June 17, 2009

To Everyone Who Should Be Concerned:

This letter is being written on behalf of an amazing organization, Women In Need of the Ozarks.  I accidentally discovered this group of dedicated women about two years ago when having dinner with friends at a little pub in Galloway.  I noticed a steady stream of ladies were coming in and out of the restaurant, some carrying in packages, some carrying out bags filled from the inbound packages.

Although I was a fairly new resident of Springfield, I recognized one lady from her ads in 417 Magazine.  When my curiosity was uncontrollable, I stopped her and asked what all the commotion was about.  She explained that the ladies were members of the WIN foundation, who were preparing gift bags for their annual golf tournament.  This explanation only partially satisfied my curious nature, so I asked, “What exactly is the WIN foundation?” She stated “We are a group of women helping women in need of the Ozarks to give them a hand up.  WIN is not a welfare program or intended to provide on-going assistance, but it is a program for women who find themselves in dire circumstances and some financial assistance would help them back on their feet.“  I was impressed that such an organization existed.

The following year a single mother who was employed by the company I managed found herself in a very tough spot.  She made too much money to get public relief for herself and her young teenage son, but she didn’t make enough to for deposits to acquire better housing for the two of them.   I remembered WIN and searched them out for her.   WIN came through and so did the employee.  Again I was impressed and told many people about the organization, never knowing that a year or so later, I would be the one in the terrible predicament.

The business I managed, a small electronic manufacturing concern, was forced to close due to worsening economic situations.  Everything that could go wrong did.  I was honest in reporting to the MO unemployment,  the last date I worked, which was a Monday, so that entire week was considered a working week and my waiting week was the following week. This might not seem so bad, two weeks without a pay check; however, due to lack of company funds I lost the last 11 days salary, 10 days of earned vacation time and two months of insurance premiums which were part of my salary base and it was two weeks before I would my unemployment benefits would start..  The financial impact was devastating.   

I got behind on my utilities and my rent.  I let go of my pride and sought out public assistance, only to find that I was ineligible for city, county or state assistance as I made too much money the previous year.  That is great on paper, but I had no money and no reserves now.  I had no family members who could help me and the prospects of being homeless, which I had experienced in ’06 when I lost my job, couldn’t find work, ineligible for financial assistance literally forced me to live out of my car or between friends for nearly six months.  Believe me, it was a camping experience I would never recommend to anyone.

Then I remembered how WIN had helped the employee I referred.  I decided to give it a try. The worse thing that could happen was they could say no.  But they didn’t.  I thank God and the ladies of WIN for keeping me from falling through the cracks and repeating that dreadful car-habitat experience.  Since funding is so tight for them most of the time, I had to wait until after the Win-tucky Derby to see what funds might be available.  I was honored to work alongside these women on the day of the event.  This event allowed them to help me with two months rent and utilities which had mounted up since loosing my job.

I am truly grateful for the assistance.  It gave me peace of mind and a roof over my head with running water when I needed it.  This assistance allowed me to concentrate on securing new employment so I could get my feet on firm ground again.  Although I do not have money to contribute, which is so greatly needed from those who do, I would donate my time and talents to this organization for any event they hold in the future and would be proud to do so.  The ladies of the WIN foundation treated me with respect and allowed me my dignity while helping me through a very rough patch.  Individually and collectively, they are amazing.  Please help them continue their work for women who otherwise wouldn’t be able to have a hand up or maybe even a roof over their heads.  Thank you.

Sincerely
PJ Hord