Our Stories

These stories have been shared by the WithinReach hotline staff members.

Maisy and Shaun

"We were able to get back on our feet. Now we're saving for the future again."

Andrea

"We had gone from making a six-figure income to only unemployment to sustain us. I hope all who use this site will feel as I do--that our dignity is intact. With your help we will be able to sustain our family and provide security and a sense of normalcy for our children until we become employed again. My thanks to you and your web designers who clearly thought through all of the necessary functions to create such a seamless and time-saving application process.

Tanya

“Calling the hotline really saved us.”

Tanya knew that there was a better career out there for her, so she decided to go back to school. She felt strongly that this was the right choice, but financially, it was tough. Making matters worse, her husband’s hours were recently cut. As she wrote out the check for her child’s daycare, she realized that this would pretty much empty their account and it would be a couple weeks before her husband got his next paycheck. Seeing her distress, the daycare provider gave her the number for WithinReach.

“I have no food in my house,” Tanya said when she called the Family Food Hotline. In just a few minutes on the line, she learned that her family would qualify for Basic Food and WIC. A quick calculation showed that her family would be eligible for a benefit of $209 per month. Tanya was able to apply online using WithinReach’s website, ParentHelp123.org. “It made all the difference in the world,” she said.

Eric

“My wife is pregnant. We’re really happy, but we need help.”

Eric called the WithinReach Family Health Hotline to inquire about Pregnancy Medical insurance for his wife. She has medical insurance through her job but it doesn't cover a lot. Eric is working part-time right now because he is in the process of starting his own business. He worried that he might need to put his new business on hold to provide for his family.

Eric’s family met the eligibility guidelines for both Pregnancy Medical coverage and food assistance through WIC. He received a referral to his local WIC clinic and was able to use ParentHelp123.org to apply for Pregnancy Medical Insurance for his wife. “This will really help us,” he said.