Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! When I graduate this May from The George Washington University, my diploma will say that I majored in political science. However, I believe this is a mistake. I really majored in LIFT, with a concentration in workforce development and a special interest in fulfilling basic human needs. LIFT, a national nonprofit, has a dual mission of helping low income families set goals and take action steps out of poverty while simultaneously training servant leadership.

For the last 2 and a half years I have served as student advocate providing resource counseling to low income families in Washington, DC. I have learned more from my clients at LIFT than they ever could have learned from me. LIFT has been the driving force for my education and my clients have been my teachers. It is here that I have worked on my leadership skills, public speaking ability, and had character development. I have also joined a community of advocates who truly care about social issues and have given me a sense of direction for the kinds of experience that I will seek post-graduation.

The most significant factor of my LIFT experience has of course been the one-on-one client interactions. During my very first semester at LIFT, I worked with a client who I think about a lot, even today. Let’s call her Betty. Betty was unemployed, clinically depressed, and progressively growing blind. To escape her abusive husband, she moved into public housing; however, the neighborhood was plagued with crime and drug trafficking. She even confided in me that her landlord was sexually harassing her and she did not feel safe. Without any family support, her biggest concern was securing safe housing, especially as she knew her days with vision were numbered. Over the course of 9 meetings, I became her advocate. I called shelters, filled out applications, and spoke to anyone who would help us get Betty a safe home.

Ultimately, Betty secured residence in a domestic abuse shelter. While the outcome was great, the process of working with Betty will be an experience I carry with me always. It was clear when we first started working together that the LIFT office was the only place she felt safe, and I was the only person in her life who was in her corner.

I LIFT because everyone deserves someone in their corner.

My goal for the next 6 weeks is to raise $500. That’s the amount it costs LIFT to put two clients—like Betty—on a path out of poverty. Talk about a bargain. Although this chapter of my life is soon coming to a close (at least for now), my clients will still be in need of services. Please support me, this organization, and my clients in our partnership to reach for hope, initiative, and accomplishment!

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