♥ A Journey of “We” ♥

Recently, FOCC got a chance to be a part of Tom Burick’s amazing 10,000 mile journey to combat sexual child abuse. He shared with us his remarkable personal story and his dedication to make others aware of the effects of child sexual abuse. His bravery to speak out about his own abuse and encourage others to do the same has left us all with an immense feeling of hope and joy. We are more than grateful that he stopped by to talk with us and will forever remember the impact he left on us all.

“I cannot do this alone…it is not a journey of “me”. It is a journey of “we”.”- Tom Burick

Visit www.journeyfromsilence.com to learn more about his incredible journey and see his heart shaped route!

An Act Of Kindness

This year’s 4th Annual Splash day was held to celebrate the summer with families and friends and create special memories.  No one expected on that day that McKayla, age 10 and winner of a brand new Mongoose bicycle, would be creating her own special memory for both her and a very lucky Family Outreach child.

Splash Day was drawing to an end when Clinical Director, Jody Kuhl, announced she was about to call out the winners of the door prizes.  The soaking wet children gathered around to view the prizes – a giant water gun for the boys and a hot pink bicycle for the girls.  It was the first time that evening that there was complete silence on the playground.  When the winners were announced both JC and McKayla were excited to claim their fabulous prizes.

To our surprise and delight McKayla came back to Family Outreach the next morning and said, “I thought about it over night and decided I really wanted to donate this bike to another girl who really needs it.”  Our hearts were immediately touched by the kindness of her thoughtful gesture.  At McKayla’s request we called Jewel’s grandparents to bring her over to receive a special gift. Jewel’s family has been receiving services from Family Outreach since 2008 and she and McKayla share a special friendship.

As McKayla rolled the bike into the lobby Jewel’s face immediately lit up.  The joy in Jewel’s face was apparent and it spread around to the people in the room witnessing this precious act of kindness.  Not only was Jewel grateful for her new bike but her grandfather Jerry was equally touched by McKayla’s gift.

McKayla’s and Jewel’s story was a special reminder of how one little act of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of others and nourish friendships for a lifetime.  McKayla found a way to make a difference in the life of a child, click here to find out how you can make a difference too!