Stories of Hope and Encouragement from We Care I.N.C.
The following short stories are very real miracles that have happened. They are miracles through the eyes of our current donors and volunteers as well as miracles through the eyes of the families who are recipients of shared generosity. All names have been changed to insure privacy for those who have requested help.
Rhonda is a single woman in her 50’s who lives on a very small disability check. Her daughter had just received open heart surgery and Rhonda helped her pay for medications. The Salvation Army referred her to us. They were helping her pay $1,200.00 in back rent so an eviction would be stopped. The Department of Human Services was also paying part of the bill, but it wasn’t enough. We Care covered the remainder of the amount due so that Rhonda could stay in her home. We also worked with both Rhonda and her daughter to find less expensive medical care and medicines through Intercare so that both of them could pay their bills in the future. Because of generous donors and competent office staff at We Care, living will be a bit easier for both mother and daughter.
Samuel was a single man in his 60’s who lived alone with no family and few friends. He had pancreatic cancer. We Care provided rides to a hospital in Kalamazoo for three different surgeries. On the last trip to the hospital, our volunteer driver took him to the hospital and was waiting to take him home when he learned that the surgery had been postponed until the next day, which was a Saturday. Because he had no way home, his volunteer driver shared his phone number with the hospital social worker. The caseworker called him the next day and the volunteer picked Samuel up for his return trip on Saturday. Generosity overcame hardship.
Jose and Juanita were almost destitute. They had paid all of their bills but had no money left to purchase Christmas gifts for their 7 children. On the day before Christmas Eve, they arrived in the We Care office to request a winter coat for each of their children. Unfortunately, all of the gifts and meals had already been given to others and there were no coats left. Just as they were leaving, a gentleman walked in the office and wanted to share Christmas toys with less fortunate children. After meeting Jose and Juanita, this wonderful man not only purchased toys for all of their children but provided a holiday meal and a brand new winter coat for each and every member of the family. God’s timing couldn’t have been better!
Milly is an elderly woman who is also extremely disabled. Her natural gas was being turned off because the gas company had incorrectly estimated her monthly bill and, after the meter was checked, she still owed a large amount that was due immediately. She could pay the adjusted monthly rate but couldn’t pay the $1,800.00 “overdue” amount. Milly paid $250.00 herself, We Care paid $500.00 and worked with DHS and the Salvation Army to get the total amount paid. At a time when the weather was getting colder, it was essential for Milly to have heat in her home and, miraculously, she does.
Jonathan was middle aged, living on a small income and was very lonesome. He didn’t have family or friends and often rode around town on a bicycle picking up pop bottles to make ends meet. He heard about the supper ministry each Tuesday evening sponsored by one of the We Care partner churches. He began attending regularly. Not only does he receive a hot meal at no cost weekly but he has made friends with the other folks that attend the dinners. Jonathan isn’t quite so lonely anymore.
Carolyn had just gotten a divorce from an alcoholic abusive husband. She was now solely responsible for a 7 year old son and had no job. She was receiving welfare assistance as well as job training paid for by the state. Unfortunately the help she was receiving wasn’t enough. She requested help from the We Care office. Over the 1 ½ years she was learning a new job skill, she received assistance with food, personal care items, clothing, house wares and heat assistance from the We Care pantries and service ministries. We Care staff were also able to introduce her to a pastor and she began attending worship and other church functions. She became an active member. The church welcomed her and provided her with the support she needed to make it through. She’s remarried now, working at a great job and is an active church and community member. All this was possible simply because someone cared.