Someone Really Does Care

We met a young man in our office that had been in a serious motorcycle accident. Fortunately he is now on the mend and has a sister who took him in during the healing process. 

Before coming to our office they had applied for assistance and had been turned down by a couple of agencies. 

They stated it was hard for them to enter our door, especially after working on hours of paperwork for other services and being rejected. He said he has never asked for help before and his goal is to go back to his same job, live in the same rental house and do the best he can keeping his bills paid with what income he had from his last paycheck. 

Knowing that he is not going to be able to return to work for awhile, we started by visiting with him and giving him encouragement. We looked over his papers and are continuing to look into services he is eligible for. When he looked up from signing papers he stated there is hope and someone really does care. 

Sometimes all they need is someone to listen when they speak, which makes us realize it takes so little to make a difference in someone’s life.  

"Helping People, Changing Lives" 

Family Development Programs

For the Lack of a $10 Prescription

Several times throughout the year, Social Workers from the local hospital will refer patients who may need assistance with a prescription due to lack of insurance and/or funds to pay for their medication. Several patients have been helped with prescription assistance thru Salvation Army funding. 

One particular patient, "Henry", had been admitted to the ER for not being able to afford a $10.00 prescription. 

Henry was referred to Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska's Community Services program, and with assistance thru Salvation Army funds, he was able to get his prescription. 

Two weeks later while doing the Salvation Army Bell ringing campaign outside Casey’s General Store, Henry walked by and gave a $30.00 donation in gratitude for the help he had received when he needed it most. According to this gentleman the $10.00 blood pressure medication helped him so much to the point that he now has a full-time job with insurance and is able to afford his medication. 

Community Services Program

"Helping People, Changing Lives  "

Community Services touch many lives

Recently, we helped a family with 6 children who moved to North Platte. The children are all below the age of 8. 

He is a disabled vet and with a limited income. She is working with Arbor program and also with me on job search. 

They are trying to get on the housing list to stay in their current location because it has 5 bedrooms. It is very difficult to find even a 4 bedroom rental in North Platte. 

As we start to work on her resume, it seems that her spirit has picked up and she is smiling and having more confidence. 

That’s all for now, but I want to encourage each of you, because what we are doing and saying does make a difference. 

"Helping People, Changing Lives  "

Helping Yourself Through Helping Others

A retired couple came into the office needing assistance with their rent. They were on social security and did a paper route to supplement their income. After reviewing their income and bills it was obvious that there wasn’t room to trim the budget. When asking about their ability to purchase food, they indicated that they do run short by the end of the month, and only qualify for $13 dollars a month in food stamps. I asked if they would like to assist with the Food Rescue Program where they could help others one day a week and have access to additional food. They liked the idea of helping out plus getting the benefit of more food security. 

While talking to the husband he spoke of the assistance he already provided to a home bound gentleman. As I listened I thought of an additional source available to him. I referred him to the Senior Companion Program, where he could increase his income by assisting a senior to remain in his home. The client could increase his income through a stipend that would not endanger his benefits. With these two Mid services that are supported in part by Community Service Block Grant, the couple felt they would be able to make it through the month on their fixed income without having to go without any of their basic needs.

Community Services Program

"Helping People, Changing Lives  "

Helping After The Diagnosis

Annie and John, an elderly couple both retired and on a fixed income, had spent the last month in a hospital in Omaha due to Annie’s recent diagnosis with cancer and Chemotherapy treatment.  While at the hospital, John had to spend some of what little money they had on lodging, fuel and food; running them low on funds designated for their monthly utility and housing costs. They could not return to a home with no heat and John found himself trying stretch the little money they had left. 

     Finally he contacted Community Action to see about getting some assistance.  John and Annie both stopped in with hospital discharge papers and Doctors orders on hand to prove their need.  The elderly couple lives in a mobile home which uses propane as the main heat source.  With our help and a combination of what little money the couple had left and Salvation Army funds, this couple was able to afford their heating bill for the month helping to make their living situation a bit more comfortable. 

"Helping People, Changing Lives"
   Community Services Program 

          Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska