Dear John xxxxxx, 

In these difficult and uncertain times, I find strength knowing that you are with us as an ally, advocate, and partner in our work.
 
While ARC—and our membership—is nothing if not resilient and industrious, I know that our community is facing unprecedented challenges during this pandemic. Even in the best of times, there are countless barriers to formerly incarcerated men and women, and we are a startling 10 times as likely as the general population to experience homelessness.
 
In COVID-19 times, I am hearing members having difficulty meeting basic needs: from paying the rent or car insurance to simply being able to buy groceries or prescription medication. In response to their urgent requests for assistance, ARC Board members established a COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund, which, to date, has disbursed more than $30,000 to ARC members most in need.
 
But it soon became clear that the requests for urgent assistance would exceed the money we had raised for the Rapid Response Fund.
 
Today, on #GivingTuesdayNow, I ask for your compassion and empathy in considering the struggles so many in our community are facing. If you are able, please give what you can today to help us replenish the fund and assist those in need.
 
As an added incentive, an ARC funding partner has generously offered to match all gifts made to the Rapid Response Fund today--and through the upcoming weekend (by May 10). This means that the power of your support will be doubled.
 
Here are just two examples of the enormous gratitude expressed by ARC members who have already benefited from the Rapid Response Fund:
 
"Thank you for allowing me the ability to feel a sense of relief and trust. I am so accustomed to taking on the world and not asking for help when needed due to a fear of rejection and a mentality that I'm alone in this world. Although this support came in the initial form of finances, it means far more to me because you all have provided me a newfound hope to some very troubled areas of my life. Thank you for reminding me I'm not alone!"  
                        
"I just wanted to say from my heart thank you so much. I came home 3 years ago after serving a 7-year sentence in Chowchilla. I went right to work and it was amazing. Then COVID-19 happened and before I knew it I was laid off along with my husband, and no money was coming in. I am so grateful for the money you sent. I was able to buy groceries and use the leftover to do a mental health appointment (I am no longer insured) and get prescribed my meds that I ran out of in early April. I am no longer crying everyday but trying to find solutions."     
 
Please take advantage of the matching gift offer and help us provide direct support to ARC members today. 
 
And remember that by taking action on this national day of unity, your gift—and your impact--will be doubled.
 
Sincerely,
Sam Lewis
Executive Director