It is well known that for the past several months, ADC Michigan has been coping with tremendous financial challenges.

Similar to other non-profit organizations serving the community, ADC Michigan continues to struggle to survive amidst a frail economy. ADC Michigan is one of the few organizations that does not receive government grants and solely depends on the generous donations and contribution of its members and friends to continue to service the community.

The ongoing economic crisis has already forced ADC Michigan to make difficult decisions regarding the local staff’s working hours, limiting its hours of service.

But some within this great community have stepped in to try to help.

An example of an act of support that touched the hearts and minds of the ADC Michigan staff is the story of a single mother who works tirelessly as a housekeeper to make ends meet for herself and her children. She came to ADC for help with her son, who has been experiencing severe issues of discrimination. This woman came to ADC with a sense of desperation, looking for any type of assistance with her son’s situation. She approached ADC as her last resort, after trying many different routes that yielded no results.

The ADC Michigan team managed to assist her and made a difference that affected her outlook on the dilemma and eased the hopelessness she was feeling. It was gratifying to see her tears of pain transform into tears of happiness, and to witness her despair turn to hope.

I remember clearly this woman’s plea for help, telling us that we were her last hope, “I am willing to do anything… just please help me help my son.”

We are continually grateful that our efforts paid off and we were able to help her.

What is more significant about this story is that this woman chose to make a commitment to make a monthly donation to ADC, which she has been faithfully adhering to for the past three months, despite an effort to return the contribution to her, as she is in great need herself.

The staff members at ADC Michigan were so touched by this woman’s appreciation that it literally brought tears to their eyes. Her small act of kindness in contributing to the pot that will allow others who are suffering to be helped is commendable.

If others who have been helped by the organization followed the lesson of the housekeeper, ADC Michigan’s chain of service would continue to expand to assist more community members whose lives have been turmoiled by hate and discrimination. g

Imad Hamad is regional director of ADC Michigan