08/05/2026
UPDATE: As promised, I have posted a family update on our FB page on 8/18/2026. Please go there to see what our community accomplished by working together for this family! I promise. You will be blessed!
Hello Friends. This is Brenda. This past week, I was introduced to a family that really needs our help. This family has 3 children being raised by a single dad. A couple of weeks ago, dad had a freak accident and broke both of his arms. This dad was referred to me as he was at a loss as to where to even go to ask for help. Why… because he has always worked and supported his family… even though they got by just making it from check to check. He has never had to reach out like this to ask for help before.
In our initial call, we talked at length about his situation. He has worked 2 jobs and neither provided any sort of benefits… least of all disability insurance. His right arm will take 12-16 weeks to heal before he can use it. It will be an additional 4-6 months after that before he can lift anything with significant weight. It will definitely limit his job options when he gets to that point. He is terrified that he is about to lose everything.
He cannot work. He cannot drive. He cannot even easily take care of himself. He is spending a lot of time worrying about things he doesn’t have the ability to fix. I can’t even imagine how stressful that must be.
Since our conversation, I have met him in person. He has shared many, many details (with supporting documentation) with me. I can personally attest to the fact that his need is authentic. He will need help for the next few months to keep him and his children from becoming homeless. He only cares that his rent (he has been in the same rental home for 11 years) and utilities get covered. He has applied for food stamps and God’s Food Pantry will also help with food so those needs are met. The local FRYSC will help the kids with school needs. This family isn’t asking for any extras… just the basics.
He and I have problem solved together with all of the usual resources Pulaski County has to offer. He has completed every application I have given him and supplied any documentation requested. We have an incredible community! We have already taken care of the first electric shut off notice and that buys a bit of time for us to work on the other upcoming bills.
He has opted not to set up a traditional online funding account. One… because he doesn’t want to ask for help in the first place. Two… scam accounts are rampant and he doesn’t want to be a part of that. And three… those accounts take a part of everything raised.
This family needs our help. They have been self-sufficient and diligent about taking care of their own bills and needs. They are the classic family who has fallen onto hard times because of an unexpected crisis. They are going to fall further if we don’t do something.
I don’t do this often but I am asking for anyone (individual, group, church, Sunday school class) who can help to reach out to me directly to help. I will be accepting financial donations (cash or Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/SomersetLoveInAction) to help this family. No donation is too small. Any donations given will go directly towards their bills. I have all of the account numbers and I know the landlord. If you want to help, please drop by the pantry and leave your gift with me or at the front desk. After hours, donations can be put in an envelope (labeled “For Dad”) and dropped in our locked box on the front of our building.
Don’t let this crisis snowball into something out of control. Together, we have the ability to keep this family afloat. Please help if you can. Donations are wonderful. Prayers are also much appreciated.
Please share.
Hugs, Brenda
Updated information as requested:
Venmo
https://www.venmo.com/u/SomersetLoveInAction
Family Clothing Sizes
Dad
Shirt Size – Large
Pants Size - Large
Jeans Size - 34 x 32
Shoe Size - 10
Boy – Age 17
Shirt Size – Adult Medium
Pants Size – Adult Medium
Shoe Size - 10
Boy – Age 12
Shirt Size – Youth Large
Pants Size – Youth Large
Shoe Size - 4
Girl – Age 10
Shirt Size – Youth Medium (10-12)
Pants Size – Youth Small (7-8)
Shoe Size - 3
Any gifts for the family may be dropped off at God's Food Pantry Monday - Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm. Please take to the very back of the building where you see the 16' garage door.
PS… I am leaving “commenting” on for this post. Any comments that are mean or not helpful will be deleted.
