Our agency receives more than 150 calls each week from people in need. Every single call received, during regular business hours, is answered by a live person. I ask my staff to consider the following when they speak to someone who has taken the time to reach out for help: “I may be the only person that this caller has to speak with today” or “I might make a difference in this person’s life if I show a little extra compassion and understanding.” Many times we don’t need to do anything more than listen, but by going the extra mile, paying it forward – if you will, there is a strong likelihood that we will make a difference in someone’s life, with or without counseling, food or financial assistance – Tampa Jewish Family Services’ core programs.