This time of year we get a lot of calls from families desperately in need of help – help to keep their lights on, to see a doctor, to feed their children, to find a place to say, or to find a way for Santa to visit their children.
Just yesterday we received a call from a man who sounded hopeless, defeated, and unsure of where to turn. John, a father of three needed help for his family – as we usually do, we asked John to share a little bit about his situation so that we could point him in the right direction. Hesitantly, he shared that his wife has struggling with health problems and has been unable to work the past few months. They were able to keep their family afloat, pinching pennies and spending wisely until 7 weeks ago when John’s car broke down and he was late to work 3 days in a row causing him to lose his job. Without work the family quickly got behind on their utility bills, at risk of being evicted, short on food, and unable to buy their children Christmas presents. John simply asked if we could point him in a direction that might assist them until he could get back on his feet. Knowing that TORCH was doing intakes at this time of day, we encouraged him to call their office. United Way often partners with them to locate rental assistance or find temporary housing to keep the family together. We also informed John of ADFAC’s ability to work on financial management and life goals with him and his wife and that they often have access to utility assistance. Concerned about John’s ability to feed his family, staff encouraged him to call 2-1-1, a United Way initiative that helps connect people with the best resources and referrals for their situation. We told him that by providing his address, this resource would be able to inform him of food pantries within walking distance. He told staff that his kids had begun to receive backpacks of food on Friday afternoons from their school through Second Harvest’s Food for Kids program and that this had been a true blessing to his family. As John continued to talk about his situation he hesitantly expressed his concern about his wife’s current state. He said that she often expressed feeling alone and hopeless and that he was worried about her well-being. John was then given information about Contact Care Line who always offer a listening ear to anyone in need. We also told him that organizations such as Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services as well as Helen Ross McNabb Center could provide case management services, counseling and other resources for his wife and family. John expressed his thanks and broke all our hearts as he said that he was hopeful that his children wouldn’t ask him if “Santa is going to skip our house again this year?”
We heard from many of our partner agencies and learned that the family received enough funds from churches and other organizations to pay their rent through the New Year. A Christmas tree and presents were delivered to their house and John’s wife has an intake for counseling services at a local mental health organization. We feel better knowing that they are safe and secure through the holidays, but it will take the collaboration and teamwork of all of these agencies – and more – to empower and support this family in the months to come.
United Way of Anderson County is proud and thankful to work with such amazing organizations who work hard to ensure that families like this one get what they need. There are many more fathers like John who need assistance and help after losing their job, suffering from an illness, or having an accident. Thanks to your donations United Way is able to provide funds, opportunities for collaboration, training, technical assistance and peer support to more than 30 community agencies that assist and empower those with the greatest needs right outside out backdoor.
It warms our hearts to know that United Way’s work encourages our community to work together so that no family feels alone or hopeless. Please consider joining the movement and do what you can to Live United and Give United this holiday season.