post covid my sister was incarcerated and left her 4 kids out in the world im a braider so business got slow and unfortunately I caught covid19 still while tryin to maintain n care for my nieces and nephews things got really hard but couldn’t loose hope and through prayer and family help we made it threw.
Concern: Safety of those who can't care for themselves
We need our families and friends.
Initially, COVID really impacted my mental health. I always knew how much my friends and family meant to me but I never expected to not be able to see them from several months at a time. Being in the house, not being able to run at parks or not being able to se my friends really made me feel a b it depressed. I was missing families birthdays and weddings were cancelled. I had recently graduated from college and couldn’t have a proper graduation or celebration. Everything felt wrong. I felt alone and I felt disconnect from the world. That is literally what was happening.
The Kids
This has been crazy being stuck at home. I think my kids have had it hardest bc they can’t see their friends or really participate in any activities. The food distributions and community feedings have been awesome. It saves some money from the limited funds that are no longer coming in.
Hope still lives
During the pandemic I had to stop working but my husband continued to work. Since we were living on one paycheck we couldn’t pay our bills or even take care of basic necessities like food and gas. But youth empowered to prosper started a food pantry that helped us soo much that we didnt need to buy food. We could focus our funds on paying Bill’s and etc. I then started to volunteer because of how they have helped my family. and assist others with getting food. though I filed for both unemployment and food stamps but because of my marital name was changed in my ID I was unqualified for unemployment and food stamps claimed we didnt qualify. I started looking for work but it was difficult because I needed a work from home job but I didnt have any experience. A couple months later I started working but because we were so backed up on our bills we had to play catch up but now were catching up and are able to pay our Bill’s on time.
Trust
My name is Barbara my 3 children and I have Asthma. My self and 10 year old have chronic asthma. This started for us March 23,2020. Our lives will be changed forever. My job closed its door for a few weeks. I said what would I do now. On top of that We have breathing issues that we go through already sometimes on a daily basis. Due to covid which affects people with asthma. We now have been subject to wear masks and isolate ourselves from our family as well as friends. I started getting panic attacks which have never happened before. I felt scared to leave my home. Fear was taking over. My girls 15 year old and 10 year old started getting panic attacks. In the middle of the night my 15 year old Priscilla would just start crying could not take being closed in our home she could not sleep. We had not seen the streets in weeks except for looking outside the windows. On top of what was already going on a cousin of mine died due to covid she was 44 years old. Mother of 3 children she worked for transit. Hearing people around me getting sick some of my church family getting covid. It hit to close to home. I woke up one night and said enough is enough fear will not control me or my home. I Started praying and asking God to remove any fear I have allowed in my mind out. Out in the name of Jesus. Fear cannot and will not have control over me or my children. For we belong to an Almighty POWERFUL GOD.I had to pray it out. Praise and worship more than ever. Reminding my children that God is in control of it all. Of our lives. He is our provider. The air we breathe. I had to take a stand in my home. I was not alone God was right there. Phil 4 :13 I can do ALL things with CHRIST who strengthen me. I will not be afraid. Peace trust and believe. My children first day out was when I heard a food pantry needed volunteers .I said to myself this is God opening the door for you to be of help and step out in faith knowing God will cover me and my home. We prayed and trusted God and went. So many families in need. People who have lost their jobs. Its real. My 17 year old Jeremias said mom this church is full of love. Pastor Cobb and Lady lisa are amazing I said to him. I cried with them in the car. This was just a way of God reminded me he got it all.
Trusting God through it all.
Corona virus has impacted my life for the bad as well as the good. Ive been out of work twice and hours have been cut. Me being a felon makes it even harder due to jobs being limited which had me wondering how would I pay bills and take care of my responsibilities. Now Im witnessing my little cousin who has asthma suffer greatly which is hurting my heart. Despite the bad that has occurred the one good thing that has happened to me, is me witnessing how good God is. He has shown me all I ever have to do is trust in Him and He will provide and make ways for me when all else seems impossible. I also was able to reevaluate myself with the time I had when I wasnt working. Ive made some changes that were needed and was unaware I even had. Ive Had time to focus on my organization I plan on starting and was even able to do a lot of work around the house I normally wouldnt have time for. Its scary with all those going on, anything can happen anytime to anyone but God is good and able.
#23
Mrs catherinr hinson is an 85 year old widow. She was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago as a-symptomatic for covid 19. She is a retired teacher and a proud graduate of an hbcu-bethune-cookman university. She has stood with many causes that have affected change in the black community. Hwe covid 19 respoonse is that it is real. Mrs hinson feels that she went out just a little too much. Her son,efrem,vows to do all errands until this pandemic is over.
#25 (Story #49)
Mrs everlene baker is a native of boynton beach. She is so glad that god has allowed her to see 73 years of age on june 24th. She is a mother to angie,53 yrs old. Who teaches at lake worth high school . She is also her mother’s caregiver. Everlene has suffered from two(2) strokes in the past five(5) years.everlene feels this virus was an act of god due to all the wickedness in the owrld . She believe we must take heed and magnify his name and trust and obey his word.
#18 SHE HAS WORKED IN THE HOMES OF THE WEALTHY
Mrs geneva wilkins and her husband have lived in boynton for about 46 years. There homes sits on a corner with a well-manicured lawn.they are of low- imcome but you will never kmow it. She worked in the homes of the wealthy and there was never a penny taken from her pay for social security benefits. This has happened to many black helps all over. Mrs wilkins feels that cannot take the risk.she has loss alot during this pandemic not able to cook and people come and purchase her food. Mr wilkins tries to have rummage sales on the weekends to make a buck but due to covid 19. All she can testify to is that god has watched over she and her husband,
#21 tHE UNREST HAS BEEN A LONGTIME COMING:
Ms mildred schley is a native of boynton beach. She is a mother to 4 sons and 1 daughter. She now lives with her daughter,jane. Jane teaches at congress middle school. Her oldest son suffers with many health concerns and he is in and out of the hospital.ms schley believes that the unrest has been a long time coming in the black community. She mentions that the baby boomers failed this generation by not standing and staying steadfast to the cause .