The needs in our community are interconnected.

Often when a family experiences a crisis, the needs ripple out to affect other parts of their lives.

This was made clear for Gloria and her family, after Gloria was diagnosed with cancer.

Cancer treatments were hard on Gloria. She missed shifts at work and had no energy to help at home. When her son, Adam, had questions about homework, Gloria was often too tired to help. As Adam fell behind at school, the family got connected to a United Way partner agency offering after-school education assistance.

At first, Adam was hesitant, feeling that he was there because he had done something wrong. But consistent encouragement from staff and volunteers helped him open up. He received one-on-one support with his assignments, boosting his confidence.

Things were going well, until staff noticed a sudden change in Adam. He stopped participating in activities and homework help, and avoided talking to staff and mentors. Then, at times, his emotions overwhelmed him and bubbled up into angry outbursts. Staff were gentle with Adam, knowing something was going on, but trusted that the relationship they had built with Adam over the past few months was their best chance at helping him, so they continued to give Adam the safety he needed to open up to them. When Adam was ready, he confided in a caring staff member about his family’s struggles. Because his mom had missed so much work, they had fallen behind on paying bills. Most recently, they had received an eviction notice. Adam was terrified about becoming homeless. He was afraid he would have to leave school as well as his friends at the after-school program. These fears intruded into his mind and crowded out any other thoughts for the future.

Thanks to donors like you, staff at this United Way funded program were able to assist Gloria and Adam with rental assistance so they could remain safely housed. Additionally, they provided the family with case management support until they got back on their feet.

Now in remission, Gloria is in a much more secure place. Adam has improved in school and feels hopeful about his future.