Energy Assistance Helps Senior Greeley Couple

Forty-one years ago, Leona and Kenny H. vowed to support each other in sickness and health. Little did they know how challenging that would become....

See the full story by clicking on the link, then pages 2-4:

http://www.energyoutreach.org/downloads/NL07fall.pdf

Connections Help Out

I came to Bridges of Hope to help my friend Willy connect with the Eye Doctor there. Not only was he able to make that connection, I was able to meet with the county weatherization people. Last week, they came out and weatherized my house! I also received a money saving energy kit from Energy Outreach Colorado, which is helping save heat and water costs (in my big old house). Thanks for connecting me to these folks. (And Willy did get glasses.)

Bridges of Hope Night in December

The Next Bridges of Hope Night is Tuesday, December 11th from 6:30-8:00pm. For more information, send us an e-mail.

At our last Bridges night, a woman on a fixed-income shared her struggle to pay for her mobile home. She was drowning in debt. After meeting with our foreclosure counseler Lynne, an arrangement was completed making it possible for the woman to move into an apartment. This change is saving her around $500 per month, about one-half of her fixed income!

Someone There To Help

"I lost my job nine months ago. I did receive unemployment but was barely able to pay for the basic necessities. I would rotate which bills I paid each month. (I paid the minimum to keep my electicity from being cut off.) I finally found a job in October, but by that time my bill had accumulated and was due for shut-off before I could get a full paycheck. Your help is one less worry for me, and the two ladies I spoke with were very nice and didn't make me feel like I was "humbling myself." Keep doing what you're doing - GOD BLESS YOU ALL!"

Burns leave family in struggles

On a lovely day in July, 2007, Eliseo Banuelos and family were preparing for a nice meal on the barbeque. After his mother lit the grill, Eliseo thought the briquettes had gone out.
Eliseo told Mike Peters of the Greeley Tribune, “I thought the fire had goneout, Eliseo said still smiling. ‘So I got the charcoal lighter bottle and squirted some on the charcoal.” According to Peter’s article, “The fire in the briquettes was burning, even though Eliseo couldn't see the flames. Fire shot from the briquettes along the stream of lighter fluid, and the plastic bottle in Eliseo's hand exploded.” Eliseo received extensive burns, and is recovering after five surgeries. Thanks to your generosity, Faith Community Service Fund assisted the family with bills, along with The Tribune Community Crisis Fund. For the full article, go to: www.greeleytribune.com/article/20070910/NEWS/109090177

Photo: Eliseo Baneulos, The Greeley Tribune, photo by
Bret Hartman / bhartman@greeleytribune.com

A Little Help makes big difference

In the Spring of 2007, a young family fell behind on their bills. With both husband and wife working, the pressure of life began to affect their fledgling family. The motto “we don’t ask for help” was being severely tested, that is until the baby became sick. Jessica met with our volunteers, sharing stories and tears. A bill was paid and friendships were formed. Afterwards, Jessica wrote to us,

“My name is Jessica, and your group has helped my family and my husband. I have been on low income housing and temporary aid to needy families for a year now, trying to find a good career. I will be starting at AIMS to hopefully start a great life ahead. When we came to ask for help it was hard, I never had fallen behind on bills before. I and my husband thank you very much for helping to us to make bill payments, it has greatly helped us. I thought if you wouldn’t help – we would be out of luck! Thank you so much,
Jessica, husband and baby

VOLUNTEERS OF EXCELLENCE AWARDED TO FCSF VOLUNTEERS

Faith Fund’s volunteers received accolades with United Way’s “Volunteer of Excellence” Award. The Volunteers of Excellence Award was designed to encourage, support and recognize volunteer service throughout Weld County.
Each winner received a plaque and $1,000.