"I am a 52-year-old husband, father, brother and son. I have lived in Gallatin for the past several years, and over the course of those years I have held several odd jobs. I like to work with my hands, and I am not afraid to work hard. In doing so, I haven't taken very good care of my body. Ultimately, I was diagnosed with two lifelong medical issues. These issues have landed me in the hospital for months at a time and caused me to lose several jobs.
With help, I was approved to receive disability payments. These payments are not enough to pay my monthly bills; I have to work to supplement my income. Up until it got too cold, I was able to do this by working part time at a local car wash. Winter came quickly and I was no longer able to work outside. Christmas was coming and things were tight financially.
At home with me, I have my two youngest daughters, ages 3 and 4. My wife and I are separated currently and share custody, but the girls are mostly at my apartment.
Actually, I heard about St. Vincent from my wife who had received help a few months earlier. I am a proud man, and do not like to ask for help, but she convinced me. I called St. Vincent de Paul... for help with my rent. I quickly received a call back and an interview date was set. A few days later I met with case managers with St. Vincent.
After answering some financial questions, we happened to start talking about my family life. I was telling them how my wife and I have been separated for a few months and some issues we have faced. I mentioned how my wife wanted to be there for the interview, but I wasn't sure if that was okay. Immediately, the case managers assured me it was and had me call my wife to come over.
What happened next, I don't think any of us expected. We spent the next four hours having the most honest and direct conversation we have ever had with each other. As I said before, I'm a proud man. I'm not forthcoming with my emotions, and I tend to not want to listen once my defenses are up. These, among other things, are some of the issues that led to our separation.
The case managers would ask us to clarify what we were saying or ask us to try and say it another way. They would also share things that they do in their marriage, and it started to make sense that my wife and I never had a good foundation from the start. The case managers also encouraged us to come up with better ways to interact with each other.
It was about ten o'clock before we all realized how late it was. We said our goodbyes and I was told I'd hear back with an answer on whether or not they would be able to help with my rent. The next day I was informed that they would, in fact, be able to help. Imagine my relief! St. Vincent de Paul paid $500 on my rent and gave me a $25 gift card for me to purchase gasoline and a $50 gift card for food, and I was very, very grateful for that. The honest conversations and listening ears were an added bonus that I didn't know I needed and never expected."
-testimonial from client at St. Vincent de Paul Society
Note: photo is stock photo, not picture of actual client.