Bradshaws

“WE’RE HOLDING OUR OWN NOW. OUR HEADS ARE FINALLY ABOVE WATER.”

Drowning In Debt

First notice. Second notice. Then the third. The fourth. And the final. Over time, sales circulars and credit card offers were being replaced by threatening letters for overdue payments. Answering the phone was no longer an automatic reaction. Now there was a pause, then a deep breath – and the small hope that it wasn’t another bill collector demanding money. But most times, it was.

No matter. The phone would soon be shut off anyway. Then there are the leaky pipes. And we have another new prescription that’s either not covered or is too expensive. The bottom line was, we had no bottom line.

Balanced Checkbook. Balanced Life.

Then we met Judy from Guardian Finance and Advocacy Services. It had been so long since we discussed finances with someone who wasn’t condescending or rude. She listened. She understood. But most important, she cared.

Before long, credit cards were paid off. Bills were reduced. And the almighty checkbook was balanced – with even a little extra money in the bank.

We don’t have a lot. But we’ve never needed a lot. And we will always give when others have less.

We are Jackie and Jerry, and we change the story.

With the generous help of Guardian Finance and Advocacy Services, Jackie and Jerry were able to change the story.

Education

To give children the greatest chance to thrive, we invest in early childhood programs that help each child start school ready to learn.  We also support programs that provide quality child care and after-school activities, get families involved in their children’s education, and help children become leaders.

Health

We are making sure people have access to physical and mental health care, and that babies are born healthy. We work with health care providers to keep costs low and make sure services are available for those with little or no health insurance.

Impact Week Day 5: Caring for Young Families, Supporting Latino Community and Improving Housing in Kalamazoo

December 9, 2022

Impact Week Day 4: Enrichment for Kids and Better Food Access in Jackson County

December 8, 2022

Impact Week: Day 3 Making College Accessible and Maximizing Tax Credits in Capital Area

December 7, 2022

Impact Week Day 2: Supporting Mothers and Feeding Children in Battle Creek

December 6, 2022

IMPACT! Rebuilding After Trauma

December 5, 2022

Impact Week: Let’s meet ALICE

December 5, 2022

IMPACT! Creating Economic Success

November 29, 2022

Let’s End The Violence – Together

November 23, 2022

IMPACT! Feeding a Family in Need

November 21, 2022

United Way SCMI Takes on Kalamazoo County VITA Program

November 16, 2022