Octavia prayed she would find a way to cool her home again after a landlord failed to repair the only window unit in her 3-bedroom home.
Despite working five days a week to support herself and her two children, she didn’t have enough cash left after bills to do anything about it on her own. To top it off, the crushing heat made it harder to manage her recent Lupus diagnosis. Then, during one of the hottest weeks of the summer, the community answered her prayers.
On May 4, Crisis Assistance Ministry joyfully celebrated the graduations of a new class of Customer Advocates. New graduate Kimberly reflected on her journey from customer to empowered advocate saying: “I have found my voice and will utilize it to the best of my ability to help families like mine understand that there is hope, that life happens to everyone, and that we must not give up but continue to move forward.”
A survivor who proudly proclaims her identity as a “person with a purpose,” Abigail arrived at Crisis Assistance Ministry in the coldest part of winter. Thanks to you, Abigail finally has a place to reclaim her purpose: not just to receive, but to give.
No amount of financial or material assistance can replace her mother. But Mandy is grateful for the generosity of people like you who stepped in to lift her up during her darkest time.
Because of you, things are looking up for Patricia and her family. “I know it will get better,” she says. “Knowing you can reach out and get the help you need, it’s just a beautiful thing. That’s all I can say. You changed my life today. Thank you.”
Joy and her son needed help and hope during a health emergency and looming eviction. Your support of Joy and other families is crucial and you can #doubleyourimpact during #Challenge2019 with a gift today.
Angel and Tony earned trips to sleepaway camp through the Bruce Irons Camp Fund. But with their mom already struggling to make ends meet, the long supply list was a bit daunting. Fortunately, they were able to shop at the Free Store for flashlights, swimsuits, pajamas, towels, water shoes, toiletries, summer clothes, and more.
When his rent went up to just $33 less than his entire monthly income, Jeff joined the ranks of our city’s chronically homeless. For the next 14 months, he made his home in a tent in the woods. He didn’t know what else to do. He couldn’t afford market rent on his disability income, and the waiting lists were so long to get into subsidized housing for seniors or individuals with disabilities.
