Charles’ Story, Vietnam Vet proud to serve his Country

Livingston County Catholic Charities: To provide quality human services to Livingston County residents regardless of race, sex, religion, age, disability or financial ability.

“When you live in Livingston County, it is hard to imagine what life is like without food. So imagine my embarrassment as I found myself inching towards that reality. I am a veteran and was proud to serve my country in the Vietnam War, because I knew I was keeping my family, friends and country safe. In Vietnam, I was exposed to agent orange, which over time has created health problems and limitations I never could have imagined. I admit coping with the challenges of being exposed slowly wore away my ability to provide for myself. Over time, I was struggling to afford groceries and began to do most of my shopping at low cost stores, like the Dollar Store. Even then, my dollar just wasn’t stretching like it used to. With my military experience, I knew I could live on rations. For weeks I rationed beans and rice, only eating once a day. Then, even that didn’t work and I almost ran out. I confided in a friend that I needed help, and would be grateful for any assistance they could connect me to. Within a few hours there was a knock on my door. Volunteers were delivering fresh foods, canned goods, and comfort food. A volunteer sat down with me and set me up with regular food deliveries, and worked with me to find ways to stretch my money further. These conversations put me at ease and helped to get me back on my feet. I am grateful to live in a community where people take care of one another, and for Matching Money Monday donors who are helping make a difference for people like me.” – Charles

Livingston County United Way is proud to fund programs of Livingston County Catholic Charities

A family of five living in a motel for a year

Homeless Continuum of Care Committee (HCCC): Develop and coordinate a continuum of housing and services for homeless individuals and families and those at-risk of homelessness in Livingston County.

Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA), The Education Project works to ensure students in temporary living and homeless situations enroll, regularly attend and succeed in school.

A family of five (3 children: 7, 3, and 1.5 years old) were living in a motel for almost a year due to the parents having bad credit and inadequate income. Mom reached out to The Education Project in desperate need of winter clothing items, shoes/boots, socks and underwear, hygiene items, and school supplies. She also requested assistance for a field trip and Christmas. The family was able to receive assistance for all items requested thanks to United Way funds. The family was overwhelmed and thankful for the assistance. In February of 2020, the family moved into permanent housing!

In addition to supporting this program with United Way dollars, a Staff member from Livingston County United Way serves on the HCCC. We know collaboration is key to finding long term solutions to problems.

A smile is worth more than a thousand words

VINA Community Dental Center: To provide quality, affordable dental care to Livingston County residents with limited finances and little to no access to dental care while upholding the professional standards of dentistry in a concerned and compassionate way.

Robyn was a hairdresser for 29 years before she was faced with challenging times. She had to retire on disability, was going through a hard divorce, and was in a very dark place. She hid her bright personality because she was embarrassed by her teeth. She was in physical and emotional pain, and VINA helped restore her beautiful smile. She came to VINA with pain and we returned her smile. Robyn’s new teeth relieved her of dental pain, gave her self-confidence and built up her self-esteem. She is in a much better place today.  The old saying of “the power of a haircut”, now imagine the power of a new set of teeth!  Robyn is why we do what we do at the clinic. – VINA

The Livingston County United Way is proud to provide funds to support the efforts of providing dental care to those with little to no access to dental care and insurance.