Jenna's move out of the motel fund
Don protégé
Hi everyone, I'm sharing my story about a very special lil 7 year old girl that I met at an elementary school in Denton, TX. I'm a police officer for the city and visit elementary schools in my district whenever time allows.
Sometime around Septemeber of this year I was at the elementary school greeting the children after school. I look around and see this very small girl in a wheel chair, next to the wall, look at me with a huge smile on her face.
I introduce myself by first name and she tells me she loves police officers and wants to be one. She then went on to tell me she wants to be a firefighter too!! At the time I was unaware why she was in a wheel chair. I did notice braces on her legs, but I didnt want to ask too many questions!
As the school year passed I would still visit this school while working on shift. I fee as though I have the opportunity to make a lasting impression on these kids.
Fast forward to this past 2 weeks. I was able to get the name of Jenna's mother and where she lived. I won't go into too much detail...,but I can say this, I really want to help them get another place to live thats better for their family ASAP! Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak with Jenna's older brother, James, in the lobby of their motel. James is 21 years old and now has become Jenna's caretaker. This came about a little over a year ago when Jenna's dad, Johnny, went into a coma and 3 days later passed away. Jenna's dad suffered from diabetes and heart failure.
Their dad was the sole financial provider, while mom, Veronica, was a stay at home parent to care for Jenna. This forced mom to get a job and now works a full and a part time job trying to make ends meet. Unfortunately this takes time away from her family. Time that her family most importantly needs. Jenna also has a brother, whose 15, and goes to high school in Denton.
James told me they have a storage unit in Denton that is about to go for auction on December 1st if $300 is not paid by 11/30/16 (today). James continued to tell me about their wonderful family and unfortunately due to circumstances that they have to live in this motel and have for the past 6 months or so. Before I left the motel, the GM told me they were behind $250, but would work with them. He overheard my conversation with James and told me he wanted to help them. My heart immediately melted.
My work day continued, but I knew there was so much more of the story that I really didnt know. The truth is, the first time and all other days I have seen Jenna at school I would never have guessed she was living in a motel. I believe they are possibly day away from being homeless.
Before going home I stopped by at the storage center and spoke with a gentleman there to ask for help. He told me he couldnt give specifics on her account, but if I wanted to help catch them up I could pay $X amount. I found myself negotiating with him to get the lowest price for this family. Before leaving he agreed that if she paid $315 by close of business on 11/30/16 (today) then that would stop their unit from going to auction on 12/1/16. Or they could pay $472.50 and would then be free to remove their belongings and move them elsewhere.
On my way home I call Jenna's mom, Veronica, and she filled me in further. Jenna was diagnosed with Spina Bifida when Veronica was 25 weeks pregnant. She said she was having Jenna and there was no other opton. I asked Veronica about the storage unit. She said they were behind and may lose their personal items that are inside it. She immediately started crying. She said all of their clothes, Jenna's Build a Bear collection that her dad gave her before he passed is in there. She asked if I heard of the Russ Martin Foundation and I had. She said the RMF builtJenna a small electric car, specifically for her. I believe this came after her dad passed away. Living in the small motel, even one that has a small kitchen, there isn't room for all of their possessions. Veronica said she would ask her mom for money, but her mom doesnt have any money either. She may have a friend that may loan her the money for a few days, but would need to be repaid. Veronica gets paid from her part time job this Friday. This Friday is too late.
Veronica told me she wanted to move to Coppell. She thought she had a house, but someone more qualified, with the deposit and first payment, was ready and got the house. She said she wanted to move there because she works in that area for her full time job and could go home if needed to help with Jenna. Currently she drives from Denton to Coppell and back home 5 days a week. She also drives to Grapevine for her part time job in retail.
I feel touched by this family's story and I personally see Jenna's smile. This poor child is happy even with her current conditions she's faced with. That alone makes me smile.
Last night I shared my story with my wife, Tracy, over dinner and we had shed tears and said prayers. She immediately asked for help through her network of friends on Facebook. I've seen and heard, from the messages and speaking directly with people, that families are willing and ready to help however possible.
The money given will be used to catch them up on everything and get them into new housing. I personally would be so thankful for any help everyone can give to this family. I can only imagine the love this family would feel. Please consider giving in any way you can.
