WESTERN TIDEWATERU N I T E D W A Y S T O R I E S

United Way of South Hampton Roads 2515 Walmer Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23513 • 757.853.8500

Fax: 757.853.3900 • unitedwayshr.org

HELPING SPUNKY SENIOR KEEP FOOD ON TABLE

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” is all that frail but spunky Miss Anna can

say when the Isle of Wight Christian Outreach Program makes its monthly food delivery to her in Windsor. She is well into her eighties and lives alone. She very carefully divides her food into very small portions so she can have something to eat for each meal.

It’s the only food she gets each month – one bag of staples, several pounds of meat, bread, sweets, fresh fruit and vegetables – since she does not qualify for food stamps and her bills eat up her Social Security check. Without the food delivery, Miss Anna would be undernourished and hungry!

Y O U R

HELP FOR TWO-TIME HEART ATTACK SURVIVOR

“I had just survived a ‘Widow Maker’ heart attack,” Shane says, “when my Suffolk

cardiologist said, ‘You are lucky, you should be dead.’ Two weeks and lots of testing later, I was cleared to resume my cycling hobby. Halfway into my first ride and wham! Another heart attack! Unlike the first, this one left me with severe heart damage – at age 34!

“But my wife and three kids can still depend on me, because I have a wearable defibrillator, eight different meds, a home blood-pressure machine and cardiac rehab every other day. Without United Way’s support of the American Heart Association to develop these things, I would have only a 10% chance of living past the next five years.”

HELP FOR WEIGHT-LOSS GAINS MAN INDEPENDENCE

Marcus weighed 276 pounds and his health status made him unable to work. But in about

a year as a Western Tidewater Free Clinic patient, Marcus’ health condition improved considerably. His Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia Life Coach helped him develop a long-term plan creating independence by arranging his own transportation

to work and medical appointments.

Marcus rides to his job located five miles from his home thanks to a Catholic Charities-donated

bike. He is so thrilled to have a job and transportation that he is undeterred by cold or rainy weather conditions.

PLANNING HELPS FAMILY ESCAPE

LIFE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Brandy called The Genieve Shelter Helpline, and shared her desperate story of sexual

and domestic violence. Although she and her teenage daughter had escaped just that morning, she had little gas in her car and nowhere to go.

The case manager sprang into action and got her moved into the Suffolk shelter. Together, they were able to identify the obstacles to self-sufficiency and empowerment that Brandy faced. Then they put a plan of action in place for each obstacle. During her time at the shelter, Brandy obtained regular, full-time employment. She began budgeting and saving her money. She also got mental health assistance to help her establish a new, safe, healthy and happy life.

HERE’S HOW YOUR UNITED WAY DONATIONS HELP • Children & their families break the cycle of poverty with extra support

at school & at home.

• Neighbors in need get jobs, housing & life skills education.

• Disabled, elderly & sick neighbors receive essential & urgent care.

• Veterans & active duty military families get aid for health, housing, jobs, education and emergencies.

YOU HELPED

YOUR DONATIONS HELPHUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF YOUR NEIGHBORS