UNITED WAY FOR SOUTH LOUISIANA

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Agencies and Success Stories

Partner Agencies & Programs

Chez Hope

VICTIMS STATEMENT

A cop told us about a place that I had never heard of. She told me that they would help me and my children find a shelter and give us help. That place was Chez Hope. But they didn’t just give us a place to live, they gave us the stability and security for us when we needed it most. In the last year I went from worrying about where I would stay with my children, crying worrying if we would have to go back home with our abuser to feeling I know I can take care of us. Knowing I can have our own home without any screaming or fighting. And not worrying I will say or do smething worrying to cause a fight.

In this last year, a new person, who I didn’t know was here made herself known. She knows there is a better life. A better way to raise her children. A better job she can have to support her children. A better way to work things out instead of using hurtful words or punches. And so many other better ways just to live. Without Chez Hope, I don’t think that person could have existed. That person is me.

Thibodaux Good Samaritan Food Bank

A man walked into the Thibodaux Good Samaritan Food Bank looking for assistance because he was unemployed and had a family to feed. After receiving food for he and his family, the food bank did not hear from him again.

Six years later, the man returned to the food bank to say ‘Thank You’ in a very special way. He donated 400 pounds of ground beef, packaged in family sizes and prepared according to Health Department regulations to be given out to other families in need.

He remembered how the food bank had helped his family and he wanted to pass along the generosity to others now that he was in a position to be a good Samaritan himself.

Assisi Bridge House

Four residents of Assisi Bridge House have climbed from crack on the streets to the classrooms at Nicholls State University. Within the year, these men will  graduate from NSU as a social worker, teacher, computer technician and a future chiropractor. Two years ago they were unemployed addicts with no thought to their future and little hope of recovery.

At the Bridge House, they have learned about commitment, community and change through improved health, reconnecting with their families, clearing up legal problems, learning about relapse triggers, developing a spiritual life and other elements of the Bridge House recovery program while also participating in 12 step recovery programs in the local area.

Christ Baptist Childcare Center

A young family approached the Christ Baptist Daycare Center for care of their eleven-month-old daughter, after the dad had abandoned the family. The mom had to seek employment outside of the home and was unable to afford a five-day-a-week childcare fee, so we contacted another organization to help with expenses. To our disbelief, she was turned down because she made only thirty-five dollars more than the income recommended for assistance.

Because of her financial situation, the mother decided to continue childcare for three days a week with our facility and two days with a family member. On one occasion when she went to pick up her child from the family member, she found the person sleeping while her child was crying and walking around the house unsupervised.

The mother came to us for help…we then turned to United Way. Through The United Way Scholarship Fund, the mother was able to not only place her daughter in childcare for five days a week; she was able to finish school and currently has a full-time job.

This precious eleven-month-old that first came to our center has since graduated from our preschool program and is now enrolled in kindergarten in our public school system thanks to United Way.

“Christ Baptist Church Childcare Center provides professional, quality childcare in a Christian atmosphere.”

St Mary Outreach

Susan first came into our office about a year ago. Susan, her husband, Tom, and her two-year-old son, Danny, lived a very active life. Susan was employed as a waitress and Jerry was employed in sales. That all changed when Tom was involved in a car accident that left him paralyzed. They life they once knew was changed forever. Tom was in and out of the hospital for the last year. Creditors have worked with them, but local utilities and the landlord could only help so much. Susan was desperate when she came into our office a year ago. She had explained it had been hard to manage on the little income they had to live on, but usually could manage. The washing machine was in need of repair. The cost of the repair was to be used for her utilities. St. Mary Outreach was able to help them with their utility bill. A few months later, the holidays were approaching. We were able to place her family with a “Secret Adapt a Family”. St. Mary Outreach was able to give them a holiday dinner.

Recently, Susan came into our office, but not for services. She came in to give us a card thanking us for all we did for them during their hard times. Susan stated that she had always heard of United Way and what they did, but truly never dreamed she would have to be someone that would have to seek help from one of their agencies.

“St. Mary Outreach, Inc. endeavors to prevent hunger, homelessness, and to support adequate medical care.”

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