I am a sucker for being inspired by individuals who see a need and attack it head-on. It is amazing how many fantastic programs we have because an individual saw a need and went to work. It reminds me of the a song by Matthew West called “Do Something”:
I woke up this morning
Saw a world full of trouble now
Thought, how’d we ever get so far down
How’s it ever gonna turn around
So I turned my eyes to Heaven
I thought, “God, why don’t You do something?”
Well, I just couldn’t bear the thought of People living in poverty
Children sold into slavery
The thought disgusted me
So, I shook my fist at Heaven
Said, “God, why don’t You do something?”
He said, “I did, I created you”
For several years I have been in love with Any Baby Can, a local nonprofit organization. Maybe you have heard of, worked with or received services from them. We have been part of a fundraising endeavor on their behalf for the past 4 years through Northwest Rotary of San Antonio. (Northwest Rotary has supported them longer than that, but we have been involved the last four years.) I love their mission; they serve families with children facing serious health or developmental challenges. Their mission is not profound, but their services are. They realize how many resources it takes to help a child with serious health challenges and often the family unit suffers. Any Baby Can works to provide direction and guidance for the family unit. They offer services free of charge, regardless of income, to assist children with special needs to reach their maximum potential without draining the family.
One woman, Marion Sokol, started this organization in 1982. Marion Sokol started as a special needs teacher who saw a common need in the families she served. The organization started with her obtaining a small grant and a trailer. She set up shop behind Santa Rosa Hospital. Within six months she had over 500 requests for assistance. Looking forward 30 years, the actions of a single teacher responding to a need started an organization that is now a vital part of our community.
Any Baby Can has now grown to offer many services to include prescription assistance, sibling support, counseling for the family, educational services, and resources to other services as needed.
On October 25, 2014, Jewels and Jubilee will once again be raising money to benefit Any Baby Can through a night of fun at Leon Springs Dance Hall. If you would like to participate you can receive more details here.