A knot under her arm was the first warning. Last year, Kreshida, a 34-year-old mother of three, learned she had an aggressive form of breast cancer.
She continued working at a shoe store chain. As the sole provider for her children — ages 9, 7 and 5 — she felt like she had no choice. But surgery, doctors’ appointments and chemotherapy forced her to reduce her hours drastically.
“Everything just started spiraling down, because the chemo was taking over my body. I was trying, trying, trying, but sometimes my body was just (saying), ‘Sit down!’”
As her income shrank, unpaid bills piled up. Then came a utility shutoff notice.
“I’m trying to pay this, I’m trying to pay that,” she said, “but I’m also trying to survive. I was like, ‘I don’t really know what to do.’”
She remembered something from a decade earlier — the number 211. Back then, she had called United Way 211 for help. She called again and spoke to a 211 resource navigator named Paula.
“She was lovely,” Kreshida said. “She was patient. She made me feel comfortable. She was willing to answer every question.”
Paula determined Kreshida was eligible for emergency utility assistance from a fund United Way manages through a contract with the city of Cincinnati to help people with basic needs. But money in the current round of funding was almost gone. Paula promised to follow up.
When Paula called back, Kreshida got the best news possible: The amount remaining in the fund almost exactly matched her outstanding utility bill. Her balance would be reduced to zero.
“I just broke down on the phone,” Kreshida said.
Paula went further.
“When providing resources,” the resource navigator said, “I consistently assess callers for additional services that may support their needs beyond the immediate emergency. In Kreshida’s case, I referred her to the Family Success Network, as it offers case management and supportive services that would greatly benefit her and her family. I wanted to make sure they were successful going forward.”
Said Kreshida: “She sent me all-around help with everything — help with child care, help with food, help with a budgeting coach. I appreciate it so much.
“I don’t like accepting help, but at this time, I need to accept it. You all made me feel like it’s OK.”
