Tanya came home from her humanitarian trip to Africa fired up about helping people. Several months bringing relief to others who were suffering had changed her goals for her life. She had an idea for a nonprofit organization, but she didn’t really know where to start or how to raise the money needed.
She told her mother about her ideas and her uncertainty as they sat together at the kitchen table.
“I love this idea, and I’m very proud of you. And it just so happens that we have someone here in town who I think could help you,” Mom said.
“Who is it?”
“His name is Maxwell McMorgan. Have you heard of him?”
Tanya scrunched up her lips in thought. “Rings a bell maybe? Not sure.”
“Well, I really think he could help you.”
“Who is he? How could he help me? I’m starting to think maybe I’m not up to this.” Tanya folded her arms on the table and rested her chin on them. The weight of what she wanted to do settled on her, and tears came to her eyes. Could she really pull it off? Mom put her arm around Tanya’s shoulders and gave a squeeze.
“Let’s go for a drive,” Mom said, suddenly standing up. “I want to show you some things.”
Tanya went along. She didn’t have anything better to do right then, and a ride would get her mind off of her doubts about being able to accomplish what she’d started dreaming of.
But Mom had other plans—this wasn’t about distracting her.
They drove halfway across town. Mom wouldn’t say where they were going. They pulled over near a building that looked like a school and got out of the car. Tanya walked with her mother to the lawn in front. “Mr. McMorgan was the administrator of the regional hospital,” she explained. “The hospital received numerous awards for being the best-run medical facility in the state during the time he was in charge.
“When he retired from that job, he raised money and advocated for a school for disadvantaged youth.” Tanya watched the teenagers playing basketball on the asphalt behind the fence. “He gathered a coalition, drummed up the support, and got it running. McMorgan even organized a bus system to get the kids here and home every day from throughout the city.”
“That’s pretty cool,” Tanya said.
Mom beckoned. “Definitely. Let’s go to our next stop.”
She drove to city hall, and they got out again to walk around in front of the building. In a plaza stood several statues. Mom said, “After getting that school started, McMorgan ran for mayor and won. He worked with the city council to get city-operated low-income housing set up. There were other measures to help the homeless and others. A statue was made because of the things he did.” She pointed at one of the bronze figures.
Then Mom turned to Tanya. “Guess what he does now.”
Tanya frowned and shook her head.
“He connects people who want to start humanitarian organizations with donors who are looking for good causes to support.” She raised her eyebrows meaningfully. “That same man who did all those things now specializes in helping people like you accomplish great things to help people in need.”
A smile came over Tanya’s face. She started to feel hope again.
Mom smiled back. “What do you say we make an appointment to see him?”
Tanya nodded. She couldn’t wait.
Photo by Mary Taylor on Pexels.com
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