By Fr. Justin Fulton
We’ve been getting our share of snow, slush, fog, and cold lately. It’s winter in Nebraska.
The winter can provide many dangers to us in the form of driving, walking, snow shoveling and being exposed to the harsh elements. Winter can provide opportunities for recreation and fun. Winter can provide us an opportunity to sled with our dads, as seen in the included photograph. (In the best interests of full disclosure, this photo was taken during the blizzard of 1984 – not last week. I’m at least two inches taller now!)
Winter can also be a challenge for people. Many are affected by seasonal depression, with the holidays and with it being darker for longer hours outside (our Immaculate Heart of Mary counselors can help with that). And many people have trouble keeping up with electric, gas, and heating bills.
There is a reality known as the “Benefits Cliff” that Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska aims to remedy. Many working poor live paycheck-to-paycheck. They make ends meet from month to month. And then when an unexpected occurrence happens – a wrecked car, a sick child, a price jump in gasoline or electricity, life’s happenings, etc. – unexpected expenses accrue. And before they know it, these extra expenses are not met, people begin to “fall off the cliff,” and these brothers and sisters of ours face being evicted or face having their utilities shut off.
This is where your donations to CSS help. Many of our clients come in, needing help with a month’s worth of rent or utilities, and we help them out before they face being out on the streets. We are combatting homelessness before it happens. In this way we are giving people a “hand up” and not just a “handout.” As Christ gives us all a hand up, we become His hands in our communities and throughout southern Nebraska.
During these winter months when the thermometer goes down and the bills pile up, please remember those who may be struggling to keep up with these expenses.
Here is a story we recently shared on Facebook. Feel free to like us on Facebook at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (@CSSHopeintheGoodLife) to learn about how your partnership with us brings Christ’s love to people and Hope in the Good Life!
Henry came to Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska for help with his LES bill. He and his wife both work, but work alternate shifts. They have a son with a disability and they can’t afford home care for him during the day. So, Mom takes the first shift and Dad takes the second shift. While they have never needed help before, the energy bills went unpaid for a couple of months because they had to get new tires on their car. Their son requires a breathing machine and that typically means higher energy bills in general. Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska was able to assist in the amount of $275.12.
Thank you for your prayers and support so that we could help the above family. May we all live greatly knowing Christ is our Savior. May God bless us always!
