Close your eyes and listen. When we had our February fundraiser in Puerto Rico, one audience member did. He learned that our lead performer was visually impaired, blind. He closed his eyes as he listened to the rest of the performance and found a connection. Last week, I closed my eyes as I listened to a few cuts of her CD. My hearing grew keener following her music’s movement.
As Hermandad monitors the hurricane season, we know that stress lingers. All who survived Hurricane Maria hold vivid memories and remember its devastation. As we work with partner agencies, we listen without seeing too. We have started our support for the hurricane season. From the first of June to November first an underlying uneasiness lingers. Your donation helps us support the front line agencies as they prepare.
Back in 2022, I sent an appeal email based on seeing a storm track of Hurricane Fiona. We knew Puerto Rico would experience some of the hurricane’s furry. Hermandad’s first check arrived a few days after the storm hit. We heard the need without seeing and sent multiple checks as your support flowed to Hermandad.
Given the predictions of an active hurricane season, Hermandad has already sent support to a partner agency. Memories of past storms and the presence of needed repairs cast uncertainty in the hearts of many. Jean and I still hear it during our visits. The most vulnerable community members still lack many things we take for granted. Thanks to our appeal during Hurricane Fiona many responded. How about this year?
Funding cuts have devastated support for front line agencies. Your past donations have helped Hermandad’s readiness. We still have more to do. Take the journey with us.