Stories
Community on the Corner
Each morning there’s someone who beats us. As we arrive at the center in Ashrafieh Elias already has his shop open. His shoe repair shop sits “kitty-corner” across from our center in a small room under the staircase, and each morning he and another neighbor wave as we park and go inside. Elias is 85-year-old widower who because of financial strain cannot stop his work. His son also struggles financially and is unable to help. So, Elias each morning like clockwork opens his shop and waits for customers. We help each month with medications and other things when we have, to help ease his burden. He shared with us that this help (medication, food etc.) each month “makes him feel lighter,” it’s one thing he, “doesn’t have to worry about.”
Despite his situation his demeanor is calm and welcoming, and he is a steady piece of the community in Ashrafieh. Community connection and building is at the heart of our mission. So part of sowing into the community is caring for those who may not ask for help, for those whose story is woven in the fabric of the community and growing that community to see changes is small ways each day.
