I received a call in September of 2015, from a young lady that I will call Janet Doe. Janet called to inquire about getting rental assistance for her family as she recently lost her job and was three months behind. Janet Doe was referred to another agency for help because of the severity of her delinquency.
Janet Doe called back to report that the agency I referred her to was able to help her with three months of rental assistance and she had found a job. The client then called in the early part of October, it was raining heavily, and it was 4:00 pm. She stated that her children an 8-year-old, girl, a six-year-old autistic son, and she were hungry had no money, no gas for the car, no food, and were in desperate need. I took her name and number then went to the warehouse to pack her some food that I would deliver to her at a public place near to her home because she would not be able to get to our pantry.
I arrived at the destination and was greeted by Janet whom I had never met but she told me what kind of car she had. Her children were very happy to see me arrive with fresh fruit, vegetables, dry goods, fresh bread. Her autistic son hugged me uncontrollably as he picked some of the fresh fruit out of the container for consumption. Janet stated that she was amazed that I had come to help her because she had no idea how she would feed them because her first check had not been received yet.
Gateway also provided her with 2 gift cards to purchase meat and more groceries to assist her until she can buy more food as she waits to get paid. Janet was very appreciative, and I still get calls from her at least twice a month informing me of her progress and about the children’s well-being or issues she may be experiencing.
