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families really appreciate
the furniture and household
items they receive at
Sharing Connections. Before
leaving the warehouse,
many families say “Sharing
Connections is so wonderful,”
“this is such a
huge help,” “God
bless you, keep up the
good work!” It is
extremely comforting for
these people to know that,
after a long day of work,
school, or looking after
children, they can end
the day by eating at a
kitchen table, putting
their clothes in a dresser,
and sleeping on a bed.
When a home looks like
a home rather than an
empty room, it makes it
much easier for our clients
to rest, recharge, and
face the many obstacles
in front of them each
day. Read on about some
of our memorable client
families... |
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Mother
and child receiving
our 2,000th crib |
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Camilla
In 2006, Camilla fell and broke her neck in five places. The surgery and months of rehab for spinal cord injury caused her and her husband to lose everything. Her husband was an immigrant from Africa and did not have his papers yet, so he could not work in the United States despite having a degree. He also became ill due to bad teeth and weighs 100 pounds. For a while, the family had to split up while Camilla lived with her sister, and her husband lived in a church office.
They are now back together, but Camilla cannot pass a physical for employment. She says, “This has been very humbling. I have to accept that I can’t work anymore. After working all my life, it’s depressing. In the past, I often worked 2 or 3 jobs at a time. I've learned that at some point in your life, you need someone to help you.”
Regina reports that when Camilla came to Sharing Connections Furniture Bank, “Every time I gave her something, she was crying.” SCFB provided new mattresses and box springs for Camilla’s son and daughter, ages 7 and 6, who had been sleeping on cold, hard floors. We also provided two dressers, dishes, lamps, and many housewares. The couple was grateful for everything, including new clothes. Camilla says, “Sometimes my husband wears the same clothes for a week. When you lose everything, you have to do that.”
Of their visit, Camilla says, “I was apprehensive because of fear of judgment, but everyone made me feel so comfortable and welcome. I feel very overwhelmed at the generosity and kindness. I wasn’t expecting this much help when I became disabled. I wasn’t expecting this much today. Today is a big milestone for me. I feel giddy.” |
Kathleen
Kathleen from the Department of Human
Services came in to pick up the items she needed and also had the opportunity to include the finishing
touches for her home, saying “this
is perfect!” A while back, Lisa
had broken up with her live-in boyfriend,
and when she moved out, he hadn’t
let her take her furniture. After
the break up, she stayed at a women’s
shelter so that she could save money
for her own apartment. Now, she was
adding a gorgeous round end table
along with the dresser, coffee table,
and kitchen table she had received
the week before from Sharing Connections.
She emphatically said the furniture
was working out great and that her
place really felt like a home now. |
Colleen
Colleen is a single mother of two
young girls. This winter, she fell
into a coma for two months after being
diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
She recently moved to Illinois from
out of state and has no family or
friends in the area for emotional
or financial support. Colleen came
into Sharing Connections with a smile
on her face and hope in her heart.
She wept tears of joy as her daughters
explored their new bunk beds, trying
to decide who wanted the top or bottom
bunk. Her smile grew brighter as she
learned that there are agencies that
would provide her with respite services.
As much as she loves her children,
her heart and mind sometimes need
a moment of peace and quiet. The best
part for the staff and volunteers
was all the hugs that were received
by everyone in the warehouse. Colleen
is a survivor and role model for us
all. |
Maria
and Victor
Maria and her husband came to Chicago
land by way of Mexico City. Victor,
Maria’s husband has a degree
in Biology from Mexico. He has been
unable to find steady work for six
months now. Their income for a family
of four is 11,500. They pride themselves
on how far they can make their money
stretch on a fixed income. Their family
and friends found beds and a crib,
but the couch doubled as a kitchen
table and the floor was a hard surface
for their daughter to do her homework
on. They came to Sharing Connections
for a table and chair set and a desk
for their ten year old daughter. They
were so excited to take them home
and try out their new furniture. Just
imagine a child actually being excited
to go home just to do homework! Three
weeks later, we received a thank you
letter from the whole family. |
Marcus
Marcus is a single gentleman that
lives in the city at a program for
men with AIDS. He had spent many years
sleeping on the streets until he decided
that he had enough and wanted assistance
to kick his addiction issues. He came
to us for a twin bed and some kitchen
items for his new studio apartment.
He was so proud of his new home and
bed that he was receiving. He was
mild mannered and very gracious. He
is a bold reminder that everyone deserves
a second chance to start a new life. |
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