The following stories are real-life examples of the Action Center's work. The names have been changed to protect client confidentiality.

Mary has three children under five. They all have colds and don't appear to be very well. Two are in diapers - but she doesn't have any. Soon after their father went to prison they were evicted from their home. They are all temporarily living with a friend, but they still have to supply their own food and personal care items. A Jeffco Action Center staff nurse in Client Services saw Mary. She was given much needed diapers, shampoo, soap, toilet paper, lotion, toothpaste and cough medicine for her children. Mary was also referred to the Estes Street Community Clinic for further medical attention for herself and her children. She selected some much needed clothes from the clothing bank and smiled as she was handed bags of groceries from the Food Bank.

Elizabeth is 92 years old. Her social security check is her only income. She lives in a senior high rise, and after paying rent has $55 left over. Her son helps a little, but she and her beloved cat need help with groceries every so often. A Client Services Counselor looks forward to seeing items and conversation. Because she is a senior, she can get services once a month instead of six times a year.

Maria just got a good job! She is so excited to be off welfare and will be making enough money to support her family. However, she is upset because her "wardrobe" is seriously lacking appropriate work clothes. Maria was excited to "shop" for career clothing in the Action Center's Clothing Bank. She also received food and personal care items from a Client Services Counselor to help tide her over until her first paycheck.

Betty and Bob and their two small children have been living in a sub-standard motel. They moved here a couple of months ago from California. Bob makes about $50 a day as temporary labor and pays $45 a day for a roof over their heads. He is a plumber by trade, but cannot get a "real" job because their meager savings is gone and he would have to wait two weeks for a paycheck. Betty and Bob were placed in one of the family units in our shelter. They basically get free room and board for 30 days, which will allow them to save enough money to rent an apartment, and for Bob to get permanent employment.

Joe is a working single dad. Little Joe's mom left them for a life of drugs on the street. Because of unusual expenses this month, they are $100 short on his rent. Joe and his son are facing eviction. Joe was referred to Tenant/Landlord Counseling and was given $100 to make up the shortage in his rent. He also got bus tokens to help him get to work and some groceries to fill his empty cupboard.

Henry is mentally disabled, but his dog Klondike is loved and cared for as much as an animal could be. They are homeless, and live somewhere in a tent. They seem to get by on a small check he receives each month. If Henry had a harness for Klondike he could take him on the bus. An animal lover on the Action Center staff went to PetSmart and bought Klondike a harness. Henry was also given some bus tokens, a sandwich and some dog food.