Categories
Hope lives at the heart of the holiday season — and everything we do at Spero. (After all, Spero means “hope” in Latin.) As we strive to show the heart of a servant, we’ve had the privilege of working with local organizations that help build hope in our communities.
Through our relationship with Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM), we’ve seen what can happen when people and organizations come together around a shared purpose. For this holiday edition of Checkpoint, we spoke with AIM’s Executive Director, Kristi King-Brock, about community, partnership, and why simply showing up is often the most meaningful gift we can give.
For anyone just learning about AIM, how would you describe the heart of what you do in our community?
Giving hope and changing lives.
We talk a lot about “community,” but what does it look like to show up for each other in a real, everyday way?
True community is lifting each other up. For us, that means helping people access the resources available to them by removing the obstacles in their way.
The holidays can bring extra pressure for any family. What practical realities are local neighbors navigating right now?
The biggest challenges are increased food and energy costs and real uncertainty about the economy.
When you look back at the work your organization has done, can you think of a specific moment where simply being present made someone feel seen and supported?
There have been many times I’ve stopped in a store or out on the street, and someone will introduce themselves and say, “I was helped at AIM.” I’ve found that many people just want someone to care and listen.
Spero’s mission centers on hope, and watching AIM in action, it feels like we’re speaking the same language. Where do you see that shared spirit coming to life?
Spero’s investment in the work at AIM allows us to give hope to those who are hurting and provide programs that change generations.
What shifts when donors like Spero dive into the work alongside you?
Being on our campus and working beside our volunteers and staff is a powerful way to see the true impact of the work we do at AIM.
For someone reading this who wants to serve their neighbors this season, what are some hands-on ways to join in?
There’s a place for everyone at AIM. Here are a few places to start:
- Volunteer at AIM’s annual Thanksgiving meal distribution
- Serve at the regular Mon–Thurs Food Ministry distribution
- Provide Christmas for a family in need
- Build a wheelchair ramp for a neighbor
- Donate laundry detergent or books to AIM’s Women and Children Succeeding program
If people walk away from this conversation remembering just one thing about the power of showing up, what would you want that to be?
Your compassion can change a life.
AIM Spotlight: Meet Thor
Before we wrapped up, we asked Kristi about the real supervisor at the AIM food pantry, a kitty named Thor.
“Thor symbolizes family,” Kristi shared. “She’s a perfect example of the kind of welcoming atmosphere we always want to have at AIM.”
This season, AIM makes it easy to put your caring into action. Learn more or sign up to volunteer at aimcharity.org.
This material is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
