November 2022
Sticking Together
Pam* and her neighbor Mary Grace* had been having a few difficult months financially. With inflation and increasing costs of living, their social security just wouldn't stretch like before. Unsure of what to do, they both came to ECCCM hoping for help to see them through this crisis. They met with case managers Sherry and Glenda. Pam told Sherry, “We both own our little homes so we can usually get by, but food and bills just cost so much more these days, and that has pushed us both a little farther than our money will go.” Seeing that neither of them would need financial assistance if they had support with their grocery costs, Pam and Mary Grace were both set up on one of our food assistance programs. This would allow more of their income to go against their increased bills, while still making sure they had food for the month. Pam pulled her van up to the Charlie Bunn Food Pantry, and as Allen came out to greet her, she gave him her food card, as well as Mary Grace’s. To save on gas they take turns driving to appointments and running errands. When picking up food for two households, Pam’s van was perfect. Allen came back out with both carts, and Pam asked if there was any way he could help her load her van. Allen said, “Of course, ma’am.” He loaded the food into the back of her van and organized everything per household. Relief shone from Pam’s face. She exclaimed, “Thank you, young man. I had no idea how I was going to get all of that in there by myself. And you have it all nice and organized too. That’s wonderful!” It’s always a blessing to be able to help our clients, and it’s especially nice to see them helping each other. Pam and Mary Grace have found through the years that they manage things best when sticking together. They have both seen that whether you are being helped or are the one helping, roles can change without a moment’s notice. From time to time, we all need a helping hand. Thank you, friend, for providing the support which enables ECCCM to offer a hand up to those we serve .
Dear Friends of ECCCM, Fall is in the air, and we are coming to the final months of 2022. As the year closes, we are starting to project what 2023 might look like. We are busier now than ever before. Looking back over the past 9 months we have assisted more than 2,300 families in Catawba County. This is nearly a 12% increase from this time last year. In addition to serving more families, we are seeing an increase in the type and amount of crisis assistance needed. We have seen a 28% increase in rent/mortgage costs, as well as a 12% increase in utility costs, per client. This, of course, is in addition to the rising food prices we are all noticing in our grocery stores. Our clients are struggling now more than ever to make ends meet. You, friends, make it possible for us to walk alongside our clients. Your generosity provides a “hand up” to those in need and for that we say, THANK YOU! You are partners in this ministry with us. You make it possible for us to transform the lives of the clients you read about in this JOURNAL and so many others. We are truly grateful for the ways you volunteer and give. We are truly grateful that you reach out with us to provide a hand up to those who walk through our doors in need of help. With gratitude, Kristal Manning Executive Director
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me...Matthew 25:35-36
Food for the Family
Jill* and Andrew* were struggling to pay their bills and have enough money remaining to put food on the table. Andrew recently had his hours reduced at work, and Jill lost work hours having to stay home when their children were either sick or had been exposed to COVID. With five children it felt as if they were always having to call out of work and stay home. Jill was terrified that one of them would lose their job because of this, and they were already further behind on their bills than they could manage. Jill and Andrew came to ECCCM at this critical point...pay the electric bill or get groceries for the family for the month. They didn’t have enough money to be able to do both. They sat down together with our case manager, Sherry, to go over their finances. Jill was in tears, having never needed support before. She felt ashamed that things had gotten so bad. “I just don’t know what happened; we were always so careful,” she said. “It just seems like the more the kids had to stay home, the less we could make ends meet, and the bills just kept getting higher.” With Sherry, Jill and Andrew walked through their current financial information. Sherry knew the first crisis to address for the family was the fact that they were having to choose between paying bills and buying food for the family. She signed them up for one of ECCCM's food assistance programs. The second crisis was to address their past due electric bill, bringing it to current by setting up a payment plan that they could manage, even while their income was less than it had been in the past. This would require not only working with the power company, but also with ECCCM and our Crisis Assistance Coaching Program (CACP). There, Jill and Andrew would learn to budget their income and to put a plan in place for future needs. After attending the CACP classes, Jill and Andrew came back to ECCCM for case management with Sherry. They reviewed with Sherry how they have been using the information they learned through the program. With the help they received from ECCCM, they have been able to get back on track and make steady payments on their electric bill payment plan. They were even slowly and carefully preparing for whatever financial needs may arise in the future. As they left the office, Jill found herself in tears again, but this time they were tears of relief and gratitude. Andrew spoke for them both. “You don’t know how grateful we are for your help,” he said. “We both felt as if we were drowning. We really thought we would have to go hungry. With your help, it didn’t come to that. Thank you so much.” Your generosity to ECCCM makes each of these critical programs possible. You provide a hand up that allows struggling parents to reset, breathe, and start fresh. Thank you for your generosity.
Donna* a single mom of a disabled child was struggling to stay in her home. Her only household income is her son’s monthly disability check. After paying her rent, she struggles to have enough left to cover the rest of the month's expenses. As you might imagine, being a single mom of a special needs child is tough and demanding, but not being able to pay their rent is terrifying for Donna. Donna worked with our Crisis Assistance Coaching Program instructor, Patricia, and we were able to help her with a month’s rent and an electric bill, as she continues learning how to budget for her household. “I am always focused on my son’s therapy and needs.” said Donna. “I just can’t seem to make sure there’s enough to cover the difference between what I have and what we need.” To reduce that strain, Patricia signed them up for one of our food assistance programs, empowering them to gain financial ground by saving what would otherwise have been spent on groceries. With CACP classes, and continued case management with Patricia, Donna is learning all about budgeting and money-saving tips and has started setting financial goals that have been recommended. She has applied for Section 8 Housing to help her lower their rent, and once she receives this assistance, she should be better able to cover both her rent and their other needs. Together, Donna and Patricia are looking for community resources to see if she can find appropriate childcare so that she can return to work. Donna is so excited about the added resources she has learned of through ECCCM. She looks forward to working and having the assistance needed to help her child be successful. Thanks to your support, ECCCM is able to provide hope and a better future for people like Donna and her son. The financial help and food assistance is critical to get their heads above water, but the resources and knowledge gained through case managers and our crisis assistance coaching program are invaluable. We greatly appreciate your support.
Budgeting for Security