Like many, Neema and her family were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Neema lost her job after the restaurant she worked at closed in August. And while her husband was still employed, they worried that one income would not be enough to cover the bills.
While they were able to keep up with their rent payments, Neema and her husband struggled to cover their electricity bill, food costs, and essentials for their two young children.
Neema also worried about her 6-year-old daughter, Asha, who would be continuing her education virtually at home because of the pandemic. Neema was afraid she wouldn’t be able to help Asha with her classes and that she would fall behind her peers. And the internet bill? Neema wasn’t sure she and her husband could afford to keep paying it.
After learning about Family Centers, Neema spoke with Family Coach Greta, who assured her that Neighborhood House could help. Neema’s anxiety was lessened, knowing she had options and the support of Greta every step of the way.
Neighborhood House’s Family Centers work to address people’s needs on a case-by-case basis and help provide a safety net for families in the community.
Greta and Neema worked one-on-one to create a plan to address her lost income, fulfill her family’s basic needs, and support Asha through school. With Greta’s help and support, Neema applied for unemployment, began utilizing the food market, and was able to access low-cost high-speed internet for Asha’s virtual learning.
Thanks to generous supporters, Neema is now receiving unemployment benefits, her family has access to food and clothes, and Asha is excelling in school. Life during the pandemic was made just a little easier for Neema and her family, and they’re hopeful for the future.
