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Their Stories 

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Together we help #rebuildlives one neighbor at a time!

 

Jumping for Joy

Jumping for Joy

Imagine the sheer delight of a little girl jumping for joy, not over a toy or candy, but over receiving food! This week at ECHO Riverview, we witnessed a truly heartwarming moment as a young girl’s happiness knew no bounds upon seeing a cart get filled with food.  We believe that every child deserves access to nutritious food and we’re proud to be making a difference in their lives. Because of YOU we can continue to spread love, joy, and nourishment to those in need. Together, we can create a world where no child goes hungry.

Child's reaction to Free Grocery

Heartwarming moment alert

We recently welcomed an amazing family to our Riverview community who moved here just a few weeks ago. Sadly, they lost all their belongings during their journey. But guess what? When they visited ECHO Riverview, it became a truly special moment for them.
 
As they explored the resources available, one of their little ones excitedly exclaimed to their mom in Spanish, “¡WOW, ¿escuchas eso, mamá? Todo esto es gratis, ¡no tenemos que pagar nada!” (translation: “Wow, do you hear that, Mom? All of this is free, we don’t have to pay for any of it!”)

Because of YOU, we can help families whose unforeseen life events brought them to ECHO. That is how their story becomes your story.
104 families came to ECHO Riverview for the first time

A Parent's Time of Need

Emily, overwhelmed and in need of help, walked into ECHO. She recently took on the care of her paralyzed son, Jon, after his ex-fiance left him without money, vehicles, or housing.

Emily sought assistance with food and was connected with one of our advocates, who spent an hour planning their next steps. When Emily left, she was grateful for the food and newfound hope.

ECHO’s advocacy group is now working on a plan to help the family find long-term stability.

This is how ECHO leads our neighbors down the Path To Hope.

104 families came to ECHO Riverview for the first time

A former doctor in a time of need

In April, ECHO Riverview Resource Center saw a remarkable 50% increase in neighbors visiting us compared to last year! 😮

But that’s not all! Our community proudly supported 104 families who courageously sought relief from us for the FIRST TIME at Riverview location and 116 families in Brandon. We provided them with food, clothing, and more, leaving them with hope; when they left our center. 🙌 This is the story behind the number 104.

Because of your support, we are making an impact in our community! 🤝 Thank you for helping us make a difference! 💙

104 families came to ECHO Riverview for the first time

Utility Troubles

Marie visited ECHO for a follow-up appointment; her electric bill recently doubled with no way to pay.

Advocacy was able to connect her with a community resource where she was able to receive up to $450 towards her bill.  Marie is now back on track with hope for the future.

ECHO’s community resources are a key component of the care we provide. It’s always a team effort to guide our neighbors down the Path to Hope.

Learning to tie a tie at ECHO Riverview

He Got The Job

A few weeks ago, Tammy, our ECHO job coach, helped our neighbor, Danny update his resume, navigate through job posting sites, and encourage him to apply for a few positions. We have exciting news – Danny secured employment. His story doesn’t end there . . . this is what happened next.

Before he could begin his new job, Danny had to complete extensive online training and onboarding. Unfortunately, Danny doesn’t own a computer; how was he going to login into their training? So he came back to ECHO’s FREE Back2Work program for help.

Tammy was able to provide a computer for Danny to use. She also guided him through the complex training videos and quizzes.

Danny is now one step closer to achieving long-term financial stability. Because of YOU, and local businesses supporting Our FREE Back2Work programs, our job coaches can help those seeking employment find jobs and more.

This is how his story becomes your story.
104 families came to ECHO Riverview for the first time

A First Step to a Better Tomorrow

Recently, one of ECHO’s Advocacy team members met a single homeless woman who desperately needed shelter.

The woman had no phone so we reached out to local shelters and thankfully, she was able to secure a place to stay.

ECHO provided her with a bus pass and she was incredibly grateful and excited to start working once again.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of neighbors like you.

Hours cut - needs help with food

Seeking Help, Finding Hope!

