2010 Newsletters Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a Newsletter for Friends of Metrocrest Social Services Fall: Holiday donation details Summer: Kristine: Former Volunteer Winter/Spring: Margaret's Persistence Pays Off 2009 Newsletters Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fall Issue: MSS Raising $325,000 to Move and Improve Summer Issue: Hard Times Bring Out Compassion Winter/Spring: Shandala Finds the Strength to Move Forward 2008 Newsletters Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fall Issue: Shawn’s Tenacity Gained Her a New Job and a New Friend Summer Issue: Sheryl’s Journey Creates a New Family Winter/Spring Issue: Teens No Longer Spend Weekends Hungry
Only 44 years old with seven children, John never expected to come face-to-face with a medical condition that would cost him his job and possibly his home. John came to Metrocrest seeking assistance with his TXU energy bill following a lay off from his job as an oil field serviceman and equipment operator. John had suffered 3 heart attacks within a year’s time span, and was physically unable to carry on his current position. While John received short-term disability payments, the majority of those funds went toward paying for his growing medical expenses. He had been wise with his money and followed a financial plan including maintaining a savings account with 3 months of expenses set aside. But, after 3 short months of no work, his family’s savings account had been depleted. John’s wife babysat two children, but the children’s’ family moved resulting in a further loss of income. To make matters worse, his youngest daughter who has Down Syndrome was receiving SSDI payments, but due to an accounting error those payments had been revoked, and John’s family was forced to reimburse SSA for overpayment. Due to the overwhelming need in this family’s life, Metrocrest Social Services through our Emergency Assistance Program and partnership with TXU Energy Aid was able to financially assist John and his family with their TXU Energy bill, as well as rent, food, and school supplies, keeping the family in their home as they sorted through their employment options. |