There are basic things that we all need for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, income that can support a family through retirement, and good health. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, their employees and retirees that support United Way, we are making lasting changes in people’s lives,
Here is an example of a real-life story of lives touched through the United Way:
Hello, my name is Alexis. About two years ago, my husband Leonard slipped back into his old lifestyle of drugs and leaving his family. Because of this, we ended up losing our home and any chance to stay with people we know. A while later, our family was reunited and we made the decision to live in the Inter Faith Hospitality Network in Cambridge but we were told their programs were full but there were openings in Brainerd, MN. So, my husband and I along with only one of our three children (one who was 4 months old at the time) moved to Brainerd. While living in the churches with Inter Faith Hospitality Network we were introduced to some amazing and life changing programs.
Bridges of Hope helped us get car insurance so I was able to get a job.
Salvation Army and Lutheran Social Services helped us with first month’s rent and damage deposit to get into our own place! We were then able to bring our seven and five year old boys home with us.
Since then, we have also welcomed a baby girl into our family.
Leonard has remained clean with the support of family, friends, meetings and church.
Now, we are starting college and living a stable and great life thanks to all the wonderful help we received.
These programs are amazing and truly can change lives and save families.
Thanks,
Alexis and Leonard DeSoto