Stories of Hope
Below are Stories of Hope shared by individuals who received assistance through one of our programs or services. Now, more than ever, individuals and families in crisis need assistance, your donations assist us in continuing our mission to "provide help, create hope, and serve all."
For more than 96 years, Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida has served our poor and vulnerable neighbors in 18 counties across the Florida Panhandle. Because of the support of our donors, last year, Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida provided $1,270,977 in critical assistance to help our neighbors who were most in need.
An older gentleman came to Catholic Charities to receive assistance with food. He was noticeably unkempt and seemed to have the weight of the world on his shoulders. At the same time, it was evident he had a kind and gentle spirit. We learned that his wife was not living with him. She had Parkinson's, and he was unable to care for her because he was living in his car. He came to our Food Pantry several times to get food for himself and his wife. He thought only of her and not himself. Their current situation did not define "happily-ever-after"; however, it was true love. We spoke with him about finding a place where he and his wife could live together on their social security income. Catholic Charities was able to assist them with their move-in deposits so they could be together. He shared with our team how grateful he and his wife were to be in a real home. Let us all show more compassion and love to others. You never know the journey people are traveling.
A desperate young family came to Catholic Charities feeling overwhelmed. Their hours at work were reduced; they experienced a significant illness, and then they lost their jobs. They were able to find new jobs; however, they were behind on their rent. They did everything they could to try and stay current on their rent and remain in their home. They were out of options, facing eviction, and in need of help. They were embarrassed and said it was difficult for them to reach out for help. They had never needed assistance before. After meeting with our Case Manager, we were able to provide them with financial assistance so they could stay in their home. They were overwhelmed with gratitude for the assistance, compassion, kindness, and understanding they experienced at Catholic Charities. Together, we are supporting families in need.
A woman came to Catholic Charities for help. She was experiencing significant health issues and was taking care of her four grandchildren. Her husband was recently diagnosed with early-onset dementia and was unable to work. His loss of income was putting their home at risk. She had applied for benefits for him; however, they had not been approved, and she was struggling financially. Catholic Charities was able to help the couple and their grandchildren remain in their safe and stable home. This was the first time she ever had to ask for assistance. She said, "I want you to know that I appreciate your compassion and integrity. This was a hard situation for me, and I was concerned that I would be made to feel less than a person going through this process. It was seriously out of my comfort zone, but you made it bearable. I pray that God will place more people in positions like this with your servant’s heart. Again, thanks to you and the Catholic Charities for stepping in and helping to make the transition into caregiving a little less stressful."
