Welcome to the fourth and final day of Pathways to Possibilities presented by Most Reverend J. Mark Spalding, Bishop of Nashville, and the Diocese of Nashville
Thank you to everyone who has participated in this event and helped spread the word about Catholic Charities of Tennessee throughout the community.
Today, we want you to hear directly from someone who reached out to us for help. The picture here is a representation of the sender. The message below, though, is real and was received by us in mid-March:
I am looking… Hmmm? What am I looking for… Honestly I’m not sure. I lost my job a few weeks back from this Coronavirus mess. I was planning on moving back at the 1st of March but everything got halted & changed so fast. I was staying in a hotel for a week thinking, “April’s not that far I can manage till then, pick up extra shifts, stay here and move in to an opening after the first” but that changed with being laid off/let go. I’ve been sleeping in my car for 10 days now. Less than 10 bucks in my pocket. I’ve had a little help w food from a sister out of town but she and her husband are going through their own issues w work loss.
I know there are many folks struggling right now. I’ve never been one to ask for help– more give than take. I’ve filed for unemployment but that’s weeks away from processing and receiving. Less than $200 per week but hey it’s something right so I’m blessed. I could use help w minimal stuff. Yes a place to live would be nice but honestly more concerned w getting gas in my car to hopefully get to one of these jobs I’ve applied for in the last few days. Having a little money to go to the laundry mat, buy a toothbrush or Advil if I needed to.
I’m not homeless or indigent even if my circumstance appears that way. I could work for whatever you have to offer. If its washing windows, cleaning toilets, whatever. I just need help bridging the gap during this crazy mess.
I’ve never not worked…had the same job for 6 years now. I’ve been looking. Folks are not able to hire right now and those that can are slammed w application requests, I’m not sitting around crying about it all. God is not letting me suffer. I pray a little more these days but in a different way. More talking w Christ than before. I’m in good spirits, healthy, not starving, staying positive despite the obstacles.
I know I’ve rambled here but I’ve not had normal contact for weeks and needed to just chat & open up even if it’s just w my finger typing on a phone. I don’t know what if any help y’all can provide me and even if you have none I’ll be ok. My thoughts and prayers are w you at this moment that you and your family and co-workers are all safe and blessed. If nothing else you’ve given me a chance to open up, let my mind and soul be emptied out a bit. For that alone I thank you.
Love, Hope, and Healing
“Suddenly, above the howl of the wind came a voice. Singing….One voice became two and two became three and then before long everyone was singing….[This is] the power of one person to unite the group, the power of one person to inspire those around him,” wrote Ret. Navy Admiral William McRaven, in his New York Times best-seller Make Your Bed, Little Things That Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World.
Just as the one voice in the email unites us, let us join him in a song of hope.
You, too, can be that one person who inspires others to be their best in this worst of times. Be the eyes, ears, hands, and feet of Christ. And when you can’t be there in person, please support Catholic Charities. We are privileged to serve on your behalf, especially now as an essential service still providing acts of love, hope, and healing during “Safer At Home.”
Did you know that a critical portion of our funding comes from individual donors? Thank you for your contributions and your prayers for the success of our Pathways to Possibilities fundraiser.
Thank You for Being With Us!
We appreciate you giving your time to us over these last four days and for helping spread the word about Pathways to Possibilities. If you missed any of this virtual event, here are links to the previous days:
Day 1 – Bishop Spalding on acts of charity
Day 2 – Judy Orr on Catholic Charities’ relief and recovery work to help our neighbors
Day 3 – Catholic Charities’ five priorities and vital services
God bless and stay safe!
Catholic Charities is grateful to our Pathways to Possibilities sponsors who have fully supported this virtual event with their sponsorship donations.
We couldn’t do it without them – OR you.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Most Rev. J. Mark Spalding, Bishop of Nashville, and the Diocese of Nashville
GOLD SPONSOR
Ascension Saint Thomas
SILVER SPONSORS Rebekah and Greg Pope; Bass, Berry & Sims; Bradley Arant Boult Cummings; Taylor, Pigue, Marchetti & Blair
BRONZE SPONSORS Gresham Smith; Susan and Pat Shepherd; Varallo Public Relations; Iroquois Capital Group; Banc Card of America; Holladay Properties; Father Ryan High School; Holy Family Catholic Church; Pope John Paul II High School; LBMC; Betsy and John Gromos; Coldwell Banker Barnes; Sims|Funk; Rochelle and John Reding; Patty and Bill Farmer; Mr. and Mrs. Steve Hayes; Mrs. Liz and Dr. Michael Schatzlein; Dr. Carolyn and Mr. Clark Baker; HCA Healthcare/Tri-Star Health; Donnelly Timmons & Associates; Riley Warnock & Jacobson
SPECIAL FRIENDS Catholic Business League; The Bakery Companies; Asurion; Tom Pierce; David Barnes; St. Bernard Academy; Jessica and Doug Anderson; Nancy and Bob Schwartz; Debbie Lassiter; Claudia and Pete Weber; Nashville Catholic Business Women’s League