Small moments were big at Morristown’s Gran Fondo
Posted by Morristown Green Contributor on September 20, 2011 · 1 Comment
By Sue Robinson, Homeless Solutions Inc.
This past weekend in Morristown was a memorable one. There was a music festival featuring some amazing local bands and a film festival with a range of entries designed to entertain and educate. The weather was beautiful, and people were everywhere stopping at booths and enjoying the day. And no one could help but be awed by the sight of over 900 cyclists filling Speedwell Avenue and racing out at the start of the Gran Fondo ride on Sunday morning – it was a big moment.
What you may not know, is that this weekend there were also many “small” moments – one of which involved a mother and daughter who are participants in Homeless Solutions’ Transitional Housing Program (THP).
Amanda and her 4-year-old daughter, Julianna, have had a difficult couple of years. Julianna’s father is not in her life, and due to some personal challenges Amanda faced, she did not have custody of Julianna until this past spring.
Julianna, age 4, on her new bike at the Kids Fondo in Morristown. Her mom Amanda gives her a hug. Photo courtesy of Homeless Solutions Inc.
Although Amanda worked full time, she did not have permanent housing, which meant she could not regain custody or Julianna.
This spring, however, Amanda and Julianna were accepted into the HSI Transitional Housing Program – which meant they had stable housing.
Amanda regained custody of Julianna, and the two were thrilled to move into their apartment at THP and continue their lives together.
Julianna is a sweet little girl, flourishing now that she has been reunited with her mother. She does well in child care and has made many friends.
That’s why when some of them were going to Saturday’s Kid Fondo, she was happy to go along; even though she didn’t have a bike of her own to decorate, she was looking forward to helping them with theirs.
This is when the Corwin Family Foundation stepped in. They learned about Julianna, and the foundation decided that they would purchase a bike for her to enjoy with all of the other children.
At the Kids Fondo last Saturday morning, HSI staff presented Julianna with her bike, and she couldn’t have been more excited or surprised. The expression on her face truly was priceless – she said thank you, then hopped on and rode off to join the others!
So when you think back to this past weekend and all of the many wonderful big moments, remember sometimes the “small” moments mean the most.
Homeless Solutions Inc. was one of three organizations chosen to share proceeds from the first annual Gran Fondo NJ. The others were The Seeing Eye Inc. and Grow It Green Morristown.
What a sweet story!