Amy’s Story
Amy’s* story is particularly relevant as we end November’s month of thanks and turn to December’s focus on giving and togetherness. It’s a story that reminds us that our ability to give and to provide for others, especially our children, is often tied to our financial stability. When that stability goes suddenly missing, it can quickly lead to a crisis.
Amy’s life took an unexpected turn when her husband left, severing her access to their bank account and leaving her with no financial resources. As a stay-at-home mom to a daughter with Type I diabetes, Amy found herself in a precarious situation. She was suddenly responsible for all household expenses, including critical bills like water, electricity, and her cell phone, which was essential for monitoring her daughter’s diabetes. Amy’s words, “My husband just left. He took everything,” reflect the gravity of her situation. Referred by Kids Plus Pediatrics, Amy was in dire need of immediate financial support.
The Impact on Amy’s Life
The departure of Amy’s husband left her and her child in a vulnerable state. No one should ever need to utter the words, “We’re broke,” as Amy did during our interview, but that statement is even more scary when you are a parent.
Footbridge’s Assistance
Recognizing the urgency of Amy’s situation, and with gratitude to Kids Plus Pediatrics for their ability to quickly highlight emergencies like this, Footbridge for Families stepped in with timely and targeted assistance. The organization covered Amy’s water and electric bills, amounting to $321. This support was more than just financial relief; it alleviated significant stress. In Amy’s words, “When you guys helped me it was a relief to know I was getting the help I needed for that month for the bills. It really lifted a weight off my shoulders for that month… It was a great appreciation to know that I did not have to come up with that financial stability for those bills. That way I could put food on the table for my kids.”
Freedom, Dignity, and Financial Stability are Tightly Intertwined
December marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year’s theme, Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All, is worthy of our effort, but it’s also a reminder that the ability to take care of basic needs like food and shelter is a prerequisite that many in our communities lack. Families like Amy’s cannot count themselves as free and equal if their financial independence is tightly controlled by others. Amy’s experience illustrates the profound impact that timely, targeted assistance can have on families in crisis.
Conclusion
Amy’s journey from financial uncertainty to stability underscores the importance of community support in times of need, and how even a small amount of financial aid can tip the balance toward safety and security. Her story is a testament to the resilience of families and the difference that compassionate, immediate assistance can make.
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* this name has been changed for privacy reasons