Prepare for Impact

The phrase “Prepare for impact” conjures many images…a warning to brace yourself, recognize that something jarring is about to happen, be ready to roll with whatever comes next. An impact inevitably leaves a mark, causes a change. It isn’t always easy, but when you are moving forward sometimes impact is unavoidable.

At Project 4031, we always work to make an impact in the lives of those we serve. On November 18th at 6:30 pm, we will host our annual IMPACT dinner at the Fort Worth Renaissance Worthington Hotel. As we prepare for IMPACT, we are seeking ways to prepare to impact the lives of our patients and their families.
How do we brace ourselves for sudden impact against the financial, emotional, and spiritual need that so often accompanies the end of life? First, we must identify the need. In 2022, the need has increased substantially, and we have seen a significant increase in the number of applications for assistance. In 2021, we served a total of 97 patients. At the end of September 2022, we had already served 108 patients, and we have three busy months to go until the end of the year. It will come as no surprise to anyone who has recently bought groceries, filled a gas tank, or paid a utility bill that a primary focus of these applications has been basic needs. As a result of inflation, not only has the number of applications increased but the costs of the need have increased as well.

Having recognized the growing need, we have developed partnerships to meet that need. This year, we have partnered with REACH, a non-profit committed to helping people with special needs remain in their own homes, to donate our DME which allows us to focus on Funding for Families and Fulfilling Dreams. We have been accepted as a partner with the Cornerstone Assistance Network to work collaboratively with other non-profits and churches to meet basic needs. We work with Community Healthcare of Texas to prepare our volunteers to serve patients in their in-house hospice. We have benefitted from our relationship with Junior League, gratefully utilizing their volunteers to further our mission. We face the need more effectively and with a greater impact when we face it with friends.

Lastly, we have looked for ways to assist our patients and their families beyond our financial contribution. Recognizing the isolation and loneliness that can accompany the end of life, our Wings volunteers make weekly contact with local families. Believing in the power of prayer, our Prayer Partners offer weekly prayers for our patients and their families. This volunteerism is an area where we are looking to roll with whatever comes next, always pursuing ways to be more connected, more impactful.

Ultimately, we want our work to make a difference in the lives of the dying. Our daily prayer at Project 4031 is that we might offer relief and comfort and the gift of worry-free time to focus on what is important. And, of course, for our impact to make a mark in the lives of families facing the imminent death of a family member, we must find generous donors who believe in the mission. If you believe that no one should face the end of life worried about how they will pay the bills or without hope, you can be a part of the IMPACT. Join us in making a positive change in the lives of those who are often forgotten and alone. You, too, can Prepare for IMPACT and make your own positive mark on end-of-life stories.