Volunteers and Businesses Help Family Looking to Adopt and Local Widow

By Heather Listhartke

On October 1st, a small group of 25 volunteers did small chores and fixes on a house in the Hard Bargain neighborhood of Franklin. These volunteers were working through Both Hands, an organization that partners families looking to adopt a child with a widow in need of help with her home. Both these groups, orphans and widows, are part of the mission that Both Hands has adopted based on the biblical call to help them.

Both Hands Volunteer Event, Jet'sThis project by the organization was fulfilled by helping the Lord family, Brian, Krista, Brooklyn, and Sydney, to raise a portion of the funds necessary to adopt an orphaned boy. While the volunteers donated their time to help with the regular maintenance on the house, other local neighbors sponsor the project to help raise a portion of the hefty price of adoption that often ranges between $40,000-50,000. Jet’s Pizza in Franklin also donated lunch to the 25 volunteers. The volunteers were able to raise, $15,000 so far, and help local widow, Ms. Frances, who has lived in Franklin’s Hard Bargain neighborhood her entire life.

Both Hands Volunteer EventThis project is particularly heartfelt because of the mission to unite an orphan with a loving family and this project is even more significant because of the mission to help Ms. Frances who lives in the historic neighborhood. Ms. Frances and her late husband not only were active in fostering children, but adopted two children of their own. Furthermore, the neighborhood is historically significant as it was originally established in 1875 by freed former slaves and continues as a community who helped and continues to help provide affordable housing to families in need while preserving the historic neighborhood.