Updates
An update from Teresa Aug 15, 2013
Hello! When I found out that I was totally funded I was in tears and overwhelmed with joy. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the help and what this will do for me. In the last couple of years it has been real hard and I am starting over completely. I can now buy some household products that I really need badly and a television. I am starting over from scratch. The bus cards will allow me to save $132.00 per month and I can start to save for an apartment. To everyone who helped me on this journey, "THANK YOU SO MUCH". I appreciate this from the bottom of my heart and it really will help me. Thank you, Teresa
Message from Dan: Aug 14, 2013
I am so incredibly happy to see Teresa's need met. She has been incredibly resilient in her efforts to get back on her feet and transportation assistance to and from work was a large source of stress in her life. This generous gift from donors will not only help her get to and from work, but will also have a positive impact on her other expenses such as food, clothing, and rent. I could not be more grateful to all the donors and I know Teresa feels the same way. Thank you to Benevolent, and all the donors for making this happen!
Overview
My biggest challenge is getting to work to my new job. I have to take a bus and a train each way and the bus fare has increased recently and I haven’t received my first paycheck and since I’m behind I’m in rent, the first paycheck will go toward my rent bills. I need bus far to get to work. This includes 3, 30 day CTA cards. (Each 30 day card is $100 resulting in a total need of $300) This will help me get to work!
This will help me purchase some of the things I had to get rid of before: household products, food and clothing, and most importantly help me get to work with no stress on my back so I can do my job and continue to improve my work and receive a regular paycheck.
My current situation is I’m starting over. I lost a job after 16 years and the last four years have been extremely difficult. I became homeless twice. I have no drug problems, no alcohol problems, sold some of my possessions so I didn’t have to be on the street. Bus fare will allow me to purchase some of the things I got rid of, and start over with my new job in customer service.
My goal is to get back on my feet comfortably. I want to be able to pay all my bills on time and save money. I currently live in an SRO and having access to bus fare will allow me to save money toward a new and stable apartment.
I’ve been working since 1974. I worked 17 years in one company and 14 years in another. I’m a very stable person, but the last four years have taken a toll on my physically, as well as mentally. I’m now getting back on my feet, despite the poor economy and now I’m asking for something I never needed before – a little help.
I think of myself mostly as a giver. I don’t like to receive. I also think of myself as a extremely extroverted; I’ve done a lot of volunteering in my community.
I’m most proud of my educational accomplishments despite the environment in which I was raised – a dysfunctional and very poor community in Michigan.
I've worked at jobs including accounting, customer services and sales.
Something interesting about me is I love to sing operatically and I have an extreme love for teaching children.
I'm very giving and caring. I'm an extremely hard worker.
Need funded!
Thank you for helping Teresa fund this need.
14 supporters
This need has been validated by Dan from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center
Recent supporters
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Validated
Validated by Dan from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center (What does this mean?)
Each need is validated by a nonprofit that knows the person and can verify that the help is necessary. Funds flow from Benevolent to the nonprofit, which then gets them to the person in need and lets us know how it went.
Learn more »Teresa has been a guest of the Social Service Center since March of this year. When we met Teresa, she was in need of transportation assistance as she had multiple job interviews to attend. Teresa did receive a job and is now currently employed!
I think meeting this need is important because it allows Teresa to start over and provides the opportunity to maintain her employment. Teresa has been formerly homeless on two occasions and now has her own SRO housing. She is currently struggling to afford both transportation, shelter, and food.
This will move the recipient's life forward by allowing her to focus on essential daily living expenses such as food, clothing, kitchen necessities, and other items that she simply does not have the luxury of being able to purchase. Teresa is "completely starting over" and this transportation assistance would greatly impact her on this journey to greater stability.
Teresa is 55 years old, with 30 years of accounting experience. She is currently working an entry level position with pride as she knows this is a big first step toward getting back on her feet. She is incredibly hard working and would greatly appreciate the assistance in helping her on this journey.
About Dan
My work involves executing the vision for the Elam Davies Social Service Center by building relationships with and providing services for men, women and families who are in need of basic needs, food, clothing, health education and support for their life’s journey.
What I like about my job is… Read more