"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"- Mr. Rogers

Nicole has spent years giving her heart and energy to her community—advocating for neighbors in need, supporting people in crisis, and standing up for those who have no one else. She is always the one who shows up. The one who cares. The one who gives, even when she has little herself.

Now, my good friend Nicole, who lives in Johnson City, TN, is the one who needs help. She lives with serious physical and mental health disabilities that make stable housing not just important, but essential. Her medical team has warned that becoming homeless could be life-threatening.

After being wrongfully terminated from a job, a devastating loss of income and security followed. The EEOC gave her permission to sue, but without funds for an attorney, she couldn’t move forward. That disadvantage created a domino effect in her life. Despite all of this, Nicole has fought tirelessly to survive. She has sold valuable belongings at the local auction, sells items on consignment at local area businesses as a side hustle, doing everything possible to make ends meet. She has even donated plasma as a last resort. Finding a stable long-term job has been incredibly difficult, especially with the holiday season, when hiring opportunities are nearly nonexistent, and her health limits what she can do.

This fundraiser is a chance for all of us to give back to someone who has given so much. Every donation, no matter the size (even if it's a dollar or two), brings Nicole hope, safety, and the chance to stay housed during this critical season. Sharing her story can save a life.

Let her overflowing kindness come full circle.

Are you one of the helpers too?

Thank you for standing with my good friend Nicole the way she has always stood with others. ❤️