A Year’s Worth of Moments of Uplift
Nearly one year ago, Uplift publicly launched, steadfast in the belief that when women support women, worlds can change.
In a year, our generous supporters and the worthy women who have applied for our grant have proven that to be true.
If you are reading this, you are part of a community that has shown up, over and over again, for women in crisis.
We are part of a world that is full of negativity, conflict, abuse, neglect, and hate. But in the face of that, you have chosen to be part of a movement that reaches into the darkness of conflict with a helping hand. You have provided support within reach.
Whether you have donated money, mentioned Uplift to a friend, or follow us on social media (find us at @realuplift on Instagram and Facebook!!!), you have made a direct, tangible difference in the lives of women throughout the United States.
As we reflect on this past year, we reflect on hundreds of moments when we have been able to extend a helping, supporting hand. There are hundreds of moments where our vision of supporting women through crisis has been realized. As we look forward to this important milestone, we want to share some of the moments that have reminded us how real and vital this mission is.
82% of the women who are seeking direct financial assistance from Uplift are single mothers. Moreover, one in four applicants are in crisis due to intimate partner violence. Let that reality sink in. You have helped so many mothers and wives and partners who have been facing extremely vulnerable, difficult, heartbreaking situations. You have been able to help a mother pay rent. Another woman gained the resources to maintain custody of her children. You have given a woman the security of having a safe, reliable place to stay. You have done this, and so much more.
Think of a moment when you have felt unseen. Really, picture that in your mind. You have validated and encouraged women who have felt completely alone. Picture a time when you have felt completely overwhelmed with anxiety. Your support has helped someone who felt helpless. We know this, because they have sent us messages full of hope, happy tears, and gratitude. Messages like:
“Thank you so much! Words can’t explain how happy and thankful I am. THis grant will go to pay my rent directly.”
“I’m honestly about to cry that this is actually happening.”
“You saved me.”
We want to wrap up with an impact story that is close to our hearts. Before we launched our grant application, a woman who knew our mission and vision reached out on behalf of a woman in crisis. Unanimously, our board moved and donated funds to reach out to this woman during a dark time in her life. Now, over a year later, this woman is now in a position--not only to care for herself and her family--but also to give back as a donor to Uplift. What a testament to the vision that started this organization! We believe now, more than ever, that when women support women, worlds change.
Thank you for making a year’s worth of uplifting moments possible. Your support is changing lives. Here’s to many more years of offering support within reach.
