This past week a lot of people have shared that they are feeling disconnected in our world. During times of uncertainty, the value of community cannot be overstated. True community is more than just living near one another; it’s about building deep, meaningful connections that foster support, resilience, and collective growth. No one understands this better than me and the deep loss and loneliness I felt after losing my husband. Through tireless work and a dedication to my late husband, the Drew Lewis Foundation has transformed lives and proven just how powerful community can be.
My story is one born of love, loss, and an unyielding drive to make a difference. As I developed the Drew Lewis Foundation, I did so in honor of Drew’s optimism and natural ability of lifting others up. I took that belief and turned it into a living mission—addressing deep-seated issues in our community, from economic hardship to social isolation.
Drew worked in real estate for nearly two decades—he helped families find their American Dream. The heart of the Foundation's work lies in building the possibility for every family to thrive. One of our flagship initiatives—the Blue House Project—truly embodies Drew’s vision for our community. The project isn't just about providing affordable housing—it's about creating a supportive environment where people don't just survive; they thrive. Residents of the Blue House Project are given more than a roof over their heads; they're given opportunities for financial education, career development, and personal growth. The project fosters an ecosystem where people come together, share their stories, and support one another through life's ups and downs.
Picture a young couple, overwhelmed by the pressures of work, bills, and parenting. In many communities, they might be invisible, their struggles hidden behind closed doors. But within the programs the Drew Lewis Foundation has cultivated, they find open arms and willing hearts. Neighbors become friends who watch out for their children, provide a listening ear, or offer a hot meal on a rough day. These are the moments that shift the balance from despair to hope.
The evidence is clear—strong community bonds lead to better mental health and greater economic stability. Studies show that people who feel connected to their community experience lower levels of stress and depression. They recover more quickly from setbacks because they know they're not alone. Economically, these connections create resilience. When one person falls, there are others to help them up—and when the whole community bands together, they can weather even the toughest storms.
Our programs provide a beacon of this truth. The Drew Lewis Foundation doesn't just change individual lives; it transforms the very fabric of the community. The Blue House Project, in particular, is a powerful reminder that economic resilience isn't built in isolation—it's built in the spaces where people come together, share resources, and lift one another up.
But for community building to succeed, it takes action—your action. You don't have to start a foundation or buy an abandoned school to make a difference. Volunteer at a local nonprofit, attend community meetings, or simply introduce yourself to a neighbor. These small steps can create ripples that grow into waves of change.
So, I challenge you today—Be that person who steps up. Be the one who turns a row of houses into a close-knit neighborhood and a group of strangers into a family. If my story teaches us anything, it's that the power to build stronger, more resilient communities is in each of our hands. Together, let's build not just houses, but homes—not just spaces—but love, connectedness and hope.
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