individuals, and thanks to you, we are closer than ever to wiping poverty from the face of our world.
Growing up in rural Maine, I experienced the hard blows of economic inequality. I was raised by a young, single mother who worked tirelessly to make ends meet for our family, but it was never enough. Like 48 million Americans do today, we received federal food assistance for the first few months of my life, but, in a cruel twist that reflects the hardships faced by millions of low-income families — the working poor — my mom then always made too much money to qualify for continued help.
My mom was often forced to make impossible financial decisions, worrying constantly about bills and groceries. We would drive 30 minutes out of town to visit a food pantry where no one would recognize us. Our hot water and electricity would be cut off, and I remember times she boiled water over the stove to make a hot bath for my little brother and me. Growing up, I was ashamed of my family’s financial struggles. Now, thanks to my involvement with RESULTS, I have begun to see my personal experience with poverty as a unique asset in the fight for economic equality for all Americans.
In July, I was invited to the 2013 RESULTS/REF International Conference by my friends at Feminine Power. I was immediately accepted and inspired by this wonderful community, and I felt called to use my voice on behalf of the 46.5 million Americans who are now living in poverty.
Though I had no previous lobbying experience, I met with the offices of three members of Congress, including a personal meeting with Senator Angus King (I-ME). In August, I moved to Baltimore and with another conference attendee began laying the groundwork for a new domestic poverty group. Within weeks of my arrival, I had an op-ed on my experience with food assistance published in the Baltimore Sun and a group of passionate volunteers ready to take action!
Without the federal nutrition and education programs that supported me and my family through our toughest times, I may not have had the foundation to become a successful first-generation college student. Without RESULTS, I may not have had the tools or courage to speak up as an advocate for Americans living in hunger and poverty.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your continued support of this powerful organization.
During this time of unprecedented attacks on federal nutritional assistance programs, I hope you will consider increasing your donation to RESULTS and RESULTS Education Fund by helping us raise $33,000 by the end of 2013.
With most sincere thanks,
Jami-Lin Williams
Co-leader, RESULTS Baltimore