Mr. and Mrs. Leija

In 2008, Mr. and Mrs. Leija visited the Hispanic Religious Partnership seeking assistance with their CPS bill. Mr. Leija had recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer..

Mr. Leija was unable to work, and Mrs. Leija was now acting as caregiver and fell behind on some bills. Desperate to pay their utility bill they were referred by United Way to HRPCH. Understandably, the Leija’s situation brought them a great deal of stress. HRPCH was able to give them assistance with their utility bill, in addition to referrals for other agencies that would help with additional bills. The assistance provided alleviated some of the stress of the they would pay their utility bill.

In the beginning of 2009, Mrs. Leija returned to HRPCH after the death of her husband. Her circumstances had changed once again and she was now in need of support to help return to a path of stability. She came back with the hope of “getting ready to step out in the work field.” HRPCH was able to assist with job placement, eye exam/eyeglasses, Food Stamp enrollment, continuing education training and other referrals that might lead her to her goal.

Seeking assistance with services so quickly after her husband’s passing was important for her — “I wake up and I am sad about my situation with [my husband] but I think to myself, I am still alive and I need to keep living. This place has given me so much hope.”