A family with multiple problems helped by N2N
Mr. and Mrs. X came to Jewish Family Service because they were frantic about how they were going to survive their current situation. They had recently lost their small privately owned business when a fire swept through their store. The investigation suggested arson and Mr. X was devastated wondering if someone he knew had set the fire. His depression deepened and he was hospitalized following thoughts of suicide. Mrs. X has health issues which prevent her from working and though she receives disability benefits they were too far in debt to catch up. They had exhausted help from family and friends who had been helping them but could no longer provide financial assistance. The couple had moved to a smaller and less costly apartment as a way to try to meet their expenses.
The couple came to Jewish Family Service when the crises hit them the hardest: their teenage son had refused to go to school and after days of being home had made a suicide attempt. When he was hospitalized he revealed how embarrassed he had been by changes in his family’s life style, their move to a new neighborhood and he was especially ashamed that he could not be with his friends because there was not even money to take a bus or buy a hot chocolate with them. There was no money for any items that were not essential. When Mr and Mrs. X came to our office we discussed their situation and determined that if Neighbor to Neighbor could pay their phone, fuel and utility bills, totaling more than $1000, it would not only avert shut offs but would enable the family to get back on track, meet their expenses, and have some small amount of cash for allowance for their son. The family seemed restored by the kindness of those who helped make N2N happen.




Comments
500 Bags of Passover for those who would have gone without
Who were the recipients of this generous N2NLifeline grant ?
An elderly couple whom, because their Social Security just covers their increase in rent and utilities, could not otherwise afford to buy food for the upcoming holiday. Another couple who had recently taken in their daughter and grandson to live with them and could not afford the cost of the extra two people to feed. Another household where one spouse recently lost his job and the other is too ill to work and another where lack of health insurance has led to insurmountable bills and now to eviction. This Passover food program is organized annually and nationally through Project HOPE (Help Our People Everywhere) of B'nai B'rith. This year there was a 30% increase in the number of households in Greater New Haven who needed this food.
Post new comment