Our Blog
A Flood of Memories: Surrounded by Support During Times of Disaster
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
I went to the kitchen table and sat down, barely aware of my feet soaking in the standing water…. I thought about the last month, all that had happened. So much of my world had been taken away.
Community Data: Taking the Complexity out of Your Social Support Decisions
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Social issues are complex. One size doesn’t unequivocally fit all. But, when we are able to utilize data, your gift has the power to turn complex issues into high impact and life-changing community solutions...
A New Day of Hope: Affordable Child Care Solutions to Help Families Succeed
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Working odd jobs around Toledo had made for unsteady and inconsistent work. With Micah’s mom gone, Granny was the only one I trusted to provide care for Micah while I did my best to find a paycheck. I knew Granny loved my son, but lovin’ him and keeping up with him are two separate things. I needed to start looking for a different childcare solution …
Counting the Days: A New Year, A New Home
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Together, we packed up the few belongings we had and traveled cross-country, arriving in Toledo on New Year’s Eve, ready for a fresh start. Step 1: look for jobs. Step 2: call United Way 2-1-1. In fact, that’s how we found La Posada Family Emergency Shelter...
Reflections on Gratitude and Humility: One Advocate’s Journey
Thursday, January 31, 2019
This job is not an easy one, but it is rewarding beyond measure. It is an honor to be invited into the lives of survivors, during their most vulnerable and difficult times. It is an honor to share their stories with you today.
Tax Time: Keeping Your Full Refund
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
The tax preparer made one last calculation on his computer and turned the monitor to face me. My stomach immediately dropped. After their tax preparation “fees”, I would receive a refund check about half the previous amount.
Finding Tomorrow: The Long Road To Financial Freedom
Monday, December 10, 2018
I’ve always dreamed of owning my own home. Yet, when Michael, my husband of 30 years passed away, that dream felt shattered. Michael and I had spent countless hours talking about the day we would buy our very first home together and now, that day would never come...
Letters To Santa: Sorting Bills at the Kitchen Table
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
“How do you tell two toddlers Daddy’s home because he lost his job, Mommy’s gone because she had to get a part-time, seasonal job to help make ends meet, and there may be no money for Christmas presents this year…”
Regaining Perspective: The Value of Volunteering
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Growing up, I frequently helped out at my hometown’s community pantry. Every experience there allowed me to build new perspectives. Years later however, I had let this part of me slip away. I knew it was time to recommit as a volunteer, but how could I get involved?
Finding Freedom: Getting Connected to Legal Help
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
When we first started living together, before the engagement, we’d have disagreements here and there, but it never escalated further than that. Not long after I said “yes”, his verbal outbursts would lead to a slap or hit.
