At the United Way of Ellis County, we see every day the difference that your support makes in our community. It's not just about dollars and cents—it’s about people, families, and lives being touched when they need help the most. One such story reminds us of the true power of compassion, collaboration, and community support. This is the story of a grandmother who faced unimaginable hardship, and thanks to your generosity, found a lifeline when she needed it most.
The Desperate Situation
A grandmother, who had full custody of her young grandson, suddenly faced an unthinkable tragedy—the unexpected loss of her beloved grandchild. Grief-stricken and heartbroken, she was already struggling emotionally to cope with the death of a child she had been raising. But the tragedy didn’t end there. Financial strain soon followed.
In the midst of her grief, she was faced with the responsibility of paying for funeral costs—out of pocket, with no financial help. As her savings dwindled, she found herself falling behind on basic bills. Two months behind on her Midwest Energy bill, she received a shut-off notice, an added burden during what was already an overwhelming time.
It was at this moment that a friend of hers reached out to First Call for Help of Ellis County, one of the United Way’s nonprofit partner agencies, to see if there was any possibility of assistance. The situation was dire, but the agency’s mission is to help those who are facing extreme circumstances, and the grandmother’s case was one that tugged at their hearts.
With funding from the United Way of Ellis County and additional money received from a special grant, First Call for Help was able to step in and cover her Midwest Energy bills for both April and May—just in time to prevent a utility shutoff. The relief of keeping her lights on, especially during such a dark time in her life, was something she could never have expected. It was a small but significant gesture that eased one of her many burdens.
This kind of support is not something First Call for Help can offer to every client, but when an extraordinary situation arises, they make every effort to make it happen. In this case, the grandmother’s gratitude was immeasurable. She didn’t just receive financial assistance; she received the hope and compassion she so desperately needed.
Why It Matters
It’s stories like this that remind us of the importance of what we do at the United Way of Ellis County—and what your support enables us to accomplish. It’s easy to forget that there are people in our community who are just one crisis away from losing everything. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a medical emergency, or something as simple as a utility bill, many of our neighbors face moments of extreme hardship, and they don’t always know where to turn.
That’s why First Call for Help and our other nonprofit partner agencies are so crucial. They are on the front lines, providing direct assistance to those who need it most, in real-time. And it’s your donations that make this possible. Without the support of people like you, none of this would be possible.
The Power of Your Giving
We are beyond grateful for your continued support of the United Way of Ellis County. Every dollar you contribute goes directly into making sure agencies like First Call for Help can be there for individuals in desperate need. Your kindness creates hope, offers relief, and helps preserve dignity during some of the most challenging moments people can face.
While we are proud of the work we do, we are only able to make it happen because of the generosity and commitment of our community. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Your support truly makes a difference.
How You Can Help
If you’d like to support the United Way of Ellis County and help more individuals like this grandmother, donate to our annual fundraising campaign. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us continue supporting our partner agencies whom provide critical services to those in need.