| ID# 622249 |
Frederick, MD | Submitted: 2023-11-07 |
Total Cost:
$1,810.00
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Progress: We've raised 100% of the cost of this application!
Testimonial
This person has left the following thank you note:
We received notice of our fully funded Modest Need over Thanksgiving weekend - what a gift to be thankful for! I cried a wee bit and hugged my kids hard. I explained to them how lots of people without a lot of money contributed tiny little bits to help us out. I know this experience has formed its impression upon them, and they will in turn help others when they find themselves able. Our culture has primed us to keep a mental balance of what we have each given another, and what we are owed in return: quid pro quo. But in his book 'Sacred Economics,' Charles Eisenstein describes the possibility of a culture in which we reconsider this 'balance sheet' in terms of how our community has supported us and how we can, in turn, support it. That is, if Joe gives me a ride when my car is broken, instead of repaying Joe with a ride or gas money to settle the debt, I notice when someone else might need my help with a home repair or a homemade meal. I step in to serve, without expectation of return. These connections of selfless service (Seva) form the threads that weave us together, strengthening our communities and softening our Hearts. Your support of my family during a difficult time will enable us to support others during theirs. I am honored to be the recipient of this Seva. With Deepest Gratitude, Jessica
My Family's In a Year of Chaos After a Car Crash & Our Whole Home Flooded. Help Me Get a Dishwasher!
My Story:
I am a single mother of two creative, brilliant, and tender-hearted young men. My oldest will wrap-up his classical guitar studies from Shenandoah Conservatory this spring, and he plans to begin graduate coursework next fall. His aim is to teach music classes at a Community College level. My youngest lives with me and commutes more than two hours every day through DC traffic to the University of Maryland where he studies biology and mathematics. He'd like to pursue a career in bioinformatics. Both boys attend college on Pell Grants. Their father abandoned them financially, physically, and emotionally 16 years ago. I began providing low-cost health care to under-served populations in my community in 2007, but when the pandemic hit, I shifted my focus to delivering in-home care to vulnerable people (elderly, immune-compromised, pregnant women). Given the national rise in mental health crises, I also started working at my county's Mental Health Association where I offer suicide and crisis counseling. My working-class wages have always managed to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table, but this year has really tested my ability to stay financially afloat. I am writing to request help amid a year of extenuating circumstances.
The challenges began six months ago when my car, which I had *finally* paid off, was totaled because another driver t-boned me while he was backing out of his driveway. While his insurance company provided money to help with its replacement, it was not enough to cover the entirety of purchasing a used vehicle, so a car payment has been added back into my budget. Two months later, my hot water heater broke and flooded my basement. Two weeks after that, my dishwasher broke and flooded my main floor. Damages related to both household calamities will be covered by my insurance policy, but neither claim will cover the replacement of either the hot water heater or the dishwasher. We have been displaced for 12 weeks (and counting!) now because the insurance company's approval process is so slow. Now, two types of toxic black mold have grown in our home. The insurance is expected to address some of the issues, but they will not touch the HVAC unit which has been scattering mold spores throughout our house for months. This will be yet another expense. Furthermore, I required cardiothoracic surgery last month and was unable to work for two weeks. I do not have short-term disability, and I used my paid sick leave when the car accident happened. I must put these unexpected expenses on credit cards, and I fear it may lead to a financial crisis down the road. I am picking up extra shifts and working overtime to try and catch-up, but this is taking a toll on my physical, and mental, health.
I recognize that I can't get help with everything, but a dishwasher replacement would be such a relief. While we wait for the work to get done in our home, Lowe's can hold the appliance until our home is ready for its installation. The cost of the dishwasher is more than a week's wages. This act of kindness will help me recover from a year of chaos. This will help allow me to continue to be a stable home base for my kids, so they can launch their adult lives. I would be so very grateful for any support.
As of 2023-11-24, this application has been fully funded!
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This request for help was funded at the recommendation and through the support of Modest Needs' donors. |
Application Status Update: On 2023-12-11, Modest Needs sent payment via Check in the amount of $1,573.45 to Lowe's Home Centers on behalf of this deserving individual.