Today, we had the privilege of assisting a family who came to ECHO Riverview in dire need. Their job hours were slashed, and the rising cost of living made it tough to make ends meet. They reached out to us for emergency food, and we delivered so much more.
At ECHO, our mission extends beyond providing immediate relief. We connected them with vital community resources and arranged a meeting with a job coach, aiming to help them secure better employment opportunities. It’s all about empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and regain stability.
Because of community supporters like YOU, their story becomes your story. A story of hope, compassion and neighborly love. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Let’s continue supporting one another through these challenging times and creating pathways to brighter futures.
Doctor comes to ECHO for food assistance

Back2Work Program

“I had an amazing meeting with our neighbor yesterday at the Wendy’s restaurant. He had been struggling to provide for his family. This meeting was unique because we met using a translator for our entire conversation. Our neighbor had just received his documentation to work in the US and he was looking for a job that he could work while knowing very little English. We contacted a community partner who came by right away and hired our neighbor on the spot.”

This story was shared at our Empower breakfast earlier this month because it truly encompasses what our Back to Work program at ECHO is all about. Partnering with our community to aid Our neighbors on their journey to rebuilding their lives through employment.

A community like ours is what makes stories like this one possible.

Learn more about our back2work program! 

families helped with food and clothing in ECHO Riverview

They were living in their van

They were living in their van in the Gibsonton Walmart parking lot. Martha was in her late 60’s, and George was in his 70’s. They had been homeless for more than three months and struggled to connect with support and resources that could get them out of their van and into stable housing. That is when they decided to come to ECHO Riverview,

Fast forward two months, and we were able to find them an affordable apartment in Brandon and help get them settled.

They are just two of the 1,670 neighbors who have received assistance from ECHO’s Advocacy care team this past year. Because of neighbors like you, Martha and George now have a home.

Food distribution in ECHO Riverview

Four hours 23 families

Tuesday at ECHO Riverview, we had an overwhelming number of 23 families come to us seeking assistance in just 4 short hours. These families are our neighbors . . . neighbors struggling to make ends meet.
Despite our best efforts, the demand was so high that our shelves were constantly being restocked to ensure that these families had enough to take home. While 23 families may not seem like a large number, the impact on our small facilities and hardworking volunteers was significant.
At ECHO, we believe that every family in our community deserves to have access to necessities like food and clothing. That’s why we provide each family in need with a week’s worth of supplies. But we know that this is just the beginning. That’s why we’re excited to announce that, thanks to your support, we’ll be moving to a larger facility just two-tenths of a mile from our current one. This new space will allow us to better serve the families in our community and meet their needs with greater compassion and care.
While families first come to us looking for food or clothing, we are there taking the time to listen to their needs and helping them navigate community resources, meet with an advocate care team staff, or job coach.
YOU help make this possible; your continued support of neighbors in crisis provides them with the help they need to get back on their feet . . . helping us bridge the gap between crisis and stability. Thank you.
#neighborshelpingneighbors #rebuildlives #echothat
Learning to tie a tie at ECHO Riverview

It wasn't just a tie he needed

As Ricky perused the clothing room at our ECHO Riverview location, he sought out the advice of a kind ECHO volunteer on which tie would complement his shirts the best.

He eagerly explained that he was there to prepare for his first significant career job starting Monday. Ricky wanted to make a great impression at his new job.

The ECHO Riverview volunteer was happy to assist him in selecting an outfit that fit him perfectly, and Ricky was thrilled to wear it. Yet, at checkout, he had another story to tell. He revealed he had no idea how to tie a necktie.
 
Luckily, Joe, who volunteers in our food market pantry, overheard the conversation and immediately came to the rescue, skillfully tying Ricky’s tie and teaching him how to do it himself.

Ricky left the store brimming with gratitude and excitement for his future endeavors.

 

Today, his story becomes your story, too!

You never know when donations of shoes, socks, clothes, or even a tie will help men like Ricky feel prepared and confident in the workforce.
families helped with food and clothing in ECHO Riverview

Her family's story

One morning as we opened the ECHO Riverview Welcome Center, we were greeted by a young mom holding her baby, and closely following her 3-year-old daughter.

We warmly welcomed them into our center and made sure the little one was distracted with some crayons so we could get a moment to get to know Sara and her circumstances.

It was through our conversation that we discovered; that her family had previously sought help from ECHO when her husband lost his job six months ago.

 

Although her husband had found work again, their growing family had not quite caught up from the three months without his income. With nine young children to care for, this devoted mom had returned to ECHO for assistance in getting the next size up in clothing for her kids.

