Brad Brown

Kathleen is a widow that attends church regularly and her pastor speaks very highly of her.  She has had a very difficult year concerning her children and grandchildren, however, everything is improving day by day. Kathleen actually came in to buy a car.  Unfortunately due to her disabilities and limited income, we could not assist her.  Instead, we asked our service team to take a look at her car to see what it needed.  It was a pretty big job due to several issues.  Our service team reached out to BPM to see if we could help.  After receiving her application, we agreed she was out of options.  Kathleen’s pastor states he is sending a donation to Because People Matter to help pay for some of the expenses we incurred on her repair.  This is not a requirement to receive our help, but of course it will go on to help others in need in the future.  We thank Kathleen’s pastor for his gift and wish Kathleen the best.

Karen is a Native American of a local tribe. She was adopted as an infant and raised in a town near Grand Island as the daughter of a Methodist pastor and his family. In the early 80’s her birth mother became very ill and she returned to the reservation to care for her. Since then, God has put it upon her heart to serve her people by providing needed clothing, appliances, and dignity. She and her family have chosen a life of poverty in an effort to bring the gospel to the tribe. MiddleCross church is networking together with Karen and her ministry to earn the right to present the gospel through relationships on the reservation. With out transportation of her own, Karen struggles to get to and from the people of the tribe as well as donated items to people who need them. This donation will allow her to travel back and forth from the donations to the recipients all while spreading the word and love of God along the way.

First of all we would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone that helped during this year’s Car Care Clinic!

Below is a rundown of their stories, we send a HUGE thank you to Christian Heritage and the Veteran Crisis Center for working through these applications with us in preparation for this evening.  We also would like to thank JJ’s Party house for the entertainment for the kids (and adults).  Everyone who helped set up, clean up, and make this night possible~thank you!

Jaylynn’s life has recently been turned upside down when her and her fiancee decided to take on his two nephews that were going into foster care on top of her already 3 children.  Shortly after receiving custody of the nephews, Jaylynn found herself starting over with these five children all dependent upon her.  Jaylynn is very close to becoming legal guardian over the boys and is incredibly thankful for the love and support from Christian Heritage and the blessing our Because People Matter program has given her.  With 5 little people all needing her to transport them,  Jaylynn is very relieved at the peace of mind she now has knowing her car is safe for the future.

Melissa and her husband are parents to five and recently added a 6th, Melissa’s niece.  Her niece has had her share of life challenges the current one being adjusting to life with aunt Melissa and 5 siblings.  This is huge when you have been an only child your entire life.  Melissa says she is adjusting nicely and loves her new school and teacher.  Melissa and her husband feel blessed to be a part of this, with so many little people car repairs tend to get put on the back burner.  Melissa and her husband would like to express their deepest thanks for the time our staff spent on these repairs and would like them to know how much this means to their family.

Julie became a foster parent when her 7 year old grandson entered the system due to his mothers mental health issues.  Julie is happy to report her daughter is getting the help she needs and Julie is able to be there for her grandson. Julie is on a fixed income and adding another expense and one that grows is very difficult on her financially.  Julie looks forward to her and her grandson becoming even closer and what future God has planned for him and his mother.  She states she loves her daughter and grandson as much as she loves the Lord Jesus, she praises Him for this program and the opportunity to submit an application.  “Thank you Anderson Auto Group for your faithful service.”

James is living with the other vets we serviced at the clinic in a house for Vets overcoming homelessness.  James has PTSD as well as other physical issues from his many years of service to our country.  He is unable to work, therefore on disability.  In this program, James is learning how to live on a disability budget as well as how to cope with his disabilities physically and mentally.  He also, is very thankful for our service during the Car Care Clinic.  Trying to get his life back together has been made a little easier by this clinic.

Michael is also a veteran living in the group home, Michael is working full time to get himself back on his feet.  Michael is also the one who they call when they need a shift covered, we actually had a plan B for Micheal in case he was called in before or during our clinic!  Michael has been moved around his entire life from grade school to his life in service.  He has been at his current position for a while and is looking forward to making roots here in Lincoln where he can be close to his daughter and her family.  Michael also, spoke of how grateful he was for this clinic.  He works primarily overnights, no vehicle limits his hours and the calls he would get for extra shifts.  Having reliable transportation is allowing him to be a rock solid employee for his company as well as being able to visit his grand kids and daughter whenever he likes.

Mitchell also suffers from severe PTSD as well as physical limitations and depression.  Mitchell feels he has hit rock bottom and the good Lord is helping him climb back to the top.  Michelle told us during the clinic his prognosis was bleak.  He had type II diabetes, a huge fear of needles, failing eyesight, and rotten teeth.  With the help from the Vet Crisis Program he was able to get glasses, finally a trip to the dentist where they fixed his teeth, as well as learning how to eat and exercise even with his physical limitations.  Mitchell is no longer on daily insulin and now the Lord is making sure he can get around town to his appointments.  He looks forward to finishing the program and living in his own home.  Mitchell was up well past his bedtime, but also was very appreciative for everything our team did for him and everyone else attending the clinic.

From this Care Care Clinic were able to change 8 people’s lives in total.  Thank you!  You are the best part of this!