Unexpected Miracles

We first met this family in May of 2005 after being contacted by a social worker at Huguley Hospital. The story sounded like something right out of the headlines - a young woman rushed to the ER with abdominal pain only to give birth to an unexpected child. We brought much needed baby items to the new family in the hospital.

In the three years since, we have continued to assist this family in so many ways. The mother was unable to work because her son was born with a club foot, requiring constant attention, leaving the family unable to maintain utilities. Twice the family has had to contend with homelessness. They lived in a trailer in such disrepair that their older daughter fell through the floor. We took the First Methodist Mission Team out there, but the needed repairs were too extensive. The family sold their land, purchased a new trailer and moved to Joshua, but again, their home was in such bad shape that they couldn't get electric service connected.

At one point, the family's situation was so dire that CPS stepped in to ensure their child's safety. We worked with CPS and Catholic Charities to help the mother keep custody. We helped them find a safe, dependable place to live (without a steady place to stay, it was difficult to have home health care or physical therapy visits), keep utilities and get a telephone connected so they could make appointments and other arrangements for their son's medical treatment.

One highlight in the case was when the parents decided to get married. She came in to look in the clothing room for a dress appropriate enough to get married in. A few days before, in a pocket the clothing room discovered a $100 gift certificate to Dillard's in a St. Matthew's CPC offering envelope. The church agreed to let us use it. We took her to Dillard's and were able to buy her a beautiful wedding dress!

But the most wonderful part of this story is centered on that little boy born the night he entered this family's life. His condition required multiple surgeries and physical therapy. Our assistance helped provide this family a stable home so they could meet these needs. In September 2007, she brought him into our offices so we could see him finally walking!

Mom in Need

A single mother with a teenage son lives on disability income. After paying rent and utilities she had $36 left for the month. We were able to pay $100 on her electric bill and will feed her family once a week.

Service with a Smile

A gentleman came in with absolutely no teeth. All of them were pulled out for medical reasons. He asked if we had a box of teeth that he could go through. He said he was desperate for help since he was on disability and could not afford dental work.

Complete Dental Care here in Burleson provided him with a new set of teeth. When he was told the teeth would cost him nothing, he said, "You're going to make me cry." Today he is enjoying solid food again.