Our compassionate team of volunteers and staff at ECHO Riverview worked hard to ensure that she received all the essential items she needed and even provided some fun crocheted animals; to help entertain her 3-year-old daughter while she took care of her baby’s needs.


As we helped her load the two shopping carts filled with clothing and food into her car, we could see her eyes well up in tears as she expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you!” “This is incredible.” It was truly heartwarming to see the relief and happiness on her face.


At ECHO, we first care for our neighbors like Sara by providing them with basic necessities of food and clothes, which comes from community support. But it doesn’t end there!
Your support help us do so much more: advocacy care, community resources and partnerships, workshops, and job coaching.

 

Because of YOU, we can help families like Sara whose unforeseen life events brought her to ECHO. That is how her story becomes your story.
She came to ECHO Riverview not for herself but for her unborn child.

Young & courageous mother-to-be

This week in Riverview, a young and courageous mother-to-be visited ECHO. Our neighbor Grace, first baby is due in just four weeks, and she feels unprepared for the journey ahead.

With no family support or assistance from the baby’s father, Grace is facing this challenge alone. Despite her fears, she is determined to provide the best for her baby.

At ECHO, we were privileged to support her with essential needs, including food, clothing, diapers, and wipes. We also connected her to valuable resources such as parenting classes, car seat programs, and support groups for new moms.

Our aim was to create a community around her, so she would not feel alone in this new phase of life.

That is how her story becomes your story.

As Grace left, we assured her of our continued support and encouraged her to return to ECHO if she needs any assistance in the future, such as formula or other baby items. Our heartfelt desire is for every new mother to feel hopeful and loved, no matter their circumstances.

Because of YOU, we can help young mothers like Grace feel love, compassion, and hope.

Getting ahead

Two years without his medication

Imagine if you could not take your medication for two years because you could not afford it. That is what had happened to our neighbor Larry, who came to see us.

For the past two years, Larry could not afford his medication. He barely made ends meet with his normal monthly expenses of food, rent and utilities, so he considered medication not vital enough to include in his household budget. Can you imagine that?
After receiving food and clothing, Larry received an appointment with our advocacy care team for additional resources and assistance.
Immediately, our team referred him to our community partner, the Outreach Clinic, which so happens to be next door. The Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center signed him up with Hillsborough County Insurance. Together they will assist him with his medication. Larry, teary-eyed and emotional, came back to ECHO to tell us, “ thank you, it’s been a long time since someone cared enough to help me.”
Because of YOUR support of ECHO we are able to have an advocacy care team ready to help neighbors navigate the community resources and programs available to them. To read more stories on how #neighborshelpingneighbors #rebuildlives visit echofl.org/stories
You can #echothat

That is what we experienced a few days ago when a family dropped off a large donation of new diapers and beautiful brand new baby clothing. Our neighbor shared that their son had recently passed away, and they wanted these items he never got to use to go to someone in need.

A few days later, a neighbor came in to get food and clothing. Her adult son recently passed away, and she is now the parent to his three boys, all under the age of three, plus her three teenage children. Overnight and unexpectedly, a family of four became a family of seven.

As we checked her out in the clothing room, we realized that she was taking home the diapers and clothing donated just days earlier by this other grieving family.

Our hearts and prayers go out to them, both.

Our neighbor Gale

Searching for resources

Gale is a retired woman who came into ECHO searching for more information about our services. With rental prices rising to new heights over the past year, she was concerned her rental application would not go through, but it did.

Gale now has an apartment. She no longer has to couch surf or live out of her car. Although our neighbor was thrilled about having her own home again, other concerns surfaced. How would she eat after paying for rental and electric deposits and rent? How would she replenish the clothes she lost during her transition?

Gale came to ECHO in search of programs that could assist her on her journey toward financial independence but she received more. She met with an Advocacy care team member who would help her navigate the resources and workshops that ECHO and the community could offer, she also received emergency food and clothing.

Because of YOU, we can continue to connect our neighbors with local resources tailored to their needs and provide emergency food and clothing. Gale is one of the 1,563 neighbors served through our advocacy care program. That is the story behind the number.

Danielle First time

It was her first time at ECHO

Danielle, a long-time Brandon resident, arrived at ECHO full of anxiety. She felt apprehensive because although she had driven past the ECHO building many times before, this was her first time needing assistance.

