March Chronicle | Amonio’s Case

At Stand Upright, every face we meet carries a story—and sometimes, we have the privilege of witnessing a turning point. This winter, we walked alongside Amonio Fader Jr. during one of the most difficult seasons of his life, offering a hand as he navigated a path marked by hardship.

When Amonio first connected with us in January, he was seeking not just support, but stability. Through the generosity of our volunteers and donors, we provided him with hot meals across the months of January through March—simple moments of nourishment and dignity. Alongside that, we were able to donate a clean shirt, a warm jacket, and a pair of shoes—essentials that helped carry him through the cold.

But our mission at Stand Upright goes beyond short-term relief. Our belief is that real change happens when people are connected to long-term resources. Throughout the winter, our team immediately referred Amonio to free healthcare services, and coordination with government and nonprofit partners soon worked in Amonio's favor.

In early March, we began working closely with the Bill Wilson Center through the Here4U platform. Over the course of three weeks, and in partnership with two dedicated caseworkers, our volunteers helped Amonio secure a place at their homeless shelter. This week, he officially moved in.

Throughout the couse of these three months, Amonio's life has changed. He now has a roof over his head, fresh clothes to wear, a bed to sleep in, and a supportive community behind him.

Stories like Amonio’s remind us that transformation rarely happens all at once. It comes meal by meal, step by step, and hand in hand. Thank you to everyone who plays a part in this work. Your compassion is the lifeblood of Stand Upright—and your support helps write stories of hope every day.