featured stories
Maria’s New Beginning
May 6, 2025
When Maria arrived in Portland from Guatemala with her two young sons, she spoke no English and had no family. Lilies Foundation helped her find a safe place to stay, provided translation support for job interviews, and enrolled her children in school. Today, Maria works as a caregiver and volunteers with us every weekend, giving back to the same community that once lifted her up.
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Mr. Ahmed’s Birthday Surprise
May 6, 2025
A retired teacher and recent widower, Mr. Ahmed hadn’t celebrated his birthday in years. A team of Lilies Foundation volunteers surprised him with a home visit, a fresh-cooked meal, and a hand-painted birthday card from local children. Through monthly check-ins, he now has community, laughter, and friends he calls family.
Hope After Heartache: Jasmine’s Story
May 6, 2025
Jasmine lost her husband to cancer and was left raising three children alone. Isolated and overwhelmed, she found support through Lilies Foundation’s Widow Care Circle. With donated groceries, school supplies, and counseling, she found stability. Today, Jasmine leads support groups for newly grieving mothers.
Daniel Finds His Voice
May 6, 2025
An 11-year-old immigrant boy, Daniel struggled with English and confidence. Through our after-school program, he joined a reading circle and gained a mentor. This year, Daniel won his school’s poetry contest—reading his poem in front of hundreds. “They saw me,” he says, “and now I see myself too.”
The Shoes That Walked Her to College
May 6, 2025
Ana, the daughter of a widowed mother from El Salvador, wore shoes too small for years. A volunteer noticed and gifted her a new pair through our back-to-school drive. That simple gift gave Ana the confidence to dream big. She just received a scholarship to study nursing—her way of giving back.
Grandma Lee’s Grocery Angel
May 6, 2025
Living alone on social security, Grandma Lee often skipped meals to pay her bills. Lilies Foundation now provides her with monthly grocery deliveries and a weekly phone call from a “grocery angel”—a teen volunteer named Sofia who calls every Saturday to check in and share recipes.
The Day of Warmth
May 6, 2025
One freezing winter, Lilies Foundation volunteers organized a Coat & Comfort Drive. A Syrian refugee father, Hadi, received coats for his kids and was moved to tears. “This warmth is not just for the body,” he said, “it touches the soul.” Hadi now interprets for new families arriving in Portland.