Being a busy mom of four boys, our neighbor had fallen into difficult times. Her rent went up by 30%, and now she found it challenging to afford food and gas, which is very common for single parents dealing with the rising cost of living.

After two weeks of going through many emotions and the fear of not having enough food to last through the rest of the month. Danielle decided to come in to ECHO for information.

When Danielle arrived, our care team reassured her that she was in good hands. After explaining the process, she was pleasantly surprised to learn about the emergency food and clothing she would receive.

Danielle is a hardworking woman who takes pride in the care that she provides for her family. She felt at ease being able to pace herself as she picked items for her little boys.

Danielle took her time finding clothing and food that her family would enjoy and left with a smile that was not present when she arrived.

The story does not end there! Danielle is one of the 443 neighbors that registered for many of our workshops so that she could continue to rebuild her life.

That is where this story ties to YOU!

Your donations of emergency food, clothing, and household items have continued to help neighbors like Danielle get back on track when life gets tough.

Getting ahead

Two Unforeseen Life Circumstances

Denise, a mother of four, came in with her one-month-old in tow.

She had never had to seek assistance before, but because of the hurricane closures and her husband falling ill with Covid-19, they had missed an entire week of pay and did not have enough food to last until their next paycheck.

We provided our neighbor, Denise information she needed to get services. Soon after, she gathered the items she received from ECHO and packed them into her car.

Before she left, she came back inside of ECHO. We reached out to her to to see if there was anything else she needed.

With tears streaming down her face, she shared how thankful she was.

“I am so happy that I will have food for my children until my next payday.” Denise wanted to let us know how much it truly meant to her.

Denise and her family are one of the 170,865 meals that have been provided because of YOU.

That is the story behind the number.

Neighbors like YOU are making this possible

Richardo came benefited from Back2Work program

Came looking for work

Our neighbor, Richardo, came to ECHO’s Opportunity Center looking for work. On our employment board, he saw that a local bank was hiring. He applied, but he didn’t get the job.

That didn’t stop Richardo, from coming back to ECHO to look for employment. While there, he spoke to a job coach who encouraged him to attend our Back to Work resume workshop.

What he discovered at the workshop was pivotal in helping him acquire two jobs! One was temporary full-time employment, and the second was an overnight position twice a week. He attributed his getting the jobs due to his updated resume.

On Friday, the position that he was working as a temporary would now become a full-time permanent position. They asked him to stay onboard!

“When you first invited me to come in for a resume workshop, I was skeptical, but the results speak for themselves.” said Richardo.

Working together to rework his resume; allowed him an opportunity to get an interview. To get his foot in the door and prove himself.

Richardo is one of 132 neighbors who have found meaningful employment through ECHO’s Back to Work program. YOU made this possible. That’s the story behind 132

Doctor comes to ECHO for food assistance

A former doctor in a time of need

On a Monday morning, Dennis arrived at our Riverview location, hoping to access our food pantry. As we spoke with him, he revealed that he was once a doctor, but had suffered a stroke that left him unable to work. Within six months, he had turned to food pantries, including ours, to help him keep food on the table.

Our neighbor, Dennis informed us that this was his second visit at ECHO, and he usually waits in food pantry lines to ensure that he has food to eat for the week. “I love all of the generous people and churches who help me with food,” he shared, “but ECHO is different.” He expressed how much it meant to him to be able to shop for his own food at ECHO. “And everyone here is so kind! You all make me feel cared for and never look down on me for needing your help.”

Dennis is a resident of Riverview who once dedicated his life to helping others as a respected doctor, touching the lives of thousands with his compassionate care. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact that emergency food, clothing, and life rebuilding programs can have on the people that we call neighbors.

This story was shared at our Empower breakfast earlier this month because it truly encompasses what our Back to Work program at ECHO is all about. Partnering with our community to aid Our neighbors on their journey to rebuilding their lives through employment.

A community like ours is what makes stories like this one possible.

Learn more about our back2work program! 

Getting ahead

Making a sacrifice to get ahead

Our neighbor Andrea came to ECHO seeking assistance with food and household supplies. After two years of living in a motel and two weeks of sleeping in her car, Andrea finally saved enough money to move into her apartment!

