Success Stories
Phillip and PJ
Phillip is a single dad working hard to make ends meet. Over the years, working multiple jobs was sometimes not enough.
Not long ago, Phillip and PJ’s living arrangements had to change quickly when the home they were renting was sold. When Phillip finally secured a new rental and paid his deposit he thought he and his son were set. They packed up their belongings and prepared to make the move. But the new rental fell through leaving them without a place to go.
Finding affordable housing isn’t easy in Brevard . . . especially when you don’t have enough time.
Phillip and his son found themselves homeless, staying in hotels and even sleeping in their car when money was tight. He found the help he needed at North Brevard Charities. Phillip and his son were able to stay in the shelter until they could find an affordable living situation. In the shelter, Phillip and PJ did not have the personal space and stability that a home provides. But it helped Phillip save the funds necessary so they could move forward without panicking or extra frustration. Phillip and PJ have now moved into one of the affordable housing units run by North Brevard Charities. They no longer share a space with strangers. Thanks to you, Phillip and PJ not only have a home but also hope for the future.
“We would like to say thank you. Poverty is a big issue in America, and we are that. You go through these success programs like United Way and North Brevard Charities, these two organizations together provide that right. Down the line, we want to look back and be able to say hey, look United Way helped us. You know if there’s anybody who needs to know, or wants to know, ask us and we’ll tell you that this story is real. It’s like, we made it through. We see the light on the other side.” - Phillip
ALBY
A chance accident changed the course of Alby’s life forever.
At 17, Alby had his whole life in front of him. He was about to be a senior in high school and had plans to join the Coast Guard. All of that changed in an instant when Alby was hit by a drunk driver.
The accident caused Alby’s truck to flip violently, severing his arm and ultimately landing on his head and causing a traumatic brain injury. Alby spent the next year in a coma, and the prognosis was dim.
His mom, Pattie, never gave up hope. For nearly 20 years, Pattie has provided his care at home. She’s tried a few group homes along the way, but nothing came close to the loving care she could provide until two years ago when she found Bridges and their residential group home, Springwood. And it couldn’t have come at a better time as Pattie is battling lung cancer.
Through the support of Bridges’ Adult Day training program, Alby has grown into an active participant in classroom activities. In fact, with help, Alby is now able to feed himself, fold towels and even move his wheelchair with his feet.
According to Alby’s mom, “Bridges has helped me too. They have taught me how to step back and encourage Alby to become more independent. I never thought he would be able to do so much.”
By supporting United Way of Brevard, you help to improve Alby’s quality of life. Each day brings new hope that he will continue to gain independence. It also ensures that Alby will always be cared for and have a place to call home.
KATIE
Katie had a whirlwind courtship with her husband. They quickly moved in together, but it wasn’t too long before her husband became controlling and emotionally abusive. The abuse started with yelling and screaming and slowly escalated.
She was concerned when he began demanding to drop her off and pick her up at work. When it progressed to him suggesting she should quit her job because it was interfering with their marriage, she knew she was in trouble.
“That day, I told him I would not quit my job. He became very angry and just kept yelling at me and shaking his fists at me. I knew I had to leave. I was scared.” Luckily Katie had the support of her friends and was able to move out and begin the process of starting over.
However, moving out only escalated her husband’s anger. He found out where she was living and began stalking her. That’s also when the abuse became physical. Everything came to a head the night he pulled her out of the car and threw her up against it.
When she started to run, he tackled her to the ground. Her saving grace was that she had been on the phone with a friend who called the police. As the sirens started to blare, he grabbed her face and kissed her, telling her, “I will forgive you for this, and I still love you.”
Katie finally had enough. The Women’s Center helped her develop a safety plan and file an injunction for protection. Katie is now divorced and living on her own with the confidence that she can support herself.
According to Katie, “Your help, support and guidance was essential for me to get through my time of need. While I was broken and lost, the Women’s Center took the emotion out of it and helped me move forward. I know this happens to so many women. Thank you for being there.”
Every 43 minutes someone fears for their life as they suffer abuse at the hands of someone they once trusted and loved.
