In the past decade, Bethany Tjornhom has seen the full spectrum of people in need, and on the flip side, the willingness of people who want no recognition for stepping forward to help.
Tjornhom is the executive director of Families and Individuals Sharing Hope, or FISH. The acronym chosen by a collaborative group comprised of local elected officials and members of the faith community back in 2012 who acknowledged some immediate needs were not being met in a timely manner, or not at all if a person didn’t meet requirements. In many cases, requests were simple and needs could have been satisfied in short order by community members.
Originally set up as FISH partner network, its function as a nonprofit was to raise money for those in need. In the past year, the organization’s focus has been expanded to match the need of an individual with someone willing to provide funding for a specific need, or donate goods or services through its “Fish Market” program. The goodwill exchange allows FISH partners to post items they would like to donate. Needs are also posted on the Fish Market online platform and community members who wish to help can respond accordingly. All requests are vetted for accuracy by FISH, which functions as a clearinghouse for both needs and those who wish to contribute cash, goods or services.
“Real needs, right now” is the slogan adopted by Fish Market since its inception. Tjornhom said all participants in the program must be accepted into their network, and verification must be provided by one of its existing member partners. It serves as a safety net, she said, so donors know the need is real. All monetary donations go to the organization which then confirms need and distributes the funds. In the past year, she estimates more than 1,500 people have been helped through the program.
Tjornhom said the new online option offers solutions to problems much more quickly, which has proven valuable when critical issues arise. She gave the example of a mother who was forced to live in her car with a five-year-old daughter. After dropping her child off at school, the woman went to work. The car broke down, which meant there was no transportation to get to work, and the child didn’t get to school. A local car mechanic volunteered his services, which provided a solution to both issues. Tjornhom said she is grateful the mother and daughter have now found an apartment and live in a stable environment.
“No car usually means no work,” Tjornhom said. “There is no typical client. All needs are so unique and we try to serve as a resource in providing financial support or filling a specific need.”
Examples she cited can differ greatly, and “all needs have unique circumstances.” The Fish Market also serves as a place where people can search for items that are needed and being donated. Financial support is often the most needed. More common requests include help with paying for utilities and car repairs, or avoiding eviction when back rent is owed. With the recent start of a new school year, multiple requests were made for help with buying new clothing and shoes. Occasional larger requests are received from those who have experienced a major accident or catastrophic illness.
FISH has an annual operating budget of approximately $150,000. Many area faith communities, school and government entities, civic organizations and local businesses are part of the network and serve as references for people in need, while also acting as a fundraising arm for the organization. Special events are scheduled for the second Thursday of every month and include relevant speakers on a variety of topics such as healthy eating, establishing drug-free communities and local resources available for crime victims.
“It’s through the incredible work and generosity that we can do what we do,” Tjornhom said. “Needs are oftentimes met quietly. Every day we see people step up to help.”
More information on the FISH partner network and the Fish Market can be found through this link.
