Many recent letters to the editor were full of despair and frustration on the political level, which appears to be business as usual. However we can make a difference in our own circle of family and friends by giving each other the message of hope and courage.

In our neighborhood of Eastgate, friendly neighbors and concerned citizens have regular gatherings to learn more about each other and the discovery of the wonderful resources that we share.

One of our neighbors is growing Kale and partnering with HopeLink to share his produce.

Our extended community family is constantly available to help and encourage each other in their difficulties and combine to create a stronger and more intimate association. We celebrate our ethnic and physical diversities and endeavor to transcend social, economic and political barriers in order to bring about change and seek inspiration through service to others.

As part of emergency preparedness it is necessary to know our immediate neighbors so that we can find out ways to reach out and help and get help based on individual needs.

We can choose to live with hope for a better future or live in fear of what the politicians’ propagate.

Farida Hakim, Bellevue