Special Thanks from Valeo Behavioral Health Care

A great big thank you to The Friends of Ayers Foundation for donating 150 pairs of socks to Valeo’s Homeless Outreach Team. The Friends of the Ayers Foundation was founded by Jennifer Ayers-Moore who served as Valeo’s Keynote Speaker for our Unmasking Stigma Fundraiser in 2018.  

Here are a few words from Jennifer:

“Why socks? Well I did a search on the internet and found various reasons why socks are so important. One article is simple and states, “Why are socks important? … Not only do socks absorb moisture, but they are also used to help prevent rubbing of shoes on the bare foot. Socks can also provide cushioning to pad the feet and help keep them warm. As we are going into the fall and winter months, socks can help prevent cold feet and even frostbite,” this comes from Parkview Health.

A few years ago I was in California to visit my brother who has a mental health condition, I noticed that he did not have socks on and his feet were hurting him. He sat down and took off his shoes and I was so devastated to see the condition of his feet and it has bothered me since then, so I try to make it a point to send him socks. He is no longer homeless and he does not walk the streets as he once did in his youth.

I have a tendency to compare what I think my brother has gone through to gage what others with a mental health condition may be going through. Fortunately, my brother now has more support. I was on a particular social media platform and a friend posted an article that mentioned my same thoughts and it really resonated with me, it was like God confirming my desires to start the “SOCKS ON” campaign. As I mentioned earlier I was devastated to see the condition of my brother’s feet, and I know it is because of all the miles of travel they have endured. Many of those steps I am sure have been without socks, causing the blisters and sores, to put it mildly.  

He is on the inside now and actually does not have much of an interest in walking he kind of molds into his living situations at the time and this one I am happy about. Plus he is a much older man. But what about those men and women still walking the streets, with no support? It is hard on them and their families who I know wish they could do more but it is not as easy as it sounds.  

I have seen people so happy to receive socks and rush to put them on. Though my assessment may be exaggerated, new fresh clean socks seems to provide some momentary happiness, something everyone deserves.

The Friends of Ayers Foundation has sent socks to only two agencies so far, from the proceeds of my book, “Hear The Music, memoirs from the sister of The Soloist,” (available on AMAZON, request 2nd edition). It is a good beginning to a venture that I hope to see spread across the country to wherever socks are needed. An on going effort until all have socks to protect their feet. If your feet are hurting that is all you are thinking about, so a person with a mental health condition could not possibly move passed that agony. So let’s help them”