WACO, TX — Caritas, a nonprofit that helps the community in Central Texas, is in urgent need.
This marks the fourth year the organization, which provides help to veterans in poverty, will receive money to continue their work. The first two years Caritas received $150,000, but this year they were able to obtain $200,000.
So far they have served 700 veterans and this year with the additional funding they hope to help 300 more. The case management program helps veterans through struggles in life that they can't do alone.
"We are so glad and blessed that we are able to continue to help," said Tammy Stevens, Program Director of Caritas.
Kimberlyn Blake served in the U.S. Army for four years, she moved to Waco and got a job at the VA, although things didn't go according to plan and she had to quit for personal reasons. Blake is a single mom of two and wanted what was best for her kids. When she was ready to get back on her feet she turned to Caritas for help.
"What didn't they help me with is a better question. I was able to get reciprocity through them I was able to do child care through them. They provided after school care for my daughter for a while," Blake said.
Caritas even offered to help pay for a refresher course at Central Texas College to help with her nursing license. They also provided food to her and her family from their food bank.
Case management workers will work directly with the veteran to help set and accomplish individual goals to help get them on the right track.
"I call it tear drops of life they, again you know, they fell on hard times they need a and up and that's what they do," Stevens said.
Blake said she doesn't take hand outs easily, she is very independent when things don't go according to plan.
"I'm not someone who likes to admit ever needing help," Blake said.
When she was able to let Caritas in and help her and her two kids she couldn't have been more thankful.
"Not knowing what I was getting into, but seeing what could happen after I did it, it was a really god feeling," Blake said.
Caritas provides this service to veterans living in Mclennan, Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill and Limestone County. A referral from another service provider isn't required but can help. Veterans in need of assistance can also go to Caritas directly or give them a call.
