A New Support Network
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” was Bill’s reaction when he learned his mortgage and utilities would be paid on the house he and his wife Sandra had owned for over 20 years.
In late 2023 Bill and Sandra were facing an unthinkable situation. They had both been working full time when Sandra suddenly suffered a stroke that left her completely debilitated, unable to work or care for herself. Bill made the sacrifice of leaving his job to care for his wife. Just like that, they went from a two-income household to no income at all. The process of applying for and receiving disability benefits took months and they had no children in the area to help care for Sandra.
Then the other shoe dropped.
While Bill was caring for Sandra, he also suffered a stroke. Thankfully, Bill was not completely debilitated, but this made a terrible situation even worse. The couple was desperate, behind on bills, and terrified they would lose the home they had lived in and loved for over 20 years. This desperation is what brought Bill in to ask for assistance for the first time at the Daviess County Partnership, Inc.
Here he met Sherry, a DCP employee of 18 years who had also been volunteering with The Salvation Army Service Extension of Daviess County for 7 years. By combining DCP, St. Vincent DePaul, and Salvation Army funds, Sherry was able to help the couple pay their mortgage and utility bills, as well as get them signed up for energy assistance and SNAP benefits.
Bill's heartfelt thanks to Sherry was genuine. He had been so worried - not only about this bill, but about how they would move forward and how he could care for his wife. A heavy weight was lifted off his mind and he couldn't express his gratitude enough.
In 2024 Bill returned to work, but unfortunately recently suffered another stroke that left him unable to work again. This time, though, he knows The Salvation Army is here should he and Sandra fall behind again. Funds donated to The Salvation Army, as well as our volunteers who connect those in need with local resources, are essential in situations like Bill and Sandra’s. They were hard-working, diligent people who were unexpectantly pulled from the workforce and unable to pay their bills. They now have places to go to ask for assistance and receive love and care.
This is what The Salvation Army is all about: Doing the most good in the name of the Lord.