Share the Season helps mother with special-needs child after she lost her mom, home, job
Jamie had one of the worst years imaginable. In November 2020, she lost her mother to COVID-19. Immediately, she and her child had to move out of her mother’s home. Grieving the loss of a parent, she needed to find a new place for her small family to live. The following month her grief and depression caused an extended leave from work. Her employer didn’t offer any medical or family leave benefits. Consequently, they let her go.
In February 2021, she was in an auto accident with a semi-truck. The accident totaled her car and injured Jamie, requiring multiple surgeries. Even now, she has pain and residual effects from the accident. She did get a replacement vehicle, but it came with car payments — an additional expense she would struggle to cover. It’s not like Jamie’s plate wasn’t already full. She has a special-needs child that requires trips to Kansas City for treatment once a week. Unfortunately, her child’s father resides in assisted living and cannot offer her transportation or financial support.
Through 2021, Jamie struggled to get back on her feet, but she is a strong and determined and won’t let anything stop her. She found a studio apartment just right for her and her child. After healing somewhat from the accident, she found a new job. She also went back to school and is studying for her Certified Nursing Assistant’s licensure. Her final exam is in January.
No matter how hard she tried to make ends meet, she knew the extra expense of the car payment would keep her from reaching her goals. Jamie sought assistive resources in the community and was referred to the Share the Season program. She filled out an application online, writing “I just can’t seem to catch up. I feel if I could receive help … I could focus on other things, like buying my son new clothes. He has no pants or shoes or a coat.”
The Share the Season program assisted her with her car payment, easing her mind and allowing her to focus on other needs. Her case worker also referred her to the Salvation Army’s Emergency Social Services department, which helped Jamie with clothes for her son and gasoline vouchers to help her get to work. Now Jamie is well on her way to successful independent living.
HOW TO GET HELP
To apply for assistance, visit www.sharetheseason.org or come in person to The Salvation Army, at 350 N. Market in downtown Wichita. The application deadline is noon, Jan. 16, 2022. For more information, call 316-263-2769.
HOW TO GIVE HELP
Send contributions to The Salvation Army, Share the Season, 350 N. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. To donate online, visit www.sharetheseason.org. If you have any questions about donating, call 316-425-6156.