August 12th, 2024 12:00am
Welcome to the very first installment of ALINE Stories, where we delve into the heart and soul behind the work we do and the people we serve. These stories are not just about projects or achievements; they are about the journeys, the struggles, and the triumphs that shape our community. Today, we are honored to share a story that is very dear to our firm, a story that has touched us deeply and inspired us to see beyond the surface and offer grace and support to those who need it.
Our story begins with a remarkable woman who's real name we won't disclose for privacy reasons; we’ll call her Nancy. Her journey is one of resilience, grace, and the power of human connection. Her spirit is a testament to the strength that lies within each of us, waiting to be nurtured and acknowledged.
We first met her nearby our office, as she is suffering—like many—from homelessness. From the moment we connected with her, her witty and sweet nature quickly endeared her to everyone she met from our studio and others in the community who we learned help her on a regular basis. Despite the challenges she faces, she maintains a sense of humor and a positive outlook—something we find truly inspiring.
Our relationship with Nancy deepened when she recently fell ill. Her circumstances brought her to a local hospital, where she has begun receiving the care she needed. During this challenging time, our community has rallied around her in many ways.
Dorota, a key member of our ALINE team, initiated our connection with Nancy about three years ago by checking in with her on the way to the office or having a conversation on the way to her car in the evening. Soon, other team members became more aware of Nancy’s presence and her daily needs. Ken started helping with much-needed water supply in the summer, and together we arranged for batteries for Nancy’s handheld fan, birthday cards, and a sleeping bag for Christmas. A small dose of compassion and thoughtfulness goes a long way for Nancy in making her feel seen and cared for.
Over the last few years, our team became aware that other members of the local community extend help and various forms of assistance to Nancy: Porter’s bartender provides a bucket of ice every day for Nancy during summertime, to help her stay cool and hydrated. Local stores such as Earthbound offer acceptance for her to sleep on a bench in front of their storefront—a safe and well-lit spot at night. Other merchants in the area offer help by donating clothing or doing laundry. Random out-of-town visitors and local residents frequently provide Nancy with dinner, special desserts on holidays, and cash donations. Others, like City landscape maintenance crews, give her a morning greeting with kind words and a smile—these often small gestures and actions have collectively sustained Nancy’s life on the streets of Scottsdale for nearly thirty years!
Throughout her current illness, our team and community have been by her side, offering encouragement and support. It has been a journey filled with challenges but also moments of optimism and hope. Nancy’s determination and resilience have been a constant source of inspiration for all of us.
Nancy’s story is a powerful reminder that everyone has a unique journey filled with ups and downs. It's easy to make assumptions based on someone's current situation, but when we take the time to look deeper, we find stories of resilience and potential. Prior to her current illness, Nancy showed her compassionate spirit by sharing her food, clothing, and often money she collected with other members of the homeless community present in Old Town Scottsdale. Her generous heart inspires us to continue our mission of giving grace and support, recognizing that we all have the capacity to make a difference in someone else's life.
Following her hospital stay, Nancy was moved to Camelback Post-Acute Care and Rehabilitation Center, where Dorota has visited her several times and keeps everyone in the loop about her progress. Dorota is also applying to become Nancy's "point of contact." Many people, including the team at Clayton Companies, are working hard to establish contact with her medical power of attorney or any relative/friend who might be able to care for her as she enters the next stage of her recovery.
At ALINE, we are committed to continuing this journey of care and connection during Nancy’s next chapter: recovery from surgery and hospital care. Nancy’s future is uncertain as she is currently in an outpatient rehabilitation center, regaining her strength one day at a time. We hope that her story inspires others to look beyond our own routines and challenges, to offer help without hesitation, and to recognize the shared humanity that binds us all. This is just the beginning of ALINE Stories, and we look forward to sharing more journeys of hope, resilience, and community in the future.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about ways to help out with this individual’s journey, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Helping others less fortunate is truly a team effort, and together we can make a difference.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for joining us in celebrating the incredible stories that inspire us every day.
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