United Way of Greater Williamsburg

Life seldom turns out as we expect, and the dreams we hold dear in our youth drop by the wayside as life throws its challenges in our path. But it is how we deal with these challenges and who we turn to for advice that shape our later years. And, we all need to lean on each other.

Marion had made a good life for herself and her daughter Elise. She had a job that covered most of their needs and their apartment was in a nice area of town. Although it had been challenging to be a single parent, family and friends helped them when times were tough.

Then when she was sixteen, Elise became pregnant. Although Marion had talked with her daughter often about the difficulties of raising a child on your own, Elise decided to continue the pregnancy and keep her child.

Then, Elise delivered twin boys. Suddenly there were four mouths to fill instead of two, and the apartment became cluttered with baby clothes, toys and cribs. Marion remained the only support for the family, and times were even more of a challenge.

Fortunately, Marion had developed a relationship with United Way’s Community Resource Center (CRC). She knew when her shelves became bare; she could receive a referral to a local food pantry. She knew when the twins needed clothes, diapers or shoes; she could receive a referral to a local clothes closet. She knew that when the frustrations of being a single parent – or grandparent – threatened to overwhelm her, there always was a caring staff member at the CRC who would listen.

The CRC exemplifies United Way of Greater Williamsburg’s mission to improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community.

To support the work of United Way of Greater Williamsburg designate your gift to CVC #4000.

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