Grant Recipients

Mary – Porterville, CA

Mary has a passion for sharing her home with individuals in need. As a Mentor in California MENTOR’s Family Home Agency program, she has spent seven years opening her home and her heart to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This passion, as well as Mary’s general way of life, came to a sudden halt in January of 2013, when she was struck with an illness and hospitalized for a month. Concerned not only about the impact her illness had on her ability to meet her expenses, but also her ability to pursue her passion for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Mary remembered a newsletter that she had received in the mail from The MENTOR Network, with a specific section standing out in her mind.

“I remember that the newsletter mentioned something about Network Angels, and I thought “God bless them for sending this message,” said Mary, who lives in Porterville, California. “Sure enough, I called Network Angels and they were so helpful.  The process was great and it truly put me at ease.”

Network Angels was able to assist Mary with her utility bills, which she says was especially helpful considering that her husband had been sick, as well.

“Network Angels helped us move on and I was appreciative of that,” she said. “Supporting others can be challenging and when you have health concerns you really need a support you can count on to continue your role as a caregiver. Because (Network Angels) helped us we were able to have an easier time with our transition. I was very grateful, especially because everything went so smoothly.”

Since her recovery, Mary has been able to step back into her role as a Mentor. She remains thankful for the assistance she received, knowing that is was a big part of what helped get her back to living her life and supporting individuals in need.

“I hope my story helps others,” she said. “Hopefully I can give back some day.”