Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Giving

By Jennifer L. Warren

GOSHEN – It all started with a vision of a genuine belief in people, a desire to make a difference, uplift others who might be facing hardship while bringing them together, and making them realize their beautiful authenticity and potential. Now, 20 years later it has blossomed into all of that and so much more.

Middletown resident Shirley Sutphin, who has always felt a deep passion, undeniable calling for connecting people, yearned to take that drive and give back to her community two decades ago. The initial result was an informal recognition of a local family in need during the holiday season. The success of that single altruistic gesture quickly ignited, as she soon discovered how many others in her surrounding community were in need of some assistance-support and has since evolved into the creation of her now 501(c)(3), The Family Dreams Foundation Inc. Now formally equipped with a dedicated Board of Directors along with a loving crew of selflessly giving Goodwill Ambassadors, the Foundation provided two local families with a huge ensemble of gifts while treating them to a beautiful, fine dining meal at Delancey’s in Goshen Friday night.

“It’s really all about helping people; we are here to serve, and it’s because of you that this is able to happen,” a deeply touched Sutphin told attendees after receiving her 20th year milestone recognition certificate and participating in a group toast. “I’m still just as inspired to do this work as I was 20 years ago; we need to make it a point to reach out and help as much as we can, as there are so many families in need.”

This year, Sutphin, along with her committed entourage of Goodwill Ambassadors, were able to bring Christmas joy a little early to two area families: The Latimores and McDaniels. Seated at festively adorned tables, both smiling families were surrounded by a lovingly assembled table of colorfully wrapped presents. Those gifts were made possible through the generosity of the Goodwill Ambassadors, all in attendance to personally hand them to the recipient. The unique gifting process involves each Ambassador receiving a list from a family member of wants and needs, including such details as; gift preferences, favorite color, sizes, and other needed specifics. From there, purchases are made and holiday dreams are fulfilled.

“You try to give whatever you can, and seeing the smiles on the family members’ faces when they receive the gift is just so nice as is being able to give back to the community in some way,” said third year Ambassador, Vicki Mastronardi of Middletown, who presented one of the McDaniels family members with a much desired and embraced New York Mets item. ”I’ve been living in this area since 1987, and if I can help in any small way, I want to do it and help; imagine if we could all do just that one small thing, what a better place the world would be.”

Inside of Delaney’s evidence of the impact of those seemingly simple, philanthropic efforts could be spotted everywhere. Whether it was Shannon McDaniel’s two year old daughter, Aubrey, emphatically expressing her approval for the beautiful handbag she just helped her mother open or the wide smile that enveloped her face as she accepted her own gift to open, or Alaina Latimore’s five year old daughter, Kamali, proudly revealing her new pink water bottle and matching sparkling knapsack and pajamas as she proceeded to give Sutphin a huge hug, the difference in two families’ lives was evident, deeply felt and brimming with gratitude.

“I was shocked and just so very, very grateful when I found out I was chosen as a recipient,” said Shannon McDaniel, who is facing some challenging circumstances which became less daunting after meeting Sutphin. “Shirley truly cares about each and every person she comes across.”

Alaina Latimore echoed similar sentiments about the empowering, healing power of being named an honoree.

“This is really, really nice,” said Latimore as she watched her children interact with their new gifts. “We are in a predicament we have never been in before, and I wasn’t sure how I was going to put Christmas together, but then Shirley appeared and literally saved the day.”
Sutphin’s magic touch appears to extend to all of whom cross her path.

“Shirley is an amazing human being who shines light wherever she goes,” said first year Ambassador and Board Member, Aliya Castillo. “I’m so honored to know her and be a part of this organization.”