Each Essential Story can be divided into three parts:
Stage	Elements	Suggested Phrasing
Stage 1: "Before"	* Choose one person's story * Briefly describe their situation before working with your organization * What was their life like then? How difficult was it?	I'll never forget the story about Tom. Just a few years ago, Tom had a family and a job. Through a set of hard circumstances, he found himself hopeless and living under a bridge. He had fallen about as low as you can in our society. When I tell this story, it always reminds me of how much I take for granted in my own life, like a roof over my head, a hot shower every day, or even a hot meal. It is hard to imagine how he survived day-to-day.
Stage 2: "Intervention"	* What brought this person into contact with your organization? * What services and support did they receive from you? * What was your personal observation of them at that time?	Someone mentioned to Tom that he could get a decent meal at our shelter. I will never forget the look in his eyes the first time he visited us. He was so embarrassed to have to take what he called a "handout." Every day Tom came to the shelter, he gained strength. He started to talk to others at the dinner table. We helped him learn computer skills so he was able to get a job in a new field. We provided hope for him. We helped him regain a sense of pride and self esteem. He was so proud of what he was accomplishing. I saw him in class one day tutoring one of the other new students who was struggling to learn to use the computer keyboard.
Stage 3: "After"	* What are the results of the intervention? How has life changed for this person? * What is now possible for them? * What does this person now say about his/her life? * How are they "giving back" to others?	Getting involved with our organization gave Tom a new future for his life. Tom is thriving now. He has an apartment, a job, and seems to be on top of the world. He volunteers with us when he has the time. He walked up to me a month or so ago, gave me a big hug and told me that our organization had literally saved his life. He drives by that bridge every now and then and it reminds him how lucky he is. He says he won't quit until everyone under that bridge gets the same chance he did. This is what people tell us all the time: "You people know no limits to caring."