At some point in our lives we need a helping hand. For some families, they experience hardships and they need more help than that. Adopt A Family (AAF) is one of those organizations that steps in to help families get back on their feet, providing long-term financial support for struggling families.How Adopt A Family came to be is a touching story. Lynn Symmes, one of the founders and now the Educational Support Program Director,was diagnosed with breast cancer—a harrowing experience. However, when friends and family came to support her, and told her that she shouldn’t worry because all the medical payments and financial issues had been taken care of, she relaxed and wondered why others shouldn’t have this same feeling as well. AAF has helped hundreds of families (a single parent and at least one child), supporting them in times of crisis, like abuse, illness, or catastrophic accidents. Only families that fulfill a certain set of requirements, such as the parents staying sober and having some source of income, are eligible to participate in the program. Adopt A Family runs without any government funding, and continues to support families over months, if needed, rather than providing a single payment like some government agencies. Adopt A Family enables families to continue on, with a burden lifted from their back, and with hope for their future.