A Simple Thank You from a Client

After the April 2023 tornado damaged her rural Oklahoma home, one of our clients faced an uphill battle. The storm ripped the flue from her mobile home’s chimney, leaving it exposed to the elements. With broken windows and softened floors, her home was no longer safe—but FEMA assistance fell short, even after multiple appeals.

That’s when she met Kristi, her dedicated disaster case manager. Kristi became her advocate and anchor throughout the recovery process. When our partner agency determined that repairs would cost more than the value of the home, Kristi helped shift the focus: assisting her with relocation, connecting her to our car donation program, and guiding her toward job development opportunities. She stood by her through every setback—including when she lost her car in an accident and, later, her job.

Today, she’s rebuilding her independence—delivering DoorDash and continuing to work with our job development team toward full-time employment.

Her words of thanks say it best:

Dear Kristy and Donors of Catholic Charities,
I grew up with a dad who embedded principles of positivity—gratitude, faith, hope and to never give up. I have lived a life following those principles and raising my family with them also. These last few years have been an incredible test of those principles! It is definitely a wake-up call to realize who your true support crew is. Two years ago, my daughters and I were given a new support crew. One with humility, positivity—all the good things!

I was introduced to Catholic Charities via the Red Cross. I was numb and lost. Honestly, I didn’t know for sure if Catholic Charities was actually going to help or just make an appearance. Then Kristy came into my life and I was shown to trust and I would be helped, not forgotten. It never fails, when I’m feeling a tad down, Kristy calls at a time when I’m needing reassurance and she delivers!

The appreciation I have for not being forgotten has no boundaries. The gifting of my truck came at a time when I felt no sense of independence, loneliness. I am able to be independent now, do deliveries, visit my family or just drive around the lake. Hopefully soon, I will be driving to work!

I am eternally grateful and humbled by all of you associated with Catholic Charities. Knowing that I still have your support along this journey keeps my positivity and strength in check!

Thank you again!