Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
It all began as a way for the people of Madison County to stay informed about events and issues in and around the county. From that, an organization with a desire to meet the needs of many who are often overlooked was born. When Jill Spicer and Susan McCool started the “Madison Word of Mouth” page on Facebook, neither of them dreamed it would lead to an organization that would help over 60 households and make over 1,500 deliveries of food and other essentials to those in need. More importantly, it has helped many to know they are not forgotten.
Soon after they started the Madison Word of Mouth page, two years ago, they began to notice posts about people in need. Many of these posts centered around people who had no means of transportation and could not get out to obtain food. So, Spicer and McCool arranged to have food delivered to these people. As they began this service, they began to see even more needs, often stemming from isolation. “It was never a thing that crossed my mind,” said McCool. They quickly mobilized to help meet these needs with a growing group of volunteers and formed Hometown Outreach, an organization dedicated to helping to meet the needs of the community.
The impact made through the efforts of Spicer and McCool can be felt in the words of those helped by Hometown Outreach. “After 12 years of isolation, I met both Miss Jill and Miss Susan,” said one Greenville resident. “At this point in my life, I had no shoes, barely any clothing, no medications and a faltering will to go on. They encouraged me to start a new journey in life by seeking help to deal with my problems. They help us with food, some of our bills, my medications and help me get to my mental health appointments. If I said that I wasn’t overwhelmed by the way they’ve impacted my life, I wouldn’t be telling the truth. My sisters and I recently lost our mother, and even though Miss Jill and Miss Susan are not related to us, they feel like family. Each has filled a void left in our hearts, and both Miss Jill and Miss Susan will forever have my love, admiration, respect and gratitude.”
More information on Hometown Outreach, including ways you can help, can be found on their website, www.hometownoutreach.org. You may also call (850) 738-3113.