The back-to-school season carries a special excitement for many of us, reminiscing about fresh pencils, crisp notebooks, and the thrill of new beginnings. This year, Fathom Realty’s Chicago District, under the leadership of District Director Beth Lindner, channeled that enthusiasm into a heartwarming initiative to support homeless and foster children throughout the Chicagoland area.
Discovering Fill A Heart 4 Kids
As Beth aptly puts it, “We all remember the excitement of a new school year starting, the anticipation of a new teacher, new classmates, new classroom.” The ritual of organizing a brand-new backpack filled with supplies symbolizes a fresh start for countless children. This sentiment resonates deeply with the Fathom Realty team.
Their journey led them to Fill A Heart 4 Kids, an organization dedicated to providing homeless and foster children with the same joy and excitement of the back-to-school season. Fill A Heart 4 Kids supports approximately 1,200 homeless children in the Chicagoland area, offering essential services such as meals, nutrition, cooking classes, activities, backpacks filled with school supplies, bags, toiletries, new clothing, and more.
A Meaningful Visit
The Chicago District team’s Fathom Serves project began with a visit to Fill A Heart 4 Kids’ headquarters in Lake Forest, IL. They were warmly received by the organization’s founder, who passionately shared the vision and mission of the organization. During the tour, the team learned about the alarming number of children in foster care in Illinois who are not adequately cared for by the system. It was an eye-opening experience that deeply resonated with the Fathom agents.
Packing Backpacks and Making a Difference
The heart of their visit was the opportunity to make a tangible difference. With a limit of 20 participants due to the venue’s size, the Fathom agents rolled up their sleeves to pack new backpacks with school supplies and gift bags filled with toiletries. Each backpack carried a hand-decorated label with a heartfelt note of encouragement for the child who would receive it.
Beth recounts, “We had the most amazing day! The founder of Fill a Heart 4 Kids had many of us in tears as she described these ‘throw-away’ children who live in garages, buildings, and the forest preserve.”
Commitment to Bridge the Gap
Fathom Realty’s support extends far beyond backpacks and school supplies. The Chicago District agents have made an enduring commitment to serve this charitable organization in every way they can. They’re not only dedicated to gathering school supplies but have taken a step further. They’ve pledged to raise $14,000 and provide the labor required to pack 400 meals for homeless children in Chicagoland.
This commitment stems from the profound inspiration they drew from the incredible work of this organization. The owner of Fill A Heart 4 Kids shared that they had recently lost a major donor who used to provide both funds and manpower for packing those essential Thanksgiving meals. Fathom Realty’s agents left an indelible mark when they assured the owner that they would step in to bridge this gap. Their pledge brought tears of gratitude to the owner’s eyes, highlighting the genuine impact they’re making in the lives of these vulnerable children.
A Lesson in Perspective
The visit to Fill A Heart 4 Kids was an act of service and a profound lesson in perspective. Beth revealed that many real estate agents are facing their own struggles, including making mortgage payments. Still, witnessing the challenges faced by homeless and foster children put their own difficulties into perspective in a deeply meaningful way.
Beth beautifully encapsulated the spirit of the day, stating, “There are days that are so frustrating in real estate, but then there are times like yesterday when I am so thankful I was introduced to Fathom.”
Fathom Realty’s Supportive Environment
Beth highlighted the unique fee structure of Fathom Realty that allows for this kind of joyful giving. The low fees enable leaders like Beth to support their agents by paying for T-shirts, making donations to charitable organizations, and even treating their group to lunch.
Beth expressed her gratitude for being part of the Fathom family, saying, “It is such a blessing to be part of the Fathom family. I never anticipated having this kind of job satisfaction in my sixth decade of life.”
The Fathom Realty Chicago District, under the guidance of Beth Lindner, has exemplified the company’s commitment to service and community building. Their partnership with Fill A Heart 4 Kids is more than just an initiative; it’s a heartfelt endeavor to make a meaningful impact in the lives of homeless and foster children, one backpack at a time.
Join Fathom Realty: Where Service Meets Real Estate
If you’re a real estate professional with a heart for service, your place is here at Fathom Realty. We’re not your typical real estate firm; we’re driven by a deep commitment to uplift communities through our unique service culture. Embrace opportunities like Fathom Serves, where we stand together to bring about positive change. If you’re searching for a career that transcends transactions and offers a true sense of purpose, connect with us now to learn about Fathom!
