Over the past five years, My Brother’s Keeper has significantly increased the number
of families served in Christ’s name. In 2011, we made a record 7,300 deliveries to
29,000 children and parents—a 57% increase in total deliveries, including 125%
growth in our Furniture Assistance Program since 2007.

Today, we are continuing to broaden our outreach—this time geographically. My
Brother’s Keeper has always provided Christmas assistance to Fall River families
and earlier this spring, we began delivering furniture there as well.

Why Fall River? The city annually ranks as one of the ten poorest communities in
Massachusetts. According to the US Census Bureau, 20.2% of its residents are below
the poverty level, nearly twice the state average. Median household income in Fall
River is shockingly low at just $34,236—31% less than Brockton.

In terms of available resources, most furniture banks in Massachusetts are located
on the North Shore or in Metro West. As poor as Fall River is, no charity delivers
furniture free of charge there as a core program. Residents of the city have few places
to turn.

Given Fall River’s tremendous need, we recognize My Brother’s Keeper could be
overwhelmed with requests if we do not proceed carefully. At this early stage, we
are accepting referrals on a limited basis from Fall River caseworkers as opposed to
unlimited calls from the general public.

If all goes well and we can obtain the necessary funding—God willing!—our goal at
some point in the future is to have a My Brother’s Keeper facility in the Fall River
area.

A physical presence there would allow us to bring our full model of service to the
South Coast. In addition to serving people in need in Christ’s name, we would
provide transformative volunteer opportunities for families, churches, schools and
businesses in the area… enriching their lives in the process.

Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew, “Let your light shine that others may see your
good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

We all know My Brother’s Keeper is a special, unique ministry. We believe God is
now calling us to shine our light brighter and in new places.

Please keep us in your prayers as we begin this new effort. And if you have personal
or professional contacts in the Fall River area, please let us know so we can invite
them to be part of the My Brother’s Keeper family.