A young family of four is struggling to pay the bills. The mother, named Charmine, is laid off from her $1,000/ month job and Dad is working part-time at a supermarket. The two boys named Jesse and Sergio are 6 and 5 respectively. Sergio is a special needs child with a severe mental disability.

Now, with the financial pressure mounting from this transition, and special care needed for Sergio, Charmine learns of the Family Assistance Ministries. Her first thoughts are to be at home for Sergio and Jesse, and to pay the bills.

At first she thought FAM just helped with groceries, and what a big help receiving groceries every month is for this family, but then the expenses started to accumulate for gasoline, so temporary gas vouchers were provided. During the financial aid process, the husband named Jorge gets a full time job at a national restaurant chain.

The extra income in moving from a part-time job at the supermarket to a full-time job at the restaurant decreases HUD rental assistance by $346/month. FAM steps in during this tough transition point, providing more than half of the extra monies needed for a one time rental assistance donation.

Today Mom is grateful for FAM. She is at home caring for Sergio and Jesse. Dad is bringing home $12,000 year in Orange County. Although tomorrow is uncertain for this family, every donation helps. Most recently, the local high school adopted this family for Thanksgiving and Christmas.