Neighbor in Need - Efetilda's Story
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Does the Society of St. Vincent de Paul really make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need? Efetilda was so grateful for the “hand up” she recently received that she actually requested we share her story with everyone associated with SSVP Omaha.
Efetilda is a single mom of three adult children. Her fourth, Dulce, died of kidney failure when she was ten years old. Living in a trailer park in Bellevue, Efetilda is required to pay both the rent for the lot/property on which her trailer sits, as well as the mortgage for her trailer. Naturally, she also pays for the home’s taxes, monthly utilities and general upkeep expenses. Efetilda works full-time cleaning rooms at a local hospital – a place she knows very well, as it’s the same hospital that cared for Dulce when she was very sick – and where she passed away. Understandably, Dulce’s death has continued to weigh heavily on Efetilda, as she shares, “Grieving for Dulce had put me into such a depression that I’d come to a point where I was truly losing my faith in God." As a hospital cleaner, Efetilda’s low-paying wage never seemed to cover her expenses. A number of months ago, Efetilda began to get behind on paying her mortgage, the monthly $600+ cost to rent the trailer’s lot, as well as the home’s utilities. She often found herself being able to pay some of her bills each month, while others went upaid. Efetilda continues: “I eventually got to the point where I just didn’t know what to do or where to turn. I really needed help.” Hearing about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Efetilda called St. Mary’s SSVP conference phone number. Vincentian representatives eventually were able to visit Efetilda at her home and spend time listening to her story and getting to know her. Ultimately, SSVP was able to pay for nearly 1 ½ month’s rent for her trailer’s lot, as well as connected her with the SSVP food pantry. This meant the world to Efetilda and allowed her to become current on her bills. “I was SO grateful for St. Vincent de Paul and the people who came to see me”, states Efetilda. “In addition to helping me pay my bills, I felt that they really listened to my story and saw me as a real person. I was so touched by their compassion, as they gave me hope and reminded me of my faith in God. That is really why I wanted to share my story with all the good people with St. Vincent de Paul – and to tell them thank you." |
Gifts to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha are used to care for the people who turn to us during their hour of need and are greatly appreciated. All of our services are provided at no cost. All gifts made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Our donor information is kept in strict confidence. Our donor lists are never rented, shared or exchanged with other organizations. The stories in our letters are real. Identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy and therapeutic interests of those we serve. For more information about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, or to include us in your estate planning, please contact Development Director, Tim Sully, at (402) 779-8499 or at [email protected].
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