Greg Smith, the primary founder of Hybrid Athletes in Orlando, Florida, often encounters homeless individuals on the streets of his city asking for assistance. Despite his recognizable appearance as a wealthy businessman in his daily suit attire, one encounter with a homeless woman named Aimee Jo left a profound impact on him.
Aimee Jo didn’t ask for money but greeted Smith warmly with a simple wish for a good day and a blessing. This unexpected interaction led to regular Tuesday lunches between Smith and Aimee Jo, where they formed a friendship. However, the reason behind their lunches is particularly touching.
Smith shared on his Facebook page about Aimee Jo’s resilience and desire to learn to read despite her difficult circumstances. She spends her limited resources on library visits to study books, prioritizing learning over basic necessities like food. Smith was deeply moved by her determination and made it his mission to help her learn to read. Recognizing his own privilege and upbringing, Smith felt compelled to support Aimee Jo’s aspirations. They now spend Tuesdays together reading borrowed books from the library, with Smith teaching her to read.
Smith’s message on Facebook was not to elicit pity for Aimee Jo or to boast about his actions but to inspire others to lend a helping hand to those in need. He encourages people to recognize the Aimee Jos in their own lives and offer assistance, whether it’s a simple greeting or a supportive gesture.
His story serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and the impact individuals can make by stepping out of their comfort zones to help others in need. Smith’s actions exemplify the goodness and humanity still present in the world, providing hope for a brighter future.