Our Blog
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.
Finding Purpose: A Story of Addiction and Support
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
“If I can do it, you can do it.” Mary silently thought as she looked at Savannah’s face filled with worry. She knew she could do this, because beyond the worry, she also saw a small and growing spark of desire—to beat addiction and find her own purpose.
When Everything Turns to Ash: Rebuilding Families After a Disaster
Monday, June 4, 2018
With the baby in her arms, she ran to the neighbors across the street. By the time they made the 9-1-1 call, their entire home was up in flames. Even standing 50 yards away, the blaze was scorching.
Racing the Clock: A Father’s Struggle to Provide
Monday, May 7, 2018
Working more than 40 hours a week should provide you with the great life you’ve always wanted, right? That’s not the case for Ken and his wife...
A Safe Home for Janie: A Mother’s Fight to Protect Her Daughter
Monday, April 30, 2018
What’s a mother to do when she discovers her young daughter is being abused by her grandfather, whom they also live with? Sometimes, being homeless is better than the alternative...
Answering the Call: A Family's Struggle with Long-Term Housing
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Brianne’s head was filled with thoughts like: “I have nowhere to live. I can’t afford healthy food for my children. I can’t keep a job because I don’t have a car…” Yet, the only words she could articulate were: “I just want my kids to have a good life.”
Breaking Free: Helping Victims of Domestic Violence Start Over
Monday, April 16, 2018
Elaine’s husband came home from work in a rage, as he usually does. He often physically lashes out, but this time, he didn’t just strike her once or twice… in all honesty, Elaine couldn’t really remember how many times he hit her.
A Step Forward: One Man’s Pathway Toward Health and Housing
Monday, April 9, 2018
Anton had been in and out of homeless shelters, struggling to cope with his mental illness. He seemed determined to deal with it alone. If only his caseworker at St. Paul’s could convince him to get help...
When There’s Nowhere to Turn: Coordinated Entry through 2-1-1
Monday, April 2, 2018
In the past, Yvonne had called United Way 2-1-1 for food pantries and other assistance, but never for anything this drastic . Could 2-1-1 help her family with nowhere else to turn?
From Tears to Triumph: How Legal Services Support Better Health Care
Monday, March 26, 2018
Cecilia couldn’t fully understand what the nurses were saying. Why weren’t they letting Ramon see his doctor? As she walked out of her son’s doctor’s office, she could no longer hold back the tears...
Unlocking Possibility: Achieving Financial Stability through Financial Opportunity Centers
Monday, March 19, 2018
Barrier after barrier, Kirstin fought for her financial independence with the support of Financial Opportunity Centers.
