Wednesday, September 12, 2012

A Personal Client Story: Meet Ron & Elaine

JFS Communications enjoys bringing you important updates about our agency through our blog. This is another update for our new feature, where we share personal client stories and vignettes about how JFS was able to make a difference in their lives. 

We are so proud to be able to help those in our community who need it most! 


Ron & Elaine's Story:

Ron and Elaine were a comfortable middle-class family when the unexpected happened:  at age 56, Ron was hurt on the job and was forced to retire long before he planned.  At first, their income came solely from Elaine’s wages from her full-time job at a local drug store.  Later, Ron qualified for disability and SSI (Supplementary Security Income) but it wasn’t enough to cover their mortgage, grocery bill, car payment, utilities, clothing and the medical care Ron needs. In a matter of months, the couple used up their savings and even began to dip into their small retirement accounts to make up the difference. 

When even that did not prove to be enough, they did what they never expected to have to do – they came to SOVA. 

In addition to receiving free and nutritious groceries, Ron and Elaine met with a specially trained volunteer in JFS { SOVA’s Resource Center, who helped connect them with on-site representatives from the County DPSS who helped them qualify for CalFresh (food stamp) benefits. They also received assistance with their electric and water bill from a representative from the Home Energy Assistance Program, who was also at the pantry that day.  An on-site job counselor provided Ron with information on a training program for people with disabilities. 

All this help has enabled the couple to begin to get back on their feet. They visit the pantry regularly and no longer have to skip meals or "forget" to fill prescriptions. Ron has also begun to train for a new job that he can do from home and they hope not to need to visit the pantry for too much longer. They are grateful for SOVA’s help at this extraordinarily challenging period of their lives.


In order to continue bringing these important programs and resources to those who need it most, we need your support. We cannot do it alone.

You can help by making a donation today! We are thrilled to announce that donations up to $30,000 will be matched by a local supporter!


For more information about making a donation 
to JFS {SOVA, please contact Carol Bar-Or at cbaror@jfsla.org.

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