Recent Ministry Stories - The People We've Been Blessed To Help
Aaron DeBenedetto
September 3, 2025
Our congregation, St. Johannes Lutheran Church, has partnered with Next Steps of South Carolina and The Navigation Center to support a vital ministry in the Charleston area. The Navigation Center is a non-profit that began by serving military veterans and has since expanded to help anyone in crisis. The Center's mission is to empower our most vulnerable neighbors by helping them navigate the complex system of services needed to rebuild sustainable, independent lives.
By providing a volunteer counselor and financial assistance, we join a powerful, collaborative network of over 70 organizations dedicated to this work. It is through this partnership that we can be part of true, lasting life change. Here are a few more stories of our neighbors who have been helped by this shared work.
A Safer Future for Kathy and Her Daughter
Kathy (Highlights) came to us with both hope and urgency. She and her daughter were living in a dangerous community, but they had found an opportunity to move to a much safer apartment. While working with a home healthcare company and actively seeking better employment, Kathy was also caring for her daughter, who was recovering from a severe case of COVID.
The move to safety required a down payment and a deposit that was beyond her current means. We were able to provide part of the assistance needed, and Kathy was able to cover the remainder. Her gratitude was evident as she spoke about the relief of knowing her daughter would be growing up in a safer environment. It was a privilege to help make this critical transition possible for their family.
Finding Safety and Stability for Linda
Linda's story (Black Fingernails on Chest) is one of remarkable resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges. At 62, she had been living on the streets when she was recently assaulted and nearly became the victim of a more serious crime. Living with stage 4 lung disease and recovering from a serious pulmonary embolism, her situation was both dangerous and medically precarious.
A support group discovered Linda and worked to find her housing, but she needed help with the deposit and first month's rent. Multiple organizations came together to support her, and we were honored to be part of this collaborative effort. Together, we were able to provide everything she needed to move into safe housing. Linda's appreciation was deeply moving, and we are grateful that she now has a secure place to focus on her health and healing.
A Fresh Start for Jim
Jim (Bonanza Hat) is a hardworking man who recently faced a period of unemployment that left him temporarily homeless. He has since found work at Outback, where he works as a maintenance person two days a week and washes dishes the other days. Though the work is steady, he needed help bridging the gap until his first paycheck arrived.
We were able to help Jim with part of his first month's rent, giving him the stability he needed to get back on his feet. His happiness and relief were evident, and it was encouraging to see someone who had worked so hard to find employment get the support he needed to maintain his housing. We are confident that Jim will continue to build on this foundation.
Supporting Charlene Through Health Challenges
Charlene (Facemask) is a 65-year-old woman whose life has been significantly impacted by serious health issues. After breaking her back, she now lives with severe chronic pain from the screws that were surgically placed, making it impossible for her to work. She also manages severe allergies that limit her food choices and require expensive medications, some of which she must pay for out of pocket.
When Charlene fell behind on her electric bill, we stepped in to help prevent disconnection. Living on Social Security Disability with such extensive medical needs creates ongoing financial pressure, and we were glad to provide this essential support. It was a reminder of how medical challenges can create cascading difficulties, and we were grateful to help ensure she maintained this basic necessity.
Advocating for Randall and His Wife
Randall and his wife (Couple Pictured) came to us facing a frustrating and complex situation. Since January, Randall has been unable to receive his VA disability benefits for reasons that remain unclear, despite having an appeal pending for an extended period. Without legal representation, navigating the VA system has proven challenging. His wife's limited income has not been sufficient to cover their needs, and they were facing disconnection of their electric service.
We were able to provide counseling on both their immediate financial options and potential legal resources available to help with his VA benefits situation. We also helped with part of their utility bill to prevent disconnection. Their appreciation was evident, and we hope that the guidance we provided will help them navigate the VA system more effectively while they work toward resolving this long-standing issue.
Supporting Duncan's Recovery Journey
Duncan (Polo Hat) is a 62-year-old man whose life changed significantly after suffering a recent stroke. While he receives Social Security, he has typically been able to supplement his income through part-time work, and he is hopeful about returning to work once he receives medical clearance. His 20-year-old son, who has his own heart problems, lives with him and helps with household expenses when possible.
The combination of Duncan's temporary inability to work and his son's health challenges led to them falling behind on their electric bill. We were able to help with that bill, providing stability while Duncan focuses on his recovery. It was encouraging to hear his optimism about returning to work, and we are hopeful that this assistance will bridge the gap until he can resume earning additional income.
Finding Solutions for Mike's Family
Mike and his wife are parents to four children, with only one currently school-aged. While his wife has steady employment with Delta, Mike has been searching for night work because daycare arrangements haven't worked out for their family. The Navigation Center is actively helping him in his job search, and there is optimism that he will find suitable night employment soon.
In the meantime, their electric bill had fallen behind, and they were facing disconnection. We were able to provide assistance that should keep their power on for the next month, giving Mike time to secure employment. It was heartening to see a family working so hard to find creative solutions to their childcare and employment challenges, and we were glad to provide the breathing room they needed.
A Fresh Beginning for Debbie
Debbie's story (Not Pictured) represents a positive new chapter. As a single mother of a 7-year-old boy, she has recently started a new job with a med-tech company and moved into a new apartment. While her mother has provided some support, an old electric bill from her previous residence needed to be resolved before she could fully move forward.
Working full-time and committed to building a stable life for her son, Debbie was able to contribute part of what was needed to clear the old bill. We were happy to help with the remainder, allowing her to start fresh without this financial burden hanging over her. She left our meeting very happy, and we were encouraged by her determination and the positive steps she is taking for her family's future.
