She was taking a neighbor to a
doctor appointment in Denver when the radiator blew. With a total monthly income of less than $900, a $600 car repair can be catastrophic.
The kindly woman has been a
Crossroads client since July 2000, but her requests have always been modest –
mostly food, occasional help getting a prescription, assistance with rent twice
in the course of the past 16 years, two recent repairs for her old car.
It is heart-rending to review
the financial situation of this disabled senior citizen who lives alone. Even
with a small food stamp allowance and low-income housing, her disability and
pension income is barely enough to survive on.
So it is that, when Crossroads
received a call from a generous neighbor who had a reliable car to donate, our
Case Manager knew right away where the vehicle was most needed. The Estes Park
Extension of the Salvation Army made the much-needed gift complete by covering
the cost of license plates, which otherwise would have been beyond the client’s
means.
She and the Crossroads staff all
brushed away tears of joy as we presented the vehicle. “It’s a miracle!” she
exclaimed, again and again. “Now I can take my neighbor to her doctor
appointment in Denver without being afraid of breaking down.” Remarkably, even
in that special moment the opportunity to help others – rather than her own
considerable needs – was uppermost in her heart.
Crossroads Ministry cannot cure
chronic poverty, but we are thankful to provide food for all in need in our
community and blessed to stand in the gap with special assistance in times of
crisis. It is the generosity of individuals and families, local churches and area
businesses, and partner agencies like the Salvation Army, that makes it
possible for us to fulfill our mission of providing
basic human services for Estes Valley residents in need.
The
poor shall eat and be satisfied.
–from
Psalm 22:26 (NRSV)
