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ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Adopt a Friend in a Tent Initiative
The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and giving, for many families but for our Friends in Tents, it can be an incredibly challenging and stressful period. In these trying times, programs like FIT offer a glimmer of hope and support to those in need, but our Adopt a FIT initiative goes beyond the holiday season.
What is The Adopt A FIT Initiative?
Adopt A Friend in a Tent initiative is a heartwarming initiative that seeks to connect generous donors with friends facing significant health, economic, addiction, mental illness, housing and weather challenges. The initiative invites individuals, families, and organizations to sponsor or “adopt” a FIT and provide them with essential items and goal setting during a 6 month period. It’s a beautiful way to share the spirit of giving with those who may be going through difficult times.
How Does it Work?
The process is simple and incredibly rewarding. Here’s how it works:
1. Becoming a Sponsor: To get started, all you need to do is express your interest in becoming a sponsor. Kindly complete the Sponsor Registration Form in the section below.
2. Matching Sponsors and FIT: Our volunteer team works diligently to match sponsors with FIT in need. This process ensures that the assistance provided is tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each FIT. We also work with FIT friends that are transitioning from the streets to houses. It is important to continue to support our housed friends with visits, groceries and much needed items to furnish a new apartment.
3. Receiving the FIT Profile: In early Jan 2024, donors will receive a FIT Profile. This profile contains crucial information about the FIT you are sponsoring, including clothing sizes and a ‘wish list’ of items that the friends needs or desire. Sponsors can use this list as a guide for their continued support. We are also planning to share a video of the FIT friend you are sponsoring with you. (if the person agrees)
4. By sharing continued support over a 6 month time frame, sponsors set out to fulfill the wishes of their FIT friend. While the wish list provides helpful suggestions, there is no expectation for sponsors to purchase every item, help with rides, donate monies or supply every item asked for. Every gift, regardless of its size or value, contributes to the happiness and well-being of the FIT.
5. Gift Delivery: Once the shopping is complete, sponsors can arrange for the drop-off of gifts at 594 5th St NE office located in Barberton for delivery. You may also drop items off directly to your FIT friend. - (this is our preferred method) If this isn’t feasible, the program may offer pick-up volunteers to help with the delivery process.
Why It Matters
The Adopt A FIT initiative is not just about the material gifts; it’s about spreading love, hope, and support during a time when it’s needed most. FIT friends face illnesses and often experience financial strain, emotional turmoil, and physical exhaustion while trying to deal with the elements of being outside or alone. The support provided by generous sponsors helps alleviate some of these burdens and makes it easier to begin to create goals about the direction they want their life to go in.
By participating in this initiative, you become a beacon of hope for a FIT friend in need. Your kindness and generosity serve as a reminder that they are not alone in their journey, and there are people who care deeply about their well-being.
Get Involved
The Adopt A FIT initiative is a fantastic way to give back and make a meaningful impact on the lives of FIT friends facing adversity. Whether you’re an individual, a family, or an organization, you can be a part of this incredible initiative.
So, as the new year approaches, consider joining Friends in Tents & Community Outreach in their mission to bring hope, joy, and love to FIT friends in need. Your participation in the Adopt A FIT initiative will not only change their life, it will change yours.
Together, we can brighten the new year for those who need it most.
Let’s make this next year truly special for every FIT friend in our initiative.
Friends in Tents & Community Outreach
594 5th Street Northeast, Barberton, Ohio 44203, United States