By Steffen Klenk
The South Jersey region is fortunate to have those who reach out to help others, to offer a lending hand to those in need. Lisa Bee is one of those extraordinary citizens. Every week, Bee drives into Atlantic City with a trunk full of sandwiches, gloves, socks and other essential goods, kindly donated by members of the community. She and other volunteers dedicate the entire day to outreach, aiding the serve the homeless population and assisting those recovering from addiction. They also offer social services to those in need.
Lisa Bee’s journey started in 2017 after the death of her son, Matthew Bee. Matthew was described as a kind person and a gifted athlete who loved to skate, surf and snowboard. “There was honestly no sport he wasn’t great at,” describes Bee. After years of struggling with addiction, Matthew’s life was taken at the age of 21.
Matthew’s memory lives on through the Matthew Bee Memorial Fund. Working in partnership with the Hansen Foundation, the fund’s mission is to help families and individuals who are battling addiction and mental health challenges. Since its inception, the organization has raised nearly $300,000 in scholarships to help get individuals into treatment centers and recovery housing.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began last March, Bee has been working hand-in-hand with members of the community and Angels in Motion to distribute more than 30,000 meals to the homeless in Atlantic City. The meals are generously made and provided by members of the community alongside “Blessing Bags” filled with clothes, toiletries and other donated goods.
In recent weeks, Bee has teamed up with If Not for Grace Ministries, an organization that provides free showers and haircuts for the homeless and addicted. More Blessing Bags are being made thanks to the generosity of the Margate School District and the Boys and Girls Club of South Jersey. In addition, restaurants and volunteers have pitched in to provide hot meals for those living on the street.
One of the most important roles of Angels in Motion is the outreach. Every week, volunteers are on hand to connect those who are struggling with social services to assist in their recovery. Bee describes that connection. “Regardless of whether they get off the streets or not, we’re there for them. We treat them like our family.”
Along with her support of Angels in Motion, Bee offers outreach and support for the Salvation Army, Adelaides Place, Turning Point and the Covenant House for outreach and support. As the effects of addiction affects our local neighborhoods, Bee is grateful to those who offer a lending hand and for increased awareness. “As this affects families’ right here in our community, people are stepping up to the plate, and they are helping. I am very grateful to my community.”
Bee’s passion to help others, and to keep the legacy of her son alive is extraordinary. If you would like to learn more about Angels in Motion and the many ways you can help, go to aimangelsinmotion.org. You can also find out more about the Matthew Bee Memorial Fund by visiting matthewbee.com.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
