At United Way of Greater Cincinnati, we know a crisis rarely affects just one part of a family’s life.
A housing emergency can quickly become a financial emergency. A disruption at home can affect work, school, transportation and a family’s ability to plan for what comes next.
That’s what Jessica Pawelski experienced when her family was suddenly forced to leave their home.
An electrical fire broke out in her apartment building, prompting crews to shut off the power. It was never restored, so Jessica — a mother of five with another child on the way — had to find a new place to live.
“It was crazy,” Jessica said. “I just kind of felt like, if my apartment wasn’t touched (by the fire), then why do I have to move?”
“In a moment like this, a family needs more than help getting through the immediate crisis,” said Moira Weir, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati. “They need support that recognizes the bigger picture — what they need today and what can help them build for the future.”
Asking for support was difficult for Jessica. That’s where Project LIFT came in.
Managed by United Way, Project LIFT brings local organizations together to help families build stability through goal setting, resource coordination and ongoing support.
“No single organization can create lasting change for families on its own,” said Weir. “United Way takes a lead role by investing in trusted community organizations, bringing partners together and creating collaborative approaches that connect families to the support they need.”
In this case, Project LIFT partner Brighton Center paired Jessica with a family engagement coordinator who could work alongside her as she regained her footing. Through the partnership, Jessica accessed essential household items, beds and food and transitioned into a new home.
“United Way has so many different people involved with Project LIFT,” said Gabby Fletcher, Jessica’s coordinator. “All that community support helps give these families the resources to be okay long-term when we walk away. Because life happens, and things can come off balance quick.”
“They’ve been a real big help to me,” said Jessica. “I’ve never really worked with kind people before.”
Now living in southeastern Clermont County, Jessica has steady employment at a restaurant and is looking ahead. She plans to train as a state-tested nurse aide (STNA) while working toward another goal: buying a home for her family.
“Helping people has been a dream for me,” she said.
United Way wants more families to have the support and opportunities to work toward their goals, even when life takes an unexpected turn.
A crisis changed Jessica’s circumstances, but with the right support, it didn’t have to change where she was headed.
