“A nonprofit is as strong as the community that holds it up. Together, we can do more than we can do alone.” This quote is on the website of the We See You Foundation, the brainchild of 19-year-old Nick Ruge, a resident of Lyon Park.

When thinking about what inspired him, Nick recalls this incident as the catalyst for the creation of the Foundation: “During a visit to New York City, I was affected by a homeless gentleman sitting on the sidewalk with a sign that read “I feel invisible.” I crouched down so I’d be on his eye level, so he knew I saw him, and offered some food, chatted for just a moment, and touched his shoulder. I wanted him to know that he matters. After that and other similar encounters, I knew we needed to do something to make the homeless feel valued, and the We See You Foundation was born.”

Nick’s concern led him to begin volunteering with local non-profit PathForward (formerly Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network) serving meals on Sunday evenings for several years while he was in middle school and high school. At 17, he decided to create a non-profit to continue the work. He still collaborates with PathForward, often partnering with them to make bagged meals and bed bundles for distribution to people who need them. 

The effort is a family affair—Nick’s brother Jake serves as the President; his mom, Lisa, is the Treasurer; and his dad, Andy, is one of the Board members. Lisa notes that she loves the work because it is another way the family can spend time together. “The Foundation really is about being kind and showing respect. That’s something everyone can do.”

If you would like to support the Foundation, you can see their Amazon Wish List, make donations, and more by visiting the website: https://weseeyoufoundation.org.