Jessica* has been a client for just over a year now.
She has an infant and, like many of our clients, lives paycheck to paycheck. Due to an illness she and her child shared, she was recently out of work for a couple weeks and came to her appointment feeling so defeated. Jessica shared with our team that she had been unable to afford the over-the-counter medication the pediatrician recommended for her child, had been unable to stretch things far enough to put adequate food on their table, and was feeling hopeless and alone.
Thanks to you and our empathetic staff, we were able to provide Jessica with a caring shoulder to cry on; gift cards for the medication and food; and extra diapers, wipes and formula for the month. Just as importantly, she was provided with the knowledge that her community cared about her and her child and they would never be alone. She left feeling more hopeful for their future and ability to make ends meet until she received her next paycheck.
As I reflect on Jessica's story, I'm brought to tears. I can not imagine how helpless and how much of a failure I'd feel like if I was unable to provide medication for my child. The fact that we have all joined together to stand in the gap and provide her with the physical, emotional and spiritual support she needs is one of the purest examples of loving our neighbors.
You helped to make Jessica's life better this week. On behalf of Jessica, her child and our staff, I want to say Thank You!
Almeda Smith
Executive Director
*Names have been changed for confidentiality.