That sacrifice of living in a motel and eventually her car meant that she had to get rid of all her belonging and live with minimal clothing and supplies. Andrea had nowhere to store her kitchen items, towels, or household items.

That is where YOU came in! Your donation of clothes, food, household items, and monies has helped neighbors like Andrea, who come to us every day, get back on the path to stability.

Together, we were able to give her food to fill her pantry and clothing for work. But her story doesn’t end there, we were able to get her all the supplies she needed to help make her apartment a home – towels, dishes, sheets, blankets, and much more!

The story still continued with our advocacy care team being able to help her apply for Homemakers of Hope a community partner that helped her get the furniture she needed for her new place.

An Accident Brought Her to ECHO

It's not just a Bike

The perfect story for #BikeToWorkDay – What do you think?

Meet our neighbor, Anthony. His job is so important to him because it’s not only him he’s caring for but also his elderly mother.

Anthony’s inability to have a reliable mode of transportation made going to work and running errands for his mom difficult.

This bike will now allow him to get back and forth to work and care for his mom. You helped make this possible with your continued support. 

YOU, played a part in Anthony’s story and all the neighbors we serve in your community.
This is how his story becomes your story. 
An Accident Brought Her to ECHO

Despair kept him homebound

Today we helped William, a neighbor, who from the beginning of the year had several devastating events occur in his life: he lost his mother, then his wife, and recently William had a heart attack.

William became a recluse, not leaving his home for months and not wanting to do anything. His family encouraged him to leave the house and come to ECHO to see how we could help him.

Our advocacy care team created a family plan for William, where we connected William to partners like 211 for community programs and counseling, we provided him with a list of hot meal sites and other food pantries that could fill in the gap. We reached out to our community partner, SOAR, for assistance with Disability and much more!

William: Thank you, thank you a million times over for the work you do in our community. I feel like I knocked out so many things on my to-do list that would have taken me months to do.

The neighbor that came in this morning hopeless . . . because of neighbors like YOU, he left hopeful.

An Accident Brought Her to ECHO

Her daughter became wheelchair-bound

Recently a neighbor came in with her six-year-old daughter, who not long ago, became wheelchair-bound due to a catastrophic event. Her mother had to leave her job to care for her daughter. Sometimes a life-changing event can find neighbors seeking ECHO for assistance for the very first time. It did for Teresa.

Teresa didn’t know what to do or what resources were available to her. We connected her with a local partner, The Angel Foundation Florida, that helps neighbors experiencing a temporary crisis due to a life-threatening illness or catastrophic event. We also scheduled her to meet with our advocacy care team, but on the day of her appointment, she came in not to talk to us; but to say THANK YOU in person. She wanted us to know she had contacted The Angel Foundation and applied for rental assistance for the next two months and got it. “Thank you so much for directing me to this community resource, I knew I needed help, but I just didn’t know where to start. Thank you and your team for all the work you do”

Because of YOU, we have today an advocacy care team. A team that listens, cares, and provides life-stabilizing programs and resources to our neighbors in need. We truly appreciate your continued support! Thank you! 

A SIMPLE QUESTION LEADS TO A DISCOVERY

A simple question leads to discovery

Eva came in looking for food and clothing but in the process, we discovered more. A simple question “What brought you in today, led to a conversation that unearthed her other needs?

Eva had stated that she has been self-employed from a very young age. Health reasons caused her to leave that line of work. “Unfortunately, I didn’t finish high school. I went straight to work” she said.

Together we went over the free programs that we offer at our Opportunity Center: GED prep classes, back to work, and our workshops.

Bringing to light that we have more to offer than food and clothes, Eva said, “ I will definitely be back. There are so many opportunities available at ECHO to continue my education, find work, and more!” Thank you.

Seeing New Faces

Seeing New Faces

Yesterday, our neighbor, Susan, walked in our door with her four young girls in tow. They had recently lost their home because of a significant rise in rent. For the past several weeks, they had been hopping around motels whenever she had the monies and sleeping in their car when they didn’t.

Even though it was Wednesday, a day set aside for our advocacy team to complete their casework, our team overheard her plight and put aside their paperwork to help her.

She was able to register for the Gift of Hope Christmas event, complete intake applications for two different shelter programs, and spend some time indoors with her girls. While they waited we were able to get them some lunch.

