In August of this year, I was diagnosed with COVID after working in a hospital for over a year. I was exposed by a coworker who didn’t have on his PPE. I am fully vaccinated so when I found out I had it I didn’t think much of it, because symptoms were not supposed to be as bad as a person that wasn’t vaccinated. I ended up getting COVID pneumonia on top of all 4 of my children getting COVID. I knew I would be off work because of pneumonia, so I reached out to BWS for rental assistance because I am my only source of income and didn’t have enough sick leave or paid leave to cover my time off. BWS was and still is a big blessing to my family. I recently had to reapply for more assistance due to still being on medical leave due to a collapsed area on my lower left lung still present (from COVID/COVID-pneumonia). This made it difficult to breathe sometimes and making me “not fit to work” and complete my normal job requirements because I work with COVID patients.

 

I know God is present in my life no matter what my situation or circumstances are. I’m blessed every day I wake up because I could have been one of those people who died from COVID. I saw it first hand working with COVID patients and I KNOW God wasn’t ready for me to come home yet and I’m thankful. 

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Ms. Sallee

"So I found out about Bridgewater through a friend of mine, via that incredible social media, Facebook, I came in and call I called in and made an appointment [sic], they were able to see me right away. They made sure about all of my documents, all of the necessary documentation that I needed so that I could be approved for the program. I heard back from the program consistently, probably about two weeks after I completed the application. Bridgewater was consistent. They were timely. They were respectful, and they have been a valued resource in the community. I'm extremely appreciative of the resources and how timely I was able to take care of my personal business during this really unprecedented time in our history. So thank you Bridgewater for making sure this neighborhood and this community have resources to be able to stay afloat."

Jones, Naajiadaah. [Bridgewater-Sullivan Community Life Center]. 2022, January 28)

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Naajiadaah Jones

I've never been good with accepting acts of kindness from others, but on August 5, 2021, my life changed forever. I lost my husband of 49 years. I had a loss of income, and although it would be temporary, I was still unable to pay my monthly bills. My niece suggested that I apply for assistance through the Bridgewater-Sullivan Community Life Center. I was initially hesitant to start the process and ask for help in general. 

The process and the immediate response from Candice Jennings and Reverend Terrance Thomas put an end to all of my reservations. Due to the pandemic, I had trouble reaching someone from the rental office of my landlord. They were patient and kind as I continued to struggle to provide needed information. This kindness helped me overcome my fears when I needed them most. I am forever grateful for their service and generosity. 

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Delois