Impact in Action: Meet Mary
At 84 years old, Mary was facing a difficult reality - her fixed income was no longer enough to cover her basic needs. Confronted with the rising cost of food and utilities and an apartment she could not afford, Mary reached out to JCEO for help.
Our Community Outreach team worked closely with Mary to ensure she had access to the resources she needed. We assisted her in applying for SNAP and HEAP, to ease the burden of groceries and heating costs. To make her budget more manageable, we helped lower her cable bill, set up an electric payment plan, and develop a budget.
Mary also became a regular visitor to our food pantry, where she could supplement her monthly food supply without putting additional strain on her budget. But still, one of the biggest challenges was housing - her apartment was simply not affordable. Recognizing this, we helped her secure subsidized housing, assisted with the security deposit, and ensured a smooth transition by helping her update her address.
Today, Mary is living in a safe, affordable home and has the financial stability she needs to enjoy her golden years with peace of mind. Her journey is a testament to the power of comprehensive support and community care! At JCEO, we take great pride in helping folks like Mary regain stability - because everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
The impact of Community Action is not just measured in numbers, but in the stories of those we serve. Whether it’s a parent securing stable childcare so they can advance their career, a student receiving school supplies to start the year with confidence, or a family putting food on the table - these moments define our mission. They remind us that when we invest in people, we invest in a more prosperous future for all.
