Hard work doesn’t guarantee success. Sometimes someone needs to take a chance on you

Have you ever heard that if people just worked hard enough, they would have stable homes, be able to pursue a hearty education and could land a job that pays enough to care for themselves and their families?

If you think about where you are in life, you may have worked hard to get there. But there was also likely someone who gave you a chance to succeed. They hired you, they introduced you to someone, they believed in you, or they invested in you. You likely made a few mistakes along the way, and someone even gave you a second chance. Maybe you were fortunate enough to have a good place to start from birth.

I have reflected greatly on the privileged position in which I was born, yet how lucky I have been to benefit from those who took a chance in me.

I was raised by two well-educated parents who knew the importance of reading to us from birth. We were constantly surrounded by developmentally appropriate activities. My mother always told me and my brother that the greatest days in the world for her were the days we were born.

There was no frivolous spending in our family, but I had whatever I needed, without any questions asked. I worked hard in school and college, often putting more time and effort into an assignment than was necessary. But should I have failed, I knew my family would help me figure out what the next step would be. Not for one moment did I worry about whether I would have a roof over my head.

Until 2005, I did not think much about the myth that hard work alone is enough for everyone to thrive. I had been working at a small nonprofit nature center where my roles included everything from marketing and program development to cleaning the self-composting toilets. I loved it (most of it). By having the right connection, I learned of a chance to start a career path in philanthropy at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Earlier this month, Stewart Stearns, the president and CEO of the organization at that time, passed away at age 72. His sudden departure has prompted many people who knew him to contemplate the way he used his influence to help people in difficult circumstances.

Stearns had a heart for nonprofit organizations and for people who had fallen on hard times. He knew the value of giving people a chance to succeed. A driving force behind the establishment of Season of Sharing, a campaign raising money for individuals and families on the verge of homelessness in our region, Stearns knew that even an ethic of hard work left many people without homes when one circumstance turned the tide on their fragile financial situations.

Season of Sharing continues today, providing one-time assistance to help people stay in their homes when an unforeseen event such a medical emergency, car repair, domestic violence, or sudden loss of a job arises.

Now leading Manatee Community Foundation, I remain grateful that Season of Sharing reaches our residents, too. The United Way’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data tells us that 44% of households in Manatee County have families living paycheck to paycheck.

In addition to helping form Season of Sharing 20 years ago, Stearns worked in partnership with leaders in Manatee County to start our own community foundation that today holds $50 million in assets and has awarded grants and scholarships of $30 million. Inside these big numbers are thousands of stories of people who share their good fortune with others. Stearns gave Manatee Community Foundation a chance to thrive through collaboration, while building in a model of independence that reflected what Manatee County still deserves — a foundation based in its community.

Having interacted with hundreds of nonprofit organizations and thousands of people, I know that one thing is certain: not one of us is able to do well alone. Giving people a chance is one of the greatest ways we can make a difference.

The act of giving is not about passing something on to someone who is less than you because of your elevated position, wealth or fortune. It is about recognizing the sameness in others.

To join me in giving to the Season of Sharing campaign, visit CFSarasota.org or send your check to Manatee Community Foundation, 2820 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, Fla., 34205. You can designate Manatee County residents so families right here will receive the chance you want them to have.

Susie Bowie is the executive director of the Manatee Community Foundation.