How This Couple Helps Their Friends and Family During Difficult Times

The phone is ringing. The text appears. The email arrives in your inbox. You browse social media and see the news.

Something serious happened to someone close to you.

An accident, an illness, a bad diagnosis, an emergency of any kind.

Questions quickly flood your mind. “How can I help them? What do they need? Where can I do something?” At the moment, these questions may be difficult to answer.

Scott and Jordan Arogeti created SupportNow to make it easier to answer these questions.

“Like everyone, we have had friends and loved ones who have gone through difficult times. Like everyone else, we immediately wanted to do something to help them. The challenge was to seek clear direction on how to do this. For the happy moments in life, you know how to look for the wedding or baby list. But for difficult times? There is a fog of confusion and unease that creates a divide between those who want to provide support and those who need it. Scott said.

“We kept hearing from fans who wanted to give more and families who needed more,” Jordan says. “The tools for crowdfunding, organizing meals and sharing updates are well known, but there is still a part missing. A truly Support Registry should also include help with transportation, help with child care, mowing the grass, or walking the dog. These are all little things to maintain consistency. To keep the routine.

As fans, our natural instinct is to help our loved ones during difficult times. This is why Arogetis recognize the importance of allowing supporters to act easily and quickly. “People want to feel good after doing something. » Scott said.

How it works

Support registers can be created either by the family themselves or by a close friend or sibling on behalf of the family. There is no cost to get started and the process takes less than two minutes.

Each registry can be personalized based on the family’s support needs. This includes fundraising, coordinating meals, organizing volunteers, and sharing updates with the community. All four components can be turned on or off at any time, depending on family preferences.

Once created, organizers simply add a photo, write a compelling description, and begin sharing the registry to leverage the communities (social media, faith-based, educational, etc.) they are a part of.

SupportNow also partners with hospitals and nonprofits to raise awareness of this free offering to the families they serve.

Ways to Support People in Your Circle

If you currently have a family member or friend going through a difficult time, the Arogetis offer this advice.

1. Offer practical support. Support can go beyond money and meals. Often the best form of support is in the little things; walking a dog, shopping, transportation, childcare.
2. Avoid the phrase “How can I help?” “. When offering assistance, it is important to use a yes or no question and lead with the assistance you wish to provide. Example: “Can I come and prepare a meal for you this week?” » The more specific, the better and the more likely they will be to accept your help.
3. Continue to check in. People often leave very quickly after a difficult period. Schedule time on your phone to check in weeks or even months later. This will help the family feel less isolated and alone.