Our Impact

BY HELPING OTHERS…WE HELP OURSELVES.

I am writing this email because I feel compelled to say; how much Blackberry Winter has benefited not only those needing a hand up but our community as a whole.

I've been blessed beyond measure to be a part of BBW. I returned to my hometown about six years ago. I needed something that could give more meaning to my life. You see, at that time, my life had changed dramatically. Needing to take my mind off my own problems. I started volunteering with the church, library, &  other community activities. I noticed the needs in our area were not always met.

A few years after my return, a friend broached me with the details of a "hand-up & pass it forward" non-profit. Without guilt, sounded wonderful! Fore you see, that saying applies to not just the recipients, but to us too! 

It has been so refreshing to help when possible, but not to feel shame or guilt when I can't. I am disabled and on a fixed income, but Teri has helped me find other ways to be a part of BBW. It has also been great finding others who have similar beliefs as well. Many of Blackberry's people are very humble and kind. Seeing the compassion Teri and her group have, it is no wonder it doesn't spill over.
 

“Once needs are expressed, they are not only met, but met in abundance!”

I want to share how much Blackberry Winter blessed my new  tenant. A few weeks ago I received a message that an older lady had lost her home in a fire and she was seeking a place to live. I was able to allow her to rent a townhouse. 

However, she had unfortunately lost all of her possessions in the fire. I immediately thought of Teri Crawford Brown and Blackberry Winter. Although I was aware of this program, I had not had first hand experience with it. I sent a message to Teri, and she responded very soon! Within  24 hours, my new tenant and I met Teri at one of her storage buildings and my tenant soon had a complete truck load full of many much needed items! This lady was overcome with joy and was very emotional in trying to find the words to express her appreciation to Teri. We would walk into the storage unit, and she would ask what she may could take, and always in a very loving and caring response, Teri would say “honey, take everything that you need.” I was also overwhelmed at the quality (mostly brand new items) of items that were there for my tenant to select from and the freedom that she had to take as much as she felt she needed.

There was some furniture and a washer and dryer that she still needed. Once again, in a very fast manner, that evening, Teri messaged me that she had a dresser and a washer and dryer for her! The next morning, the dresser , washer, dryer and other nice items were delivered to my tenant! 

I am so impressed with the magnitude and the coordination that Teri has established with Blackberry Winter. Once needs are expressed, they are almost immediately recognized and not only met, but met in abundance! More importantly, the recipient is made to feel unconditional love and genuine care and concern for their needs. Our community is tremendously blessed by Teri and her team and because of their unselfishness, many families are cared for and loved during very dark times in their lives.

EMPOWERING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS by providing A HOME FOR THEM AND THEIR CHILDREN.

I contacted Blackberry Winter to assist me with meeting the basic needs of a victim of domestic violence. This survivor finally found the courage to leave her abusive partner and found a home for herself and her two children. This was the first time my client ever had a home of her own. 

Teri was quick to assist in furnishing nearly the entire home with not only furniture but with towels, dishes, detergents, bed clothes, lamps, and even a few groceries. She assembled a team to help deliver and set up the items and worked diligently within the group to gather everything my client and her children would need for a new beginning. 

Without her help, I am confident that my client would have returned to the situation she worked so hard to escape!

PROVIDING A HOME AFTER ABUSER incinerates HOME.

In the past, I have heard many good things about Teri Crawford Brown, but just recently was allowed to see first-hand just how very special she really is. Teri is very involved in BlackBerry Winter, which is an organization that helps people in need. Last month my sister, whom shall remain anonymous, was in a terrible situation with her husband. An already abusive relationship took a turn for the worst when there was an altercation between them which then led to her home being set on fire by him all in one day. Thankfully, the fire did not completely destroy her home, but 85 percent of the contents of her home was destroyed, therefore leaving her to have to find some way to replace the items she needed to continue to live in her home. She was introduced to Teri and Teri took it upon herself to take my sister under her wing and provide her with those necessary items for her home. Teri was completely selfless with the kindness she gave to my sister and for that we are very grateful.

Blackberry winter is a simple idea, it is also a brilliant idea, the kind that makes you slap your head and say "why didn't I think of that!”

Blackberry winter is a simple idea, it is also a brilliant idea, the kind that makes you slap your head and say "why didn't I think of that"! That's what the greatest ideas do. The idea of people helping people by the simplest things like, "I'm getting a new living room suit, what the heck am I gonna do with this old one", blackberry winter says, I have a family in need and your old furniture would mean so much to them. It’s humbling to think that by donating something you don't need anymore can help someone else so much. It was no money out of my pocket, it wasn't even any time or trouble for me, someone else came and picked up the old furniture and delivered it where it needed to go. The idea that helps connect people who may have extra, whether it be things, time, money or storage space connect with people who are in need is simple and simply brilliant!!!! Thank you Teri Crawford Brown for making this happen!!! It is simply brilliant how you are able to give people a hand up during a cold snap in life.

helping those that couldn’t help themselves. blackberry winter from a child protective service worker

I could never put into words how wonderful Blackberry Winter and it’s creator Teri Crawford Brown have been in helping so many that couldn’t help themselves.  Blackberry Winter has been a blessing to our community and the many individuals it has helped to get a fresh start in life. I am the project director of the “Together We Can” program in Tazewell County and work directly with client’s pertaining to Foster Care and Child Protective Services with prevention and reunification. I am also a registered addiction specialist that helps clients to get into a recovery program and work towards recovery. So many have stigmas against people with addictions but I want to say Teri Crawford Brown/Blackberry Winter has never turned anyone away and has helped several of my clients to furnish their home with furniture and home furnishings. Teri Crawford Brown has a huge heart and has dedicated her time and effort into helping others without expecting anything in return!  I’ve asked for help several times in getting clients furniture to set up housekeeping and she is always ready to assist without any hesitation and tells me “We can make this happen “ I love Teri’s genuine love and concern she shows for others. I am so thankful Teri started Blackberry Winter because it has helped so many to have a new beginning. I was working with a family of 6 that didn’t have any furniture and Blackberry Winter/Teri Crawford Brown provided this family with enough furniture to fill their entire home and also provided enough home furnishings to set up housekeeping. I am very thankful for Blackberry Winter and know several of my clients would not have their new beginning if it wasn’t for Teri Crawford Brown/BlackberryWinter “Making it happen”! 
 

blackberry winter helps your loved ones start over.

Thanks to all who have donated to Blackberry winter for helping my daughter today. She left a bad relationship with not much more than the things she could carry and Blackberry Winter and Teri Crawford Brown have furnished her with just about everything she needs to start over.