Share the Good!
Thank you for your continued support as we share the good in our community and world! As the holidays are quickly approaching, we are reminded of the many blessings we have and are seeking out ways to be a blessing to others. To everyone who has walked alongside us in this mission, thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many through your prayers and financial support. There is still much work to be done, and we are confident that we can accomplish the goal of making a positive impact on our world together with all of you!
New Partnership Highlights
On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall as a category 4 hurricane in southwest Florida. With the massive storm surge and wind speeds of 150 mph, the hurricane caused substantial damage to the area and claimed over 100 lives. Thousands of families in the area were displaced from their homes, leaving many with no water, no power, and no place to go.
Samaritan’s Purse was one of the first to respond by sending volunteer disaster relief teams to partner with local churches and assist in the post-hurricane cleanup in Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, and Englewood. While serving those in the area, the teams have aided in the removal of water and mud in flooded homes, cutting down trees and limbs, debris removal, and patching up roofs for those with structural damage to their homes. Along with physical support, Samaritan’s Purse also offers emotional and spiritual support to those in the area.
The STG Foundation was able to donate $5,000 to Samaritan’s Purse to aid in disaster relief. After receiving our donation, they followed up with us to happily report that they now had over 3,600 volunteers who have helped around 565 families in the area.
They also report that 87 individuals made first time professions of faith during the weeks following the hurricane. We ask that you continue to pray for Samaritan’s Purse as they serve alongside the Florida communities and for all of those families and individuals who are affected in Florida.
If you are able to physically volunteer, please reach out to Samaritan’s Purse for more information on how you can get involved in the physical cleanup efforts.
Samaritan’s Purse
Words From Our Partners: How YOU Are Making An Impact
Last month, we were able to donate $10,000 to the Gift of Adoption Fund. Each of the families below were given a $5,000 grant to complete their adoption costs. Their stories were provided to us by the staff at Gift of Adoption, and we are encouraged and delighted to share them with you this month.
Meet Emily
Emily was born in September 2022 to a birth mother who is unable to parent. Her birth mother lovingly chose adoption for Emily so that she would not enter the foster care system. Tom and Erin, of Florida, parents to two boys already, felt strongly that they had room in their home and hearts for a child in need. The couple needed financial help, however, to make this costly adoption a reality. A $5,200 grant from Gift of Adoption, made possible by the STG Foundation, enabled them to say yes to Emily, ensuring security, safety, and permanency for this little girl. Tom and Erin shared, “Emily will have everything she needs and more. She’ll know her birth mom as a wonderful woman who loved her deeply. Emily’s birth mom wished for her to be in a Christian family and to be baptized. We will honor those wishes and raise Emily to know Jesus. Emily will grow up in a home with two parents and two older brothers. She’ll be surrounded by cousins and aunts, uncles, and grandparents- all who want the best for her. We are so grateful for the help in bringing our daughter home. She is such a gift and we’re so thankful.”
Meet Amirtha
India. Amirtha has Down syndrome and though she has been well looked after by her caretakers, the orphanage cannot provide the specialized medical care that she needs. Megan and Jacob, of Michigan, were thrilled to match with Amirtha but could not cover all the fees associated with an international adoption on their own. A $5,000 grant from Gift of Adoption, made possible by the STG Foundation, enabled Megan and Jacob to travel to India in October 2022 to bring Amirtha home. Megan and Jacob shared, “Amirtha needs specialized therapies and care plus a family to love her and be there for her as she grows. With proper education, therapy, and resources she should be able to grow into an independent and intelligent girl! We feel like God has orchestrated this plan for us and we are so excited to have Amirtha as part of our family.”
To learn more about their mission and to hear stories of the families they have impacted, visit their website at www.giftofadoption.org.
Newburgh Buddy Ball
Buddy Ball concluded their fall season this month and was able to have a great experience for all of their league thanks to donations from STG Foundation and other local sponsors. Buddy Ball is a nationwide league that helps to pair people with physical and intellectual disabilities with nondisabled peers to play the game of baseball. The STG foundation was able to donate $10,000 at the start of the season to help with fees, uniforms, and updating their facilities to create a more welcoming environment for all of their players. Our foundation was also able to sponsor an end of the season pizza party for all of the players and their families using extra donations we received at the end of the season. With the donations received from STG Foundation, Buddy Ball’s future plans include building new playground areas that are sensory friendly, which will allow the players and siblings with sensory needs to enjoy the play areas in a comfortable and inclusive manner. From STG Foundation and Newburgh Buddy Ball, we send a huge THANK YOU!
To learn more about Newburgh Buddy Ball and to see pictures from their season, visit their Facebook page (Newburgh Buddy Ball Public Page).
Other News from STG Foundation
Year End Giving:
The holidays, for many, are a time to reflect on our many blessings and to seek out ways to bless those around us. If you feel led to do so, we encourage you to use this season as an opportunity to partner alongside the STG Foundation financially. Our mission to be a blessing to our community and our world is only made possible through the funds we receive from our supporters. Less than 5% of the donations received through our foundation goes towards administrative costs, and the remaining percent goes directly to our partner charities. Therefore, you can donate with confidence knowing that your gift is going toward a good cause.
STG Foundation is a 501c organization, which allows all donations made to the foundation to be eligible for tax write offs. Upon submitting a donation, you will receive a personalized letter that can be used as documentation for filing taxes. Please prayerfully consider using this year end opportunity to partner alongside us financially and Share The Good.
Donations can be made online through our website at
Donate
For follow up questions or concerns about how you can donate, email us at [email protected] or call us at 812-204-5633.
Workplace Matching Programs:
Many workplaces will match your charitable contributions. If you feel led to do so, please consider contacting your employer to see if this would be an option for you and your family.
Our Internet Presence is Growing:
Our new website and Facebook page are now up and running! To keep up with our mission and to read updated testimonies from our partners, like and follow us on Facebook. To those who have already shared and interacted with our pages, thank you! Our foundation can only grow through your continued support, so for that, we thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Why should I donate through the STG Foundation?
A. Frequently individuals are pressured after giving by receiving mailings, emails, phone calls, etc. When you give through the STG Foundation, we will allocate the money, making you anonymous in giving to the organizations. STG will regularly report the return on your investments by highlighting the successes of the organizations we are supporting.
Q. What is the easiest way for me to give?
A. The easiest way to donate is by visiting our website www.stgfoundation.org and clicking on the “Donate” button, which will direct you to our giving baskets page. In this page you can find your cause and allocate how you would like your contribution to be distributed.
Q. If I am unable to give financially at this time, what are some other ways I can make a difference?
A. First and foremost, you can pray for us and those who are impacted through our giving. Secondly, you can SHARE SHARE SHARE! While you personally may not be able to give financially, you likely have those in your circle who can. While the mission of STG Foundation has been in motion for decades, the foundation itself is just now starting to grow and expand its audience. By helping us expand our reputation, you are making a difference and helping with our overall mission to impact our communities and our world. Lastly, if you are able to give of your time to represent the foundation and assist any of our partner charities, they can all use volunteers on any given day. We believe that everyone, no matter what obstacles we face, can Share The Good!
Q. Can you receive gifts from donor advisor funds?
A. Yes! The STG Foundation is able to receive gifts from donor advisor funds.
Q. How do I know the organizations my donations are going to are legit?
A. Each charity is vetted with pre-determined criteria to ensure that the vast majority of the money given directly impacts the cause. The STG Foundation will ensure your donation delivers a real and meaningful impact. Most of the organizations, whenever possible, are vetted through in person visits from STG board members, which allows us to maintain personal relationships with each organization as well.