And so tonight, this single mom and her four girls are not sleeping in their car. They have a temporary shelter for now until they can get into a longer-term program.

We are seeing more and more neighbors like Susan who are coming to ECHO for the very first time. Because of YOU, we can provide them with life-stabilizing programs and services. 

Liffe altering event brought her to ECHO

A life altering event brought her to us

Sara was referred to ECHO for clothing for her children by a friend. After a conversation with Sara, she mentioned this was her first time asking for help.

A life-changing event happened in Sara’s life that caused her to come to ECHO. Sara’s husband recently passed away unexpectedly, and her finances were not the same without that second income.

“I didn’t know where to look for help. I heard many good things about ECHO, so I thought I’d come and see what was available for me and my children.” Sara said.

“I came here looking for assistance with food and clothing but got so much more. “ Sara was connected to our job coaching programs, workshops, and was provided additional resources that catered to her immediate needs.

Because of YOU, Sara not only was able to get food and clothing for her family, but she was also able to register them for the Gift of Hope event, where local churches come together to provide toys for children in our community. Christmas gifts for her children will be one less thing for Sara to worry about all because of YOU.

Thanksgiving Outreach Brought Eric to ECHO

Our Thanksgiving Outreach did more than provide food

Recently Eric came in looking for community resources. While he waited, Eric told us that they had been staying at a pay-by-week motel. A motel. Eric and his mother, had received a hot Thanksgiving meal along with a blessing bag filled with food from ECHO.

Eric told us that they just looked at the bag and started crying. They were grateful to see a flyer explaining ECHO’s programs, as well as additional resources.

“Thank you, guys, for all the work you do because it’s hard to look beyond the vicious cycle.”

Because of YOU, that Thanksgiving outreach was made possible. Our neighbor is working with our advocacy care team for assistance with housing and other resources.

Today, Eric’s story becomes your story, too. A story on how your support of ECHO helps neighbors in your community.

April's Story

April's Story

April came to ECHO heartbroken and distraught. She recently became homeless and didn’t know what to do. We immediately connected her to our Advocacy Care team, where they helped her navigate the resources available to her. April left with food, clothes, and hope.

” Thank you for helping me. I am so grateful there is an organization that listens, because today, you heard my cry for help.”

 

Today, her story becomes your story, too, a story, on how your support of ECHO helps neighbors in your community.

He Needed Shoes

He Needed Shoes

We tend to see more neighbors in need on cold, rainy, dreary days, and yesterday was no exception. A neighbor came in seeking emergency food when we noticed he was wearing plastic bags around his feet secured with rubber bands. It was the only way for him to keep his feet dry and warm, on a rainy day, as he didn’t have any shoes or dry socks.

Not only did we help him with food, but because of YOU, we were able to provide shoes and dry socks.

You never know when your donation of shoes, socks, and clothes will bring a little sunshine on those rainy, dreary days.  

TAKING CARE OF HER FAMILY FIRST

TAKING CARE OF HER FAMILY FIRST

In December, our neighbor Michelle visited  our Brandon location looking for help paying herrent. She was working hard to keep her head above water but had to reduce her hours to be there for her children.

At ECHO, our whole team is dedicated to helping neighbors navigate those tough situations, just like Michelle’s. OurAdvocacy team was able to help her complete an Emergency Rental Assistance application to solve her most pressing need– keeping Michelle and her family housed through the Holidays.  As she secure dimmediate housing assistance, we helped her come up with a long-term strategy.

John, one of our many fantastic employment professionals in the opportunity center, helped sharpen her resume. Next, we explored Michelle’s skills, desires, and schedule that would align with her availability. Ultimately, she found full-time employment with Goodwill that provides her with a higher income along with flexible hours to meet her children’s needs.

We didn’t stop there. We were able to help find affordable childcare that allows Michelle more work more hours and provide opportunities for her children to have fun and make new friends.

Today, Michelle’s story becomes your story,too. A story on how your support of ECHO helps neighbors in your community.

It was 22 years ago

It Was 22 - Years Ago

Our neighbor, Cathy, walked into ECHO with tears in her eyes. 22 years ago, Cathy and her husband had needed ECHO’s emergency services to help bridge the gap between paychecks. That visit all those years ago was enough to stabilize the couple and get them back to a good place for a long time.

