Local United Way Stories

Shepherds Staff Ministry

Daneele was a single mom to two adorable boys when she came seeking help from Shepherd’s Staff. With mouths to feed, unstable housing and an upside down car payment, she didn’t know how to improve her situation without turning her children over to child protective services. With the help of Shepherd’s Staff, Daneele got her life on-track with a strategic plan that would empower her to build a life that she desired for her family. Through hard work and sticking to “her plan”, Daneele established a pattern to help her move forward and achieve her goals. One word to describe Daneele would be “hustle”. As we got to know Daneele better and her story began to unfold we realized she was laser focused and implemented every strategy we gave her. She always had a full time job and a side hustle to supplement her income and did what was necessary to evolve her situation She always said “yes” to anything we encouraged her to do. During her time with us, Daneele became a U.S. Citizen and began capitalizing on her Jamaican roots and zest for life to start a small, successful business in Walton County! Today, Daneele has a solid support system, is able to pay all of her own bills and is providing for her children like never before. Daneele has a wonderful life and spends all her free time pouring into her family and our community. Her favorite things are her children, cooking beautiful meals and encouraging other women!

Looking back over the last few years since completing our program, Daneele feels humbled and blessed from all the support she received from Shepherd’s Staff through funding from United Way of Walton County. She knows that her life could look much different today had she not found our agency when she did. The Bible verse that Daneele leans upon, loves the most and basically sums up her experiences is

Luke 1:37, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Walton Co. Senior Citizens Council

Eighty-eight year old Bob lived in a mobile home in rural Walton County. He made a point of coming to the Senior Center every day for lunch and fellowship. He never got to see anyone at home; despite having estranged four children. His fifth child had experienced a substance abuse problem and committed suicide in Bob’s home. Mr. Bob had strong faith, but his worsening physical and mental condition made it difficult to manage day to day activities. His driving skills had greatly declined and after several fender-benders, his doctor would not approve him driving. Thus began… Meals on Wheels. Our Senior Center would call and check on him daily. When volunteers went to visit, they would often find Bob crying with grief over his lonely situation. Mr. Bob suffered from dementia, arthritis pain, a stroke, and a history of falls. He had difficulty in buttoning buttons and managing zippers. Because of his prior stroke, he generally slept in a recliner because he couldn’t easily get in and out of bed. He started using a cane and moved slowly. Mr. Bob had difficulty eating due to not having dentures, but over the last 2 months, eating became even more difficult. When a volunteer last took a meal to him, Mr. Bob yelled through the door, “Help me. I’ve fallen!” Mr. Bob was not severely hurt, but was bumped and bruised with a couple of small tears to his thin, worn skin. Paramedics transferred him to the hospital, who then admitted him. After a series of tests, it was determined that Mr. Bob had throat cancer. He came back home briefly, but within the week, had to return to the hospital. Friends from the Senior Center visited Mr. Bob while there and with tears, he repeated to every one, he didn’t know how he could have made it without the senior center. Sadly, Mr. Bob passed away on Saturday, July 8 due to cardiac arrest. Thanks to the United Way agency Senior Center, he was able to remain at home as long as possible. Bob was given encouragement, calls, and food during his time of need and given a “family”.

Student Success Alliance

Sarah went into foster care after her parents lost custody of her and her siblings due to struggles with drug abuse and addiction. After her father died and her mother left the picture, Sarah’s grandparents gained custody and did all they could to raise Sarah and her siblings on limited resources. Sarah let none of this stop her. “I’m someone who sets goals for myself very frequently and I always want to better myself.” In spite of many obstacles, Sarah set her sights on college, kept her grades up and met her goals. Andrea believed in Sarah and knew she could succeed, so she helped with some of the family’s basic needs and worked with Sarah on her college applications. Their efforts paid off: Sarah has accepted a $40,000 scholarship to attend Samford University to study nursing in the fall of 2023. “It’s been an amazing thing to have Mrs. Mitchell at the high school because I know that she is always there for me no matter what,” Sarah said. “If I’m struggling with something, she’s the person I’m going to go to.” Overcoming a difficult family crisis, losing parents, working through the foster system and finally being reunited with her grandparents were difficult obstacles for Sarah to overcome. But with her determination and tenacity, and the support and encouragement of her Student Success Alliance Site Coordinator, Sarah in on her way to great success in life!