After Every Storm Comes A Clear Sky

Did you know in addition to being a food pantry, SPAN helps with emergency financial assistance to help individuals and families through an emergency situation – a utility turn-off, court-ordered eviction or the need for a medical prescription? It is a large part of what we do.

We have been anticipating an increased need for emergency financial assistance and listening to our phones ringing and checking our log — it is clear that time has arrived. Food and gas prices are increasing and the government supports that have been here through the pandemic are ending. In the last months we have provided as many people with financial help as with food. The number of families we are helping financially per month has almost tripled since the end of last summer — indicative of the changes as we are passing out of the pandemic.

With this increase in the need for financial assistance, it is a great time for the return of SPAN’s primary fundraiser. After a two-year hiatus, planning has begun for SPAN’s 10th annual Turkey Trot 5k! Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 5, at Kinder Farm Park. Several businesses have already signed on as sponsors. If you would like to help plan the event or be a sponsor, please let us know. Look for race registration information in the coming months.

SPAN is considered an “emergency” or “crisis” network, meaning most of the clients we serve are in a unique situation due to an emergency such as a job layoff, divorce, domestic abuse, illness or death in the family. Most of SPAN’s clients are one-time clients who only needed a little assistance to get back on their feet. Recently I received a message from someone who we had helped and now wanted to give back.

Talking with clients, I have been thinking of these crisis times of life. Also, being in the midst of graduation season, I have taken some time to reflect on life experiences.

“Life has taught me I am not always in control. Life is full of experiences, lessons, heartbreak and pain. But it has also shown me love, beauty, possibility and new beginnings. Embrace it all. It makes us who we are, and after every storm comes a clear sky.” -Anonymous

As I see people going through difficult situations, I also look around and see beauty and love. I hear clients telling me, even when things are not easy for themselves, how they are caring for additional family members and or neighbors. I see our volunteers who are often going above and beyond in their time and effort. I see scout groups, youth groups, neighborhoods and other community members donating money and or food items — thinking of others even as prices are increasing for all of us. I see community members asking what items we especially need or reading our wish list from Facebook, and I see those donations at our door. I see the quick and generous responses of many local businesses to step up and sponsor our Turkey Trot.

As I am thinking of new graduates, with new adventures ahead, I know they will encounter some rough terrain at times, but I am also continually reminded of the love, beauty and possibility that is out there also for all of us.

SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) is an independent nonprofit food pantry and emergency services provider that has been helping local families with eviction prevention, utility turnoffs, medical/prescription bills, and food since 1990. SPAN serves 14 zip codes in Anne Arundel County. SPAN is located behind Our Shepherd Lutheran Church at 400 Benfield Road in Severna Park. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00am-1:30pm. For more information, call 410-647-0889, email spanhelps@yahoo.com or visit www.spanhelps.org. Financial donations may be made through the website. Food donations may be dropped off 24/7 using the storage bin behind SPAN’s building. Please “like” SPAN on Facebook!