Patricia has been through so many trials and tribulations in her just-under-50-year lifespan. Already a cancer survivor, she had a stroke at 40 and fought her way back to health over the past six years.
A mother of three, her oldest son requires frequent therapy and medication for autism-related symptoms. She’s learned to fight for the resources he needs to help him succeed.
She thought things were looking up when they relocated to Charlotte with a friend. Lower expenses, more resources for the children, and a promised new job made her optimistic. Then, the job fell through and her friend walked away, leaving Patricia to manage everything alone.
She looked for work every day. When her power and water were about to be disconnected, a neighbor told her she might find help at Crisis Assistance Ministry.
Thanks to community support, a caseworker was able to step in with emergency payments directly to Patricia’s water and power companies. With the immediate emergency resolved, Patricia was also able to select shoes and other essentials for the children free-of-charge, visit a benefits assessment counselor to learn about GED completion options, and arrange to pick up beds to get her children off the floor in their still spartan apartment.
Because of you, things are looking up for Patricia and her family. “I know it will get better,” she says. “Knowing you can reach out and get the help you need, it’s just a beautiful thing. That’s all I can say. You changed my life today. Thank you.”
