SUCCESS STORIES
Success Rate
When asked what the success rate is for Community Storehouse, Cindy Parsons Harton answered, “Community Storehouse has a 100% success rate because they help every child that is referred to them.”
Cindy Parsons Harton, BSN, RN
KISD Director of Health Services
Juan’s Story
If not typical in itself, his story is a compelling example of how the Community Storehouse responds when it is most needed. Juan, a polite and unassuming 23-year-old, had lived frugally, but comfortably, on his wages as a waiter. He had no expensive habits or extravagant tastes. He lived within his means.
When his mother was diagnosed with cancer where she lived in West Texas, her treatments made it difficult for her to care for his 14-year-old sister. Juan willingly stepped in to provide his little sister a home in the 2-bedroom house he rented, and settled down to the responsibilities of raising a teenage girl in an unfamiliar environment.
And then, without warning, his life came crashing down – almost literally – around him.
On New Years Day, 2009, Juan lost his car in a carjacking. Stabbed six times, he almost lost his life. While he recovered in the hospital for five days, a caring neighbor went to work trying to help him pick up the pieces of his shattered life. She approached every relief agency she could find without success, until she contacted Community Storehouse.
Juan received assistance on the day he applied. His car had been recovered while he recuperated, but he would have to pay the $550 cost of recovery before his car was returned to him. In addition to this and medical expenses, he owed $1400 for the ambulance bill. Because of these extraordinary expenses and his sudden inability to work, Juan could not pay his January rent, and the outlook for his paying the February rent was bleak.
In addition to January and February rent provided through the Homelessness Prevention and Rehousing Program, the Community Storehouse stepped in with utilities, groceries and clothing. The clothing was sorely needed, because medical personnel had been forced to cut away Juan’s clothing – including his only warm coat – in order to treat his wounds. He was referred to Victims Assistance for help with the ambulance bill, and his neighbor was able to enroll his sister in the free lunch program at school.
When Juan first came in for an interview he was visibly weak. His health improved over the next few weeks, and amazingly, within a month of his injuries, he had secured part-time employment at a local restaurant and had another interview scheduled in an attempt to get more hours through a second job.
Juan’s situation is the perfect example of the Community Storehouse’s reason for being – to provide a lifeline to families in crisis until they can get their feet back on the ground. While he fights his way back, the Community Storehouse will be there for him, to provide a roof over his and his sister’s heads while he pays off his extraordinary expenses and his life returns to normal.
Glasses
Sarah, a mother came into the Client Services office to sign her daughter up for the Summer Lunch program. After talking with a case manager, it was discovered that Sarah’s daughter needed glasses. Sarah had taken her daughter to the eye doctor and received a prescription but couldn’t afford to purchase the glasses. Community Storehouse was able to provide this child with glasses and a valuable tool to succeed in school – her sight.
A Christmas Eve Delivery
Just before Christmas, a call came in to Community Storehouse. A neighbor had lost his life in a car wreck, and he was survived by his wife, Mary and 2 small children. We learned that Mary didn’t have any family here but that she was trying to manage this crisis on her own. Mary’s neighbors were trying to help but Mary needed things they couldn’t provide. With the support of her neighbors, Mary came to the Community Storehouse. A case manager helped Mary sort through what needed to be done, what resources she had, and where we could help. Mary left our office with a plan and support. She was so grateful!
The Keller Police and Fire Department were affected by Mary’s crisis and decided to help Mary as well. They arranged to pick up toys, food and Christmas Dinner from Community Storehouse and deliver the gifts to Mary and her children on Christmas Eve. To the family’s surprise, a very special Christmas Eve delivery was made by way of a fire truck, sirens and Santa.
Registered Nurse
Recently divorced, Renata Miller was now a single mom with two daughters, a mortgage and bills to pay. Renata was trying to get through nursing school so she could take care of her family but the finances ran out. She had never been in that situation before so she didn’t know who to turn to our how. Renata heard about Community Storehouse. Following is a thank-you note from Renata:
"Thank you so much for all of the help my family and I received when we needed it the most. Your generosity and support helped me to get through the last few months of nursing school. Today, I am proud to say that I am a registered nurse and that I will always remember those who helped me to achieve my dream of becoming a nurse while being a single mother of two girls. It is such a joy to know that I live in a community of such caring and giving people. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Sincerely, Renata Miller
The Golden Rule
Joan approached us at a church event where we were setting up a Community Storehouse display. She told how her family had experienced tough times about five years ago. Divorced with two teenagers, they were without food and resources. She came to the Community Storehouse, downtrodden, feeling bad for not being able to take care of her children, afraid and hopeless. Community Storehouse welcomed her and provided her with food, clothing, and financial assistance as they helped her create a stable home for her children. She continued to tell us that her daughter, who is now in college, asked her what organization had helped them when they were having trouble. She had some really nice clothes that she wanted to donate. She knew how important our help was to her and she wanted to do the same for another family. Joan said, “I hate to think what might have become of us if we had not had the Community Storehouse during that desperate time. Life is great now and it is rewarding to see my children striving to give back. The Community Storehouse sets a good example of living out the Golden Rule.”