By providing a volunteer counselor and financial assistance, we join a powerful, collaborative network of over 70 organizations dedicated to this work. It is through this partnership that we can be part of true, lasting life change. Here are a few more stories of our neighbors who have been helped by this shared work.
A Safer Future for Kathy and Her Daughter
Kathy (Highlights) came to us with both hope and urgency. She and her daughter were living in a dangerous community, but they had found an opportunity to move to a much safer apartment. While working with a home healthcare company and actively seeking better employment, Kathy was also caring for her daughter, who was recovering from a severe case of COVID.
The move to safety required a down payment and a deposit that was beyond her current means. We were able to provide part of the assistance needed, and Kathy was able to cover the remainder. Her gratitude was evident as she spoke about the relief of knowing her daughter would be growing up in a safer environment. It was a privilege to help make this critical transition possible for their family.
Finding Safety and Stability for Linda
Linda's story (Black Fingernails on Chest) is one of remarkable resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges. At 62, she had been living on the streets when she was recently assaulted and nearly became the victim of a more serious crime. Living with stage 4 lung disease and recovering from a serious pulmonary embolism, her situation was both dangerous and medically precarious.
A support group discovered Linda and worked to find her housing, but she needed help with the deposit and first month's rent. Multiple organizations came together to support her, and we were honored to be part of this collaborative effort. Together, we were able to provide everything she needed to move into safe housing. Linda's appreciation was deeply moving, and we are grateful that she now has a secure place to focus on her health and healing.
A Fresh Start for Jim
Jim (Bonanza Hat) is a hardworking man who recently faced a period of unemployment that left him temporarily homeless. He has since found work at Outback, where he works as a maintenance person two days a week and washes dishes the other days. Though the work is steady, he needed help bridging the gap until his first paycheck arrived.
We were able to help Jim with part of his first month's rent, giving him the stability he needed to get back on his feet. His happiness and relief were evident, and it was encouraging to see someone who had worked so hard to find employment get the support he needed to maintain his housing. We are confident that Jim will continue to build on this foundation.
Supporting Charlene Through Health Challenges
Charlene (Facemask) is a 65-year-old woman whose life has been significantly impacted by serious health issues. After breaking her back, she now lives with severe chronic pain from the screws that were surgically placed, making it impossible for her to work. She also manages severe allergies that limit her food choices and require expensive medications, some of which she must pay for out of pocket.
When Charlene fell behind on her electric bill, we stepped in to help prevent disconnection. Living on Social Security Disability with such extensive medical needs creates ongoing financial pressure, and we were glad to provide this essential support. It was a reminder of how medical challenges can create cascading difficulties, and we were grateful to help ensure she maintained this basic necessity.
Advocating for Randall and His Wife
Randall and his wife (Couple Pictured) came to us facing a frustrating and complex situation. Since January, Randall has been unable to receive his VA disability benefits for reasons that remain unclear, despite having an appeal pending for an extended period. Without legal representation, navigating the VA system has proven challenging. His wife's limited income has not been sufficient to cover their needs, and they were facing disconnection of their electric service.
We were able to provide counseling on both their immediate financial options and potential legal resources available to help with his VA benefits situation. We also helped with part of their utility bill to prevent disconnection. Their appreciation was evident, and we hope that the guidance we provided will help them navigate the VA system more effectively while they work toward resolving this long-standing issue.
Supporting Duncan's Recovery Journey
Duncan (Polo Hat) is a 62-year-old man whose life changed significantly after suffering a recent stroke. While he receives Social Security, he has typically been able to supplement his income through part-time work, and he is hopeful about returning to work once he receives medical clearance. His 20-year-old son, who has his own heart problems, lives with him and helps with household expenses when possible.
The combination of Duncan's temporary inability to work and his son's health challenges led to them falling behind on their electric bill. We were able to help with that bill, providing stability while Duncan focuses on his recovery. It was encouraging to hear his optimism about returning to work, and we are hopeful that this assistance will bridge the gap until he can resume earning additional income.
Finding Solutions for Mike's Family
Mike and his wife are parents to four children, with only one currently school-aged. While his wife has steady employment with Delta, Mike has been searching for night work because daycare arrangements haven't worked out for their family. The Navigation Center is actively helping him in his job search, and there is optimism that he will find suitable night employment soon.
In the meantime, their electric bill had fallen behind, and they were facing disconnection. We were able to provide assistance that should keep their power on for the next month, giving Mike time to secure employment. It was heartening to see a family working so hard to find creative solutions to their childcare and employment challenges, and we were glad to provide the breathing room they needed.
A Fresh Beginning for Debbie
Debbie's story (Not Pictured) represents a positive new chapter. As a single mother of a 7-year-old boy, she has recently started a new job with a med-tech company and moved into a new apartment. While her mother has provided some support, an old electric bill from her previous residence needed to be resolved before she could fully move forward.
Working full-time and committed to building a stable life for her son, Debbie was able to contribute part of what was needed to clear the old bill. We were happy to help with the remainder, allowing her to start fresh without this financial burden hanging over her. She left our meeting very happy, and we were encouraged by her determination and the positive steps she is taking for her family's future.
___________
Tom Pinckney, an active member of St. Johannes Lutheran Church, leads our work. He is passionate about helping others navigate the challenges in life. Thank you, Tom!
If you would like to know more about this ministry or how you can help, please let Tom or Pastor Aaron know.
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