Updates
An INCREDIBLE update from Abby, David's validator: Nov 8, 2013
David just called to let me know that HE GOT A JOB! He starts on Tuesday. Because of your contributions toward his transit fare, he was able to actively search for employment and successfully secure a full-time position! He is so excited and wanted me to share his update with you!
David's received his bus passes! Oct 30, 2013
Abby just let us know that David's received all of his bus passes and is able to do all the traveling he needs for work and to look for a new, full-time job.
David is waiting for his reduced fare pass Oct 22, 2013
We just received an update from Abby at Chicago Lights that David qualified for a reduced fare bus pass. He is now waiting for it in the mail and should be getting it pretty soon. In the mean time, the rest of the money has been helping to purchase seven-day bus passes for him while he waits. He has been getting quite a few job interviews in the past couple weeks, and these cards have helped him get around.
An update and thank you from David's validator, Abby: Oct 3, 2013
Thank you so much for helping fund David's need! I was in shock at how quickly he received the funding. He was elated when he got the good news!
An update on David: I met with David yesterday and found out that he was actually approved by his doctor to receive a reduced fare transit card due to his health conditions. This is great news because the funding you provided is going to last him for twice as many months as intended!
When I met with David yesterday he was completely re-energized. He said he is putting all his effort and free-time toward his job search and has even gotten a call back! He said that once he got the email that his need had been funded he regained the confidence and drive he needed to find full-time employment again.
Thank you so much for helping David with his need and fueling him to find more stable employment! He and his two little girls are so thankful and so excited.
Sincerely,
Abby Farnham
Thank you message from David! He says: Sep 30, 2013
I wish to thank all who help me fulfill my need of transportation as I seek full time employment. I have been applying online for Quality Control positions and have narrowed my search to something in the retail seasonal field until I can find something more permanent. My daughters have been a great help while I've been job searching. Again I wish to thank all who helped.
Overview
I need bus fare to get to work. This includes $300 to provide me with three months of fare for public transportation through CTA.
My current situation is that my full-time employment position was reduced to part-time status. Since my monthly income has decreased significantly I am unable to afford the transit fare to get to work in addition to paying my rent, supporting my two children, and affording basic needs such as food. As I'm looking for more sustainable employment I'm finding it impossible to afford the transportation needed to apply for jobs throughout the Chicagoland area and also afford transit fare to get to my current employment position.
Meeting this need will help me because I'll be able to use my current work income to support my children and pay for my rent and bills. I will also be able to become more active in my job search because I'll be able to travel around the city to submit applications and complete interviews with perspective employers.
My goal is to obtain a full-time position with benefits so I can better take care of myself and my children. The funding for transit fare will aid me in gaining a full-time job. I will then be in a better position to continue my work helping others reach their goals and better their lives.
In January of this year I was diagnosed with a debilitating heart condition. The stress as a result of my inability to make ends meet is making my condition worse and causing concern to both my doctors and family members.
I care very much about my children and want to set a positive example for them by maintaining self-sufficiency. I want to be able to provide for them so they have opportunities that I never had.
I love volunteering. I love getting to know clients, hearing their stories, and being able to help others in the work I do. I'm happiest when I'm helping other people.
I have two daughters that are in elementary school here in Chicago. The oldest is 6 and the youngest is 5. They are truly the loves of my life.
I'm most proud of being a role model not only to my children but also to the clients I work with.
I'm from Chicago, IL. I currently live in an SRO in the Southside area of the city.
Something interesting about me is that I roller skate often.
Need funded!
Thank you for helping David fund this need.
11 supporters
This need has been validated by Abby from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center
Recent supporters
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Validated
Validated by Abby 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 »I met David when I was interning at the EDSSC in 2012. He volunteers in a supervisory role at our Sunday Night Supper program each week. Throughout the summer of my MSW internship I worked alongside David helping our guests during Sunday afternoon programming. I am now employed at the EDSSC and serve as the main supervisor for Sunday Night Supper where David is still a dedicated volunteer!
I think meeting this need is important because David is at risk of losing his housing and becoming homeless again. Now that his employment position has been reduced to part-time he barely has enough money to pay for rent and support his two children. The cost of public transportation is a huge burden to him financially. By providing him with funding to get to and from work, David will be able to afford his rent, support his two children, and be able to begin actively applying for full-time employment positions. Right now his job searching has been limited to online applications as he is unable to afford the transportation necessary to travel throughout the city looking for employment.
David first came to our agency when he was experiencing homelessness several years ago. He would often attend Sunday Night Supper for a hot meal. After working diligently to secure full-time employment David was able to get into affordable housing and out of homeless shelters. He then became a regular volunteer at our Sunday Night Supper program and has been working with us ever since! He cares so much about his family and helping other people. He is an integral part of our Sunday programming and serves as an incredible example of hard work and perseverance. I feel fortunate to be able to work with David each week.
About Abby
My work as Associate Director involves helping individuals on their path toward self-sufficiency through the coordination of case management and supportive services. I enjoy working closely with individuals toward goal setting and achievement. Watching people's lives change because of resource… Read more