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Like many individuals in our community categorized as ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – Taraj was just one unexpected expense away from a crisis. For him, that crisis arrived in the form of a utility bill during his recovery from surgery.
He is a single parent and an hourly employee trying to stay afloat during a difficult period