How to lend needy Danbury-area families a helping hand this holiday
NEW MILFORD – Dolores fled Honduras after gangs killed both of her brothers.
Determined to raise her daughter and her brother’s children in safety, she settled with family in New Milford and recently became a U.S. citizen, the United Way of Western Connecticut said.
“She has legal working papers, but it will be several months before she will receive a Social Security card,” the United Way said in a release. “Many employers are reluctant to hire her until she has the card in hand. In the meantime, Dolores helps friends clean houses for a little money, but it is not enough.”
“A gift of $1,800 would help her pay one month’s rent, with $400 left for car repairs. In a few months, she’ll have a social security card and be ready for gainful employment,” said the United Way.
For the last 10 years The News-Times and the United Way of Western Connecticut have offered The Giving Fund — an opportunity for readers to give directly to those in the greatest need this holiday season.
Over six weeks, The News-Times is presenting several new cases of real people in the community who “need a helping hand to lift them out of a financial crisis and change the trajectory of their lives.”
Since its inception, The Giving Fund has raised more than $1 million for families in need. United Way does not take any fees to administer the program for The News-Times. All donations go to help the person in the case description.
Donations may be made online at https:// www.uwwesternct.org/ thegivingfund. They may also be mailed to United Way of Western Connecticut, 301 Main Street, Suite 2-5, Danbury, CT 06810. Checks should be made payable to The Giving Fund c/o United Way of Western Connecticut.
If a case becomes fully funded, any additional donations will be used to fund other cases or direct services for qualifying families. Names are changed to protect individuals and families’ privacy.
This week’s cases are: #212 is Dolores’ case. #213 Tracey, 60, has been raising her grandnieces since they were very young and their parents were unable to care for them. She works as a bus driver to give the girls, now 10 and 8, the best life and is finalizing their adoption. She has put her own needs on the back burner, and her teeth are in very bad shape — to the point that if she continues to neglect them she will lose them. She has started treatment and is paying a little each month toward the first part of the bill, which is over $1,000. The total cost of the dental work will be more than $7,000 and her insurance will only pay $823. A gift of $1,500 toward the dental work will help and will leave more money in her pocket to support the girls.
#214 Lucy is a single mother who lives on a fixed income while going to school and volunteering with her child’s cheerleading gym. She barters her time in exchange for her daughter’s participation. Lucy plans to finish high school and go to college. A gift of $1,800 towards school tuition would go a long way toward Lucy achieving her dreams, the United Way said.
#215 Ken and his wife Tina are starting their own business while Ken works in maintenance. The couple and their two preschool children live with Tina’s mother. Their start-up decorative business has just received its first customer, but start-up costs are high. The couple wants this to work so they can bring in extra income while still allowing Tina the flexibility to be with the children. A gift of $1,000 will help them get this business started and put the family on stronger financial footing, according to the United Way.
#216 Mary is a wife and mother of two. Her spouse takes their one car to and from work. Recently the car broke down. It was their only transportation. A gift of $1,800 would help this family either repair their current vehicle or purchase a newer one. Without at least one vehicle, this family won’t be able to earn their livelihood, the United Way said.
#217 When Sarah became ill and couldn’t care for herself she went to live with her daughter in another state. Unfortunately, she was not able to move her furniture and belongings from the senior apartment where she had lived for 10 years, and Sarah lost everything she had, the United Way said. Over time, Sarah’s health improved, and with the help of friends who offered her a temporary room in their home, she was able to move back to the Danbury area. An apartment in the senior complex where she lived before moving out of state will be available soon. A gift of $1,500 will help Sarah replace her furniture and belongings.