Friday, December 20, 2013

It always comes down to time and money

The reality of treading water

The resource referral we are offering here at “Call Mom” is a small gesture to reach out to the families that fell between the cracks. With several kids attached to their back they are sacrificially treading water, hoping to bring their kids to safety somehow.

Coping to survive sets many up to escape. When the method of escape becomes a deeper pit, it is the end of the rope. That is the point when we at last (hopefully) get the call for “a neighbor”, “a lady where I work”. 

When they finally make the call, they are either professional panhandlers, greedy, or making a last ditch effort to do or die in order to safe their precious blessings/kids. I personally love to get that call. Been there, done it, done it twice. We don't judge. We listen, have a plan, stand with you, and see you through if you are willing. Nothing surprises us any more, however, now we know what to do and where you can get the help that can pull you through.

“The matchbox girl” book is not just a story from times past. Those ladies sit in the pews of your church, work in the cube next to yours, sit next to you at a school functions. They appear invisible because YOU don't go to the food bank, thrift store, the library (to use the computer) or to their home where they share a can of soup between the three or four of them, keep heat to a minimum in the winter and strategically pay bills to avoid late charges and over drafts that can wipe them out. When they don't ask for help any longer it is because they have been lectured, humiliated, used, judged and rejected so many times that they are hanging on to the shred of dignity that is left. There goes your “pride” verdict.

This web site is the tip of a huge iceberg. I encourage all readers this season to have the compassion to see with the heart.

*All calls are confidential. Some of you have limited minutes. Leave a message with your main question, we do the research and call you back when you have pen and paper to jot down the information.

Hugs,
Mom

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