by Kathryn McCarthy, Director of Donor Relations
Last December was a really scary time for Jamie, her husband
and their two-year old daughter. In August, her husband had been laid off and by
the time December came, they were really behind financially, just as their
electricity bill was growing. Unable to pay their bills, they finally lost power
in December. Losing power meant more than just heat, it meant no way to cook,
no refrigerator and after 4:30 p.m. in winter no light.
If you ask Jamie about that time, she will tell you “We
bundled up, lit candles and we tried to be troopers, but it was scary. We
really did not know what we were going to do.”
The change and the stress had an immediate effect on their two-year old.
Normally happy and easy going, her temperament changed over those long days and
nights.
The family knew they needed to do something, but they really
did not know where to turn. Finally, Jamie came across a flyer for South Sound
2-1-1. At first, she was hesitant to
call. She wasn't looking for a handout, but her family was in trouble.
“We’re proud people; I was embarrassed to ask
for help. And I didn't really think it could be that easy. That I could really
dial three numbers and someone would help me.
But I called and a real person answered. She listened to my problem and
she found my family help.” Jamie was
guided to Metropolitan Development Council (MDC) and within a day her power was restored.
Today, Jamie and her family are getting back on their
feet. Jamie said, “I’m so grateful to 2-1-1. We’re getting our finances back on
track and that would not have been possible without 2-1-1. I tell everyone
about 2-1-1, it changed my life. They gave my family a second chance.”
Every day hundreds of people in our community call South
Sound 2-1-1 distressed, just like Jamie. Our call specialists answer the phone
with compassion and professionalism.
It’s so much more than a data base. Call specialists can problem solve
and help callers find solutions they might not be aware existed, and they might
be the only caring and compassionate voice someone hears.
If you or someone you know needs help, tell them to call
2-1-1. It might be the second chance they need.
Hello Everybody,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of $250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of $250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.