Hi Friends,
People often ask me, “What is the greatest challenge at Boca Helping Hands?”
Yes, it can be difficult to secure enough food each month, raise funds for tuition, and recruit volunteers to serve at five locations six days a week. But the greatest challenge of all is overcoming the myths people believe about their neighbors in need.
One common myth I hear is, “They should just get jobs.” But the reality is more complex. About 40% of those we serve are retired seniors—people who worked their whole lives but now struggle as Social Security fails to keep up with inflation. We also serve children and individuals with disabilities who cannot work. And many we serve are working—sometimes two jobs—but still cannot make ends meet in today’s economy.
Jesus tells a powerful story about a man helped by a Samaritan. In his day, Jews and Samaritans avoided each other. Samaritans were looked down upon; they were “bad.” But Jesus’ parable redefined what it means to be a neighbor as it turns out the Samaritan was good.
Our neighbors are not defined by labels or assumptions. They are the seniors, the children, the disabled, and the working families who need help—sometimes for a season, sometimes for longer.
Jesus challenged the myths of his day. We are called to do the same.
“Love your neighbor as yourself” is not just a nice idea—it is a command. And living it begins by seeing others not as stereotypes, but as neighbors worthy of compassion.
Blessing,
Andrew Hagen
Boca Helping Hands, Director