You Offered Mandy Hope in a Moment of Need

Until last year, Mandy and Andrea, her 70-year-old mother, considered themselves fortunate. Then, Andrea’s health took a turn.

Pooled together, Mandy’s disability income and Andrea’s Social Security benefits afforded them the modest home they shared with their beloved rescue dogs. Mandy’s two grown daughters were nearby to chip in when needed.

But things fell apart when Andrea was diagnosed with a rapidly-growing cancer. ­Mandy watched helplessly as her mother’s condition deteriorated. When Andrea passed way, Mandy was suddenly alone in a house that was too big and too expensive.

As home repairs were deferred due to mounting medical bills, Mandy found herself without central heat, relying on costly electric space heaters. Even with help from her daughters, ­Mandy quickly fell behind on utility bills.

With her electricity and ­water scheduled for ­disconnection, Mandy turned to Crisis ­Assistance Ministry where a caseworker listened carefully to her story, gently eliciting the ­details. With your help, payments to the electric and water companies stopped the disconnections and guaranteed continued service for at least 30 days.

Next, they turned to other challenges: a referral for help repairing her heating and air conditioning system, a list of affordable dental clinics for a much-needed root canal, and a visit to Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Furniture Bank to replace damaged items.

No amount of financial or material assistance can replace her mother. But Mandy is grateful for the generosity of people like you who stepped in to lift her up during her darkest time.

“It’s much appreciated,” said Mandy. “Helping me with my utilities and the things I need around the house . . . I didn’t know that Crisis Assistance does all these things. It’s a godsend.”

Thank you.