Fueling Hope for Josh + Nicole

Anyone’s life can change in an instant. 

Josh and Nicole were busy working and raising their children. They also made sure to volunteer whenever possible, with Nicole spending a lot of time as a mentor to teen girls.

Two years ago, Josh – an Army veteran – unexpectedly fell severely ill. So ill that he had to be placed on life support. Several complications followed, and he lost both of his legs..

In a heartbeat, the couple that had given so much found that they were the ones in need of help.

This is their story – a story of resilience, community, and hope in the face of difficult times.

Grace Care Center Fuels Hope for Josh and Nicole

While Josh fought to recover, Nicole had to take on the brunt of paying bills and caring for their three children. All while supporting her husband as he healed.

“I was worried about his recovery, the house, and how I was going to manage everything with the kids – and whether he was even going to live,” Nicole shares.

Supporters like you made it possible for Grace Care Center to jump in.

“The Care Center stepped in right away,” says Nicole. “The only thing I had to focus on was making medical decisions for him and taking care of our kids.” 

First, a group of volunteers helped Nicole figure out which bills needed to be paid and when, as that was a task that used to fall to Josh. 

Nicole also used the Choice Food Pantry to stretch her grocery budget. The shelves were stocked with the food and household items her family needed, thanks to your support.

But the challenges kept coming. Josh couldn’t work, bills piled up…then the family’s housing situation changed. And their car broke down – a vehicle necessary to get to school, work, and critical doctor appointments.

Once again, Josh and Nicole found a team of people at Grace Care Center who were ready to continue walking alongside them through this difficult time.

A zero-interest loan from the Micro Savings & Loans program enabled the couple to purchase a reliable vehicle. They also joined the Co-op, where they were empowered by volunteer coaches to once more become financially independent.

“Meeting with them helped because there was no judgement,” says Nicole. “They helped us go through our bank statements and look at things we could cut back on, especially when we were in crisis.”

Today, Josh and Nicole are moving forward with hope. They have graduated from the Co-op and no longer need to use the Choice Food Pantry. And they are back to volunteering and mentoring!

Because of your support, Josh and Nicole didn’t have to face their hardest moments alone. 

“I truly don’t know where we would be right now without that help, physically or mentally,” Nicole shares. “Not having to worry about finances or food during the worst time of my life meant everything.”