CarePortal: An example of helpful helping in real life.
A young man who had spent time in foster care and aged out at 18 was working hard to build a better life. He had been given an opportunity to begin training for a job in the mining industry, but he needed help with the cost of the required gear, including a helmet, liner, belt, and steel-toed boots.
How CarePortal helped meet the need
A local caseworker submitted a CarePortal* request on the young man’s behalf, and two churches responded. One couple fully funded the request, and a responder from the second church met the young man at a supply store to make the purchases. When they discovered that the boots were more expensive than expected, the responder quietly covered the difference so the young man could leave with everything he needed that day.
After gathering the items, it became clear the young man couldn’t carry everything home by himself. He called his partner and mother of his child, who soon arrived with their baby. The responder not only helped meet a need, but also connected with the whole family. A glimpse of hope in motion.
Despite the challenges of his past, the young man was determined to move forward in his life. He completed his training and is now gainfully employed with a coal company. What began as a simple act of support became part of a much bigger story, and one with the power to break cycles of instability and set a new course for the next generation. It’s the kind of impact that only happens when help is truly helpful.
*CarePortal is a technology platform that allows churches to meet real-time needs for local children and families. It is currently available in limited counties in West Virginia.