Sincerely,
Jared Raye
Sometime around Septemeber of this year I was at the elementary school greeting the children after school. I look around and see this very small girl in a wheel chair, next to the wall, look at me with a huge smile on her face.
I introduce myself by first name and she tells me she loves police officers and wants to be one. She then went on to tell me she wants to be a firefighter too!! At the time I was unaware why she was in a wheel chair. I did notice braces on her legs, but I didnt want to ask too many questions!
As the school year passed I would still visit this school while working on shift. I fee as though I have the opportunity to make a lasting impression on these kids.
Fast forward to this past 2 weeks. I was able to get the name of Jenna's mother and where she lived. I won't go into too much detail...,but I can say this, I really want to help them get another place to live thats better for their family ASAP! Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak with Jenna's older brother, James, in the lobby of their motel. James is 21 years old and now has become Jenna's caretaker. This came about a little over a year ago when Jenna's dad, Johnny, went into a coma and 3 days later passed away. Jenna's dad suffered from diabetes and heart failure.
Their dad was the sole financial provider, while mom, Veronica, was a stay at home parent to care for Jenna. This forced mom to get a job and now works a full and a part time job trying to make ends meet. Unfortunately this takes time away from her family. Time that her family most importantly needs. Jenna also has a brother, whose 15, and goes to high school in Denton.
James told me they have a storage unit in Denton that is about to go for auction on December 1st if $300 is not paid by 11/30/16 (today). James continued to tell me about their wonderful family and unfortunately due to circumstances that they have to live in this motel and have for the past 6 months or so. Before I left the motel, the GM told me they were behind $250, but would work with them. He overheard my conversation with James and told me he wanted to help them. My heart immediately melted.
My work day continued, but I knew there was so much more of the story that I really didnt know. The truth is, the first time and all other days I have seen Jenna at school I would never have guessed she was living in a motel. I believe they are possibly day away from being homeless.
Before going home I stopped by at the storage center and spoke with a gentleman there to ask for help. He told me he couldnt give specifics on her account, but if I wanted to help catch them up I could pay $X amount. I found myself negotiating with him to get the lowest price for this family. Before leaving he agreed that if she paid $315 by close of business on 11/30/16 (today) then that would stop their unit from going to auction on 12/1/16. Or they could pay $472.50 and would then be free to remove their belongings and move them elsewhere.
On my way home I call Jenna's mom, Veronica, and she filled me in further. Jenna was diagnosed with Spina Bifida when Veronica was 25 weeks pregnant. She said she was having Jenna and there was no other opton. I asked Veronica about the storage unit. She said they were behind and may lose their personal items that are inside it. She immediately started crying. She said all of their clothes, Jenna's Build a Bear collection that her dad gave her before he passed is in there. She asked if I heard of the Russ Martin Foundation and I had. She said the RMF builtJenna a small electric car, specifically for her. I believe this came after her dad passed away. Living in the small motel, even one that has a small kitchen, there isn't room for all of their possessions. Veronica said she would ask her mom for money, but her mom doesnt have any money either. She may have a friend that may loan her the money for a few days, but would need to be repaid. Veronica gets paid from her part time job this Friday. This Friday is too late.
Veronica told me she wanted to move to Coppell. She thought she had a house, but someone more qualified, with the deposit and first payment, was ready and got the house. She said she wanted to move there because she works in that area for her full time job and could go home if needed to help with Jenna. Currently she drives from Denton to Coppell and back home 5 days a week. She also drives to Grapevine for her part time job in retail.
I feel touched by this family's story and I personally see Jenna's smile. This poor child is happy even with her current conditions she's faced with. That alone makes me smile.
Last night I shared my story with my wife, Tracy, over dinner and we had shed tears and said prayers. She immediately asked for help through her network of friends on Facebook. I've seen and heard, from the messages and speaking directly with people, that families are willing and ready to help however possible.
The money given will be used to catch them up on everything and get them into new housing. I personally would be so thankful for any help everyone can give to this family. I can only imagine the love this family would feel. Please consider giving in any way you can.
Sincerely,
Jared Raye
Organisateur et bénéficiaire
jared raye
Organisateur
Denton, TX
veronica paredes acosta
Bénéficiaire