The “Smiths”, “Jennifer” and her husband “Mike”, make a good living. He has worked in the travel industry for over 10 years. She is a hair dresser with a wonderful group of established clients. They aren’t rich, but they’re comfortable. Or, they were until COVID-19 struck. Like so many, they have had their world turned upside down. Jennifer is banned from working right now and Mike has been completely laid off. He got an apology from the company along with the message that he will no longer have a job, even when this is over. It’s not the company’s fault…it is no one’s fault; it’s just the hard reality many are now living in. Their mortgage is around $1800 a month. Their bills for things like utilities and internet are modest. They will get the $2,400 from the federal government, which will get them through almost a month. Unemployment will likely help, but their worry is long term. Of course, we helped with what we could, but, as we see more and more stories just like this one, we too struggle to come up with long term solutions. At least for now, Mike and Jennifer know they are not alone. Even if we can’t “fix” it, we can walk alongside them as they try to navigate this new “normal”. There are many like the Smiths that have called POM for help. At least 50% of our current case load are new clients. People who have been just fine until now. As we move forward through this uncertainty, we are exceedingly grateful for this community that helps US know WE are not alone. YOU are giving US hope every day, that we WILL get through this, together! It will take all of us, and we take great comfort in knowing you are praying for us, for our clients and for the world.