Deborah Foskey: Founder's Message
My journey to establish Strong Community Strong Economy was inspired by my personal experience dealing with chronic long-term illness and my daughter’s similar struggles. As a single mother, I watched my savings dwindle while caring for my daughter, eventually facing the devastating loss of our home due to foreclosure. This challenging period persisted for an extended duration, and I found myself humbly seeking assistance and support from various sources.
During this time, I was profoundly blessed by the kindness and generosity of our community. They provided us with not only financial aid but also unwavering emotional support. I vividly understand the cognitive and emotional toll that illness and financial hardship can take. You want desperately to help yourself, but the physical and emotional burden can render you unable to do so, not due to a lack of willingness but due to the sheer weight of your circumstances.
Without the love, advocacy, and support from friends, family, and local organizations, I wouldn’t have persevered. Although I continue to grapple with chronic illness, I felt compelled to find a way to help myself while extending a hand to others in similar situations. Drawing upon my extensive personal experience in navigating various programs, I remain resolutely committed to seeking local resources for those in need.
I intimately understand how challenging it is to pick up the pieces when you are physically and mentally broken. Life takes us through high and low moments, and sometimes you provide support, while at other times, you must accept help from others. It’s essential to recognize that there will come a time when you can give back. We all share a responsibility to help one another, and that’s what Strong Community Strong Economy is all about.