LIVES CHANGED

When Billy was eight years old, he was expressing anger and sadness because of the absence of his father. Billy’s mom applied to Big Brothers Big Sisters, and he was matched with James, a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer who had raised his three children and had a heart for kids with challenging circumstances.

Joyce, a single mother of two, needed support after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She was worried she would not be able to provide for her family and still afford her chemo and radiation treatments.

It was a huge wake up call for David when he was diagnosed with prediabetes. He had just become a new grandfather and realized he needed to make serious lifestyle changes so he could watch his new grandchild grow up. David looked for help regarding his health and found the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program.

Bill, an elderly Air Force veteran, was living on $660 a month from Social Security, which covered his rent, car insurance, food and upkeep on his companion animal. An unexpected personal expenditure left Bill without enough money to pay some of his bills, and he was afraid he would not be able to afford his basic needs if other issues arose.

Carla needed support after she lost her job of 14 years. She was extremely anxious about searching for a new job and having to answer questions on why she was unemployed. After nine months struggling to find a job, a friend recommended The Women’s Center of Tarrant County.

When Steven arrived at the Lena Pope Early Learning Center (ELC) at the age of 2, it was apparent his young life had been a difficult one. He had no structure and both parents had experienced drug use and spent time in jail. Initially, Steven had many severe behaviors including physical and verbal aggression, lack of focus, severe impulsivity and poor knowledge of academic basics. Steven received counseling services from Lena Pope and was assessed for additional interventions making it easier for him to focus and meet his potential.

Earl, a Vietnam veteran who served in the Army, and his wife, Mary, needed assistance with a deposit for a home in an assisted living facility. They also needed physical help to move. Texas Serves referred the couple to United Way of Tarrant County veterans assistance program, to help them with the deposit and the move.