Grant Recipients

Jennifer – North Andover, MA

Network Angels grant recipientThe birth of a child is generally filled with joy—and exhaustion—for most new parents, but for Jennifer, it was a time of fear and anxiety.  When he was only a few months old, Jennifer’s son was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit after going into respiratory failure. Jennifer was with him through his five days in the hospital and knew it was in neither her son’s nor her best interest to leave the baby’s side in the days after he was discharged home to return to work.

With her maternity leave scheduled to end, taking unpaid days off became her only option. Jennifer knew this would come with a heavy financial burden.  A single parent without any other source of income, Jennifer was unable to pay her rent and feared that she and her young son would be evicted from their apartment.

“I was aware of Network Angels from browsing The MENTOR Network website, but I did not initially consider applying, because I didn’t feel like my situation would meet the requirements,” said Jennifer, an accounts receivable coordinator for NeuroRestorative, a partner of The MENTOR Network.  “However, one of my colleagues suggested I at least try (to apply) because of my situation and the fact that is was unexpected and out of my control.”

Much to her surprise, Network Angels was there to support her.  Jennifer received assistance with her rent and she came to realize Network Angels was indeed there for situations exactly like hers.

“Everyone who contributes (to Network Angels) has no idea of the impact they have on a person’s life,” she said.  “Without the donations, people like me wouldn’t have an option.  I encourage anyone that needs help to apply.  No matter how small you think your situation may be, you truly never know.”