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.