“I Never Thought We’d Be the Ones Needing Help”

Every now and then we have a chance to follow up with people who’ve been helped through 2-1-1 and other United Way programs. It’s always amazing to hear their stories and see how just a little help at the right time can make a tremendous difference.

Take Pam for instance. She’s a local mom with four kids who looked familiar when we recently met at her house. Grateful for the help she received, she graciously agreed to share her story in hope that it might inspire others to give.

This time last year Pam and her husband, Tom, were both employed and doing well. But as the economic crisis worsened, the restaurant she helped manage shut down, and Tom’s hours as a traffic safety specialist were sharply reduced. Before long, they had exhausted their savings and couldn’t pay their bills.

Facing hunger, the loss of electricity – and even her home – Pam dialed 2-1-1 where she found timely assistance that helped the family stabilize their situation.

As she told her story, I realized why Pam looked familiar. She was the friendly, upbeat woman who always greeted my husband and me at our favorite breakfast place in MetroWest. When the café closed last summer, we were sorry for the owner and staff who’d worked so hard to keep it going.

Sitting in Pam’s comfortable living room, meeting her kids and hearing her story drove home the realization that none of us – no matter how secure we think we are ­– are immune to what’s happening today. Regardless of income, employment history or savings, people are losing everything they’ve worked a lifetime to achieve.

It also made me realize how important United Way’s Campaign is for thousands of Central Floridians like Pam who are struggling to survive. We often state that campaign contributions help more than 364,000 Central Floridians each year, but meeting just one of them changed my perspective.

This time next year, it could be me, my spouse or one of my kids needing help. We just don’t know – nor can we plan – for every unexpected crisis. Pam's words stay with me:

“I’ve always tried to live well and help others, but I never thought we’d be the ones needing help. We’re just deeply grateful for the assistance we received.”

Mary D’Ottavio works in Heart of Florida United Way’s Communications Department.
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