Joy and Bryant's Journey to True Ground
The success of True Ground’s 35 years comes from a deep commitment to the community, and a vision shared by so many of our neighbors; a safe place for our neighbors to call home and support as residents pursue their personal and professional goals. It is the support and investment made every day, month, year, that ensures True Ground is able to grow and expand our impact.
Recently, we were able to ask supporters Joy and Bryant of Arlington about their engagement with – and giving to – True Ground. Here’s what they had to say:
True Ground: How did you first become aware of True Ground Housing Partners and the work we are doing?
Joy and Bryant: We first became aware of True Ground, then called APAH, and its longtime commitment to creating affordable housing in Arlington when Joy heard then-President Nina Janopaul speak at a local conference in 2017. Joy started volunteering and saw how the organization’s programs aimed to address multiple aspects of housing affordability and fostered a sense of belonging and community among its residents.
True Ground: You started donating to True Ground in 2020. That was a critical moment for us – many of our residents were in crisis. What inspired you to give?
Joy and Bryant: In 2020, we were searching for concrete and sustainable ways to support our local community by financially partnering with organizations that had a track record of reducing housing insecurity. Through APAH’s then-Volunteer Program Manager Julie Booth, we had received regular updates on how the organization was responding to the growing needs of its residents during the global pandemic. We decided to start giving because we knew our support would have a direct impact on our neighbors.
True Ground: But you didn’t just give once in 2020 – you are members of “The Home Team”, the monthly giving program at True Ground. Why is it important to you to donate monthly?
Joy and Bryant: We view our relationship and support to True Ground as a long-term commitment to the organization’s mission and to the Arlington community. Giving monthly allows us to stay connected on a regular basis and provides True Ground with consistent support throughout the year.
True Ground: And one last time, your giving gets even more unique… you donate monthly through a Donor Advised Fund. There are so many ways to give to True Ground, how did you know that donating through a Donor Advised Fund was right for you?
Joy and Bryant: When we were looking to support several local organizations on a regular and ongoing basis, we came across Donor Advised Funds. The fund was very easy to set-up and provides a convenient, flexible way to set up recurring donations. It also simplified the process of donating non-cash contributions, like stocks, to True Ground.
True Ground: We are so grateful for your support and for the support of hundreds of donors like you. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the impact you’re making within our community and why you continue to support True Ground?
Joy and Bryant: Since beginning our donations, it has been heartwarming to see regular updates about the work True Ground is involved in around Arlington. It feels meaningful to know that we’re supporting an organization that is having a tangible impact on our local community.
In this season of giving, we hope you will reflect on the impact you want to make in your community. We hope Joy and Bryant inspire you to consider making a gift to True Ground today to support our work tomorrow. You can join them in The Home Team here.