Then Cathy’s husband died, and Cathy lost her housing. Now a widow, living on a friend’s couch, Cathy, was encouraged to return to ECHO. Cathy spoke with our Advocacy Director, Iris, who gave her recommendations and advice on how to begin the search for affordable housing.

Today Cathy came back to our Welcome Center. With tears running down her face, she said, “Thank you so much for your help. You heard and listened to what I really needed. Better than anyplace else, I had gone for help.”

Today, Cathy’s story becomes your story, too. A story on how your support of ECHO helps neighbors in your community.

She is paying it forward

Paying it forward

As we were opening at Riverview, a neighbor pulled up with her vehicle and asked if she could drop off clothing donations. After a brief conversation, she said to us,

“I needed clothing and food, and you provided that for me! I received so much, that I want to give back for all the help you gave me years ago! I just wanted to bless someone else who may be in a hard situation, like I was. Thank you for all the work you do ECHO!”

Today, her story becomes your story, too. A story on how your support of ECHO helps neighbors in your community.

#neighborshelpingneighbors #echothat

Riding his bike to ECHO looking for shoes

He had no shoes

While walking a neighbor down the sidewalk to get her checked in at our welcome center, another neighbor pulls into the parking lot on his bike.

The first thing I noticed was that he was barefoot. All he needed was some shoes, he said. So of course, we brought him inside and got him shoes and socks. He rode out of the parking lot with shoes on his feet and a smile on his face.

Because of YOU, we can help neighbors with their basic needs of shoes and clothing. 

The Purple Bike

The Purple Bike

Life was starting to work out for our neighbor, Mark. He landed a new job and was getting his life back on track. Just when things were starting to look up for him, his bicycle, his only mode of transportation, was stolen. Saying that Mark came to us discouraged is putting it mildly.

Life has a way of turning things around. The day before, we heard from a neighbor that they had a used bike that they wanted to donate to ECHO. Could we use it?

We called our neighbor to tell them we had someone who could use the bicycle for work, within 20 minutes, they brought the bike. A light purple girl’s bike, but Mark didn’t care. He was very thankful to have a mode of transportation for work.

So often, just when a need is identified, by one neighbor, another neighbor is walking in the door to provide that very same need.

We see this a lot at ECHO, and it’s because of neighbors like YOU. #neighborshelpingneighbors #rebuildlives #theirstorybecomesyourstory #echothat

Why We Open Tuesday Evenings

Our first neighbor that evening was an older gentleman that recently had a procedure done and was going through a tough situation involving the family. Paul stated that he had heard of ECHO before from word of mouth and was in the area that day.

Paul let us know that he was beyond grateful that we were helping him with food because he knew that he was more than likely going to bed hungry and said, “Glad I was in the area and that you guys were open because I didn’t have any way of paying for a meal.”

Because of YOU, we can now be open Tuesday evenings to help neighbors in need.

#neighborshelpingneighbors #rebuildlives

Making Neighbors Feel Welcomed

Three days before coming to ECHO, Alex had been released from prison. Our partnership with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Department brought Alex to us.

During the assessment process, he shared how his transition into society had been going. Alex said he had “so much anxiety and nervousness” being around many people. You see, Alex was incarcerated for eight years. A lot had changed during those years.

At the end of the assessment, he thanked us for making him feel unjudged and encouraged.

Because of YOU, ECHO was able to give him some clothes to fill his closet, food to stock his refrigerator, and some household items (plate, cups, etc.) to make his house a home.

#neighborshelpingneighbors #rebuildlives
You can #echothat

Came Looking for Work and Got More

Raul came to ECHO, looking for help with his resume. He was switching careers because his current job was getting in the way of a healthy lifestyle. Our job coach assisted with revising his resume.
Raul hit the streets, knocking on doors with his new resume. He landed a job on a sales floor that required him to dress more professionally. ECHO helped with that, also.

Raul didn’t have a driver’s license, so a bike would make all the difference in helping him succeed.

Our community neighbor partner, Bikes for Christ, came to the rescue. Raul now has transportation and a good chance of staying stable.

#neighborshelpingneighbors #rebuildlives
You can #echothat

Shawnte returns to ECHO

She Came Back

One Tuesday we noticed a young woman, Shawnte, just sitting in our Welcome Center area, waiting to be served or so we thought.

She told us she needed to interview a non-profit of her choice for a class she was taking at Hillsborough Community College and wanted to talk with the staff from ECHO. But the story doesn’t end there.

Shawnte chose ECHO for a special reason. As we gave her a tour of our facility, our final stop was the GED class. She asked if she could speak to the students for a minute. That is how we learned she was a graduate of the ECHO GED program and how it encouraged her to see she was capable of doing more. “Never give up . . . never stop learning”, she said. “You can do more, I’m proof!”

 

ECHO is more than food and clothing, we also offer life rebuilding classes like our GED program.

Because of YOU, we can help students, like Shawnte, #rebuildlives and pursue their dreams to do more.

#neighborshelpingneighbors – You can #echothat

Jimena story of Starting Over

Starting Over

Jimena, a victim of domestic violence, found herself struggling to make ends meet. Her husband wouldn’t allow her to work while they were married. Now divorced she had to find a job, but didn’t know where to begin.

Jimena came to ECHO for assistance and discovered we had a Back to Work class. A place where students learn how to search for jobs, update their resumes and practice their interview skills. At the end of her first class, Jimena told us she already felt more confident and at ease.

ECHO is more than food and clothing, we also offer life rebuilding programs like Back to Work.

Because of YOU, we can help women, like Jimena #rebuildlives.

#neighborshelpingneighbors

That is how her story becomes your story. You can #ECHOthat

On a fixed income Jim came to ECHO for help.

Twenty-two Dollar Increase

Jim received a $22 increase in his Social Security Disability and that increase denied him from receiving his Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. He never thought he would find himself at ECHO, but he was glad we were here to help. Not only were we able to provide Jim with food, but we were also able to refer him to other local food pantries and hot meal sites in his area.

Because of YOU we are able to help men like Jim, #rebuildlives.

#neighborshelpingneighbors

This is how his story becomes your story. You can #echothat!

Michael story comes full circle

Full Circle

Meet Michael, several years ago he and his wife were going through some hardships and fell into hard times. They came to ECHO looking for food and assistance. As Michael would say, “Looking for hope in Brandon”

Fast forward, Michael is now a facility manager for Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment, where his organization gives back to the community through the Tampa Bay Lightning C.H.A.R.G.E. (Contributing Hours Across our Region through our Generous Employees) employee volunteer program.

While most of the employees that served last week were helping organizations in the downtown area he wanted to volunteer at ECHO . . . . a place that helped him and his family get back on their feet.

Because of YOU he and his family were able to come full circle and now help others.

#neighborshelpingneigbors #rebuildlives

His story becomes your story. #echothat

James' parents came to us for help

A Broken Promise

It seemed by the looks of things, Michelle, Mark, and Jace had slept overnight in our parking lot. As soon as we opened the door a dirty face little toddler, filled with mosquito bites and only dressed in his diaper came running in and having fun exploring the office. Michelle, his mom, was embarrassed and kept apologizing for her son’s appearance. They had run out of clean clothes to wear.

Their story is one we have heard over and over again. A promise of a new job and a better future only to have it fall through. Jace’s dad did find work but it came at a time when they had depleted their savings. They needed some help to carry them over. We were here to help.

Because of YOU, we were able to provide the necessities of food and clothing and we were able to refer them to several community partners that could help them navigate the resources they had available to them and housing.

#neighborshelpingneighbors #rebuildlives

That is how his story becomes your story. You can #echothat

Henry's story - Caught in Between

Caught in Between

Henry called to let us know he was in real need of help for himself and his three children. Even though he started a job with the Department of Defense and would be making good money, he found himself caught in between jobs.

You see, it would be two weeks before he would get paid. Henry needed help with food now … because of YOU we were there to help him and his family.

#neighborshelpingneighbors #rebuildlives

This is how his story becomes your story. You can #echothat

THANK YOU!

Your donation helps us provide so much more than just food and clothing – it helps #rebuildlives!

Our Sponsors & Church Partners

Funds donated in excess of need will help us continue to serve the hungry and vulnerable in our community, throughout the year. Echo of Brandon, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization. A copy of the official registration (CH15550) and financial information may be obtained from the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state 1-800-435-7352. Registration doesn’t imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Gifts to ECHO are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.

 

Mia is just one of the many children whose parents come to ECHO Food Bank

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