Testimonials – AKT Foundation

While many people we help wish to remain annonymous, we have been fortunate enough to get some Testimonials and Stories from some of those we have helped.

Deanna’s Story

Deanna had just left a domestic violence relationship and was starting over with her children. She needed so many basic essentials. Through AKT Foundation, we provided diapers, wipes, and new sneakers for her kids. We also provided her gift cards for household essentials such as toilet paper, household cleaners, sponges, dish soap, and towels. She also received two 10lb bags of pancake mix as well as syrup with other food.

“I want them to know the kids were super excited to get new sneakers. My three-year-old was jumping up and down saying, ‘Can I wear them tomorrow?’ I said, “No, they have to get here first.” I have been so stressed, but seeing how happy my babies are from everything we have received, makes me happy and gives me more hope. I appreciate this so much we have been struggling bad. As long as the kids get clothes and stuff they need, I’ll be good.”
Deanna

Liz’s Story

She had recently lost her job and was working hard to make ends meet but was coming up short for rent. Through fundraising, we were able to keep her and her family from being homeless. We have also helped them during the holidays as well as with other needs from time to time.

“January has been a rough month for me and my family, I was facing eviction and I had nowhere to turn to or no one to help me. I posted on AKT Foundation – Community to Help & everyone helped as much as they could. It helped me so much! AKT helped me to save my home for myself and my kids. I appreciate everyone in the group that helped me and are still helping me since money is super tight now. This foundation changed my life and showed me that there are still good people out there.”
Liz

Candice’s Story

Candice walked on egg shells with her husband for years. She was terrified of physical and verbal abuse daily. Often, she would come back from work, as the only working member of the household, and she would see him drinking and immediately go to bed to avoid fighting. After a major incident with a knife and a near death experience, she finally found the strength to leave. She was homeless for a little while and it was at this time when we found her. We held a fashion show where we gave homeless women high-end makeovers at a salon. Candice was one of these women. These ladies received a brand new outfit of their choice, sunglasses, high end make-up, and an award for their bravery. Our goal was to help of these women build up their self-esteem and restore their feelings of worthiness and faith in themselves. After the event, Candice was able to regain her self-confidence, and love herself again. She went to school and began a career as a nurse in an assisted living community. She currently has her own house with her three children and now helps to provide toiletries for the homeless.

“I had the incredible pleasure of meeting Ms. Gwen and the AKT Foundation during a time when I was feeling lost and at my lowest. I was going through a difficult divorce from an abusive relationship of 16 years with my ex-husband, who was also the father of my children. In the midst of this turmoil, I found myself living with my mom and sharing a room with my girls. It felt like my whole world was crashing down around me, and I was unsure of what to do next. But then, Ms. Gwen came into my life.”
Candice

Jenny’s Story

We were able to help Jenny and her family on an ongoing basis with resources, Thanksgiving meal, Christmas toys, and basic essentials. Now they are in their own apartment and have their own transportation. We were able to help them temporarily to get themselves back on their feet. Jenny now helps assist us in our mission.

“We were in a bad space. Living in a hotel the 4 of us. That included, me, my two children, and my husband, who is a disabled veteran. According to every agency, we made too much money for any assistance. We had no food and were barely getting by. Then I found AKT Foundation! I was not only given food, clothing, and resources, but the support of people who were able to show me how to get connected with resources I never knew existed. I will forever be grateful for AKT and will volunteer for them whenever I can!”
Jenny

Testimonials

AKT Foundation

“Thank you so much Gwen for everything and being so understanding you are so caring I love it! There’re truly not enough people in the world like you. I’m really glad that I met you. Thank you again for EVERYTHING!” – Katie

“AKT has helped me several times with getting things for my daughter such as food from food banks. People have helped me with things after falling in the shower. I’ve had plenty of people reach out with very good advice. Multiple people have sent me jobs that I can apply to after healing up after surgery. Gwen Forlizzi has been amazing with resources about my situation! Thank you!” – Steph

“Gwen is such a driving force in the community, but she is also a great person. She was there to be a non-judgmental ear during a battle with homelessness and domestic issues for my family. She was there to buy Christmas gifts. She was there to get me a microwave. She was there to help me potty training and development challenges with the kids. She is really a true angel to society. THANK YOU.” -Marcie, Erica, Trey, Ella and Erin Smith

“When I joined AKT Foundation through the free shed giveaway. I was able to get food last April in abundance while waiting on an error from food stamps. We exhausted resources early on that month and it was challenging. Through AKT, I was connected to Gerri Ann of the Giving Pantry, and we were blessed with food for 2 months.” – Angie

“I am very grateful for AKT Foundation. Over the past few months, it’s been hard for me to get everything I needed. They’ve helped with food, clothes, Christmas gifts and so much more. Gwen is the absolute best with how much she reaches out to assist with anything that anybody may need. Thank you AKT for all you’ve done to make life a little easier.” -Pat

“I just have to say this is the most AMAZING group I have ever been in. It has actually gone a long way in restoring my faith in humanity. You all are amazing people and I really wish nothing but good things for all of you in your lives. Have a great day guys.”
Christina

“This group has helped me tremendously at Christmas time. Gwen, you were very helpful with sharing about the Toys for Tots sign up & thanks to you I was able to get Christmas help. I have seen many resources come from this group throughout the year!”
Alana

“I am thankful and blessed to be in a position where I have not had need of any help from the group at this point. When I was younger, I had needed many things. My belief is that we are blessed to be a blessing for others. It makes my heart happy, and I am forever grateful that I can help others in this group in some small way from time to time. I am so happy to be part of this group!”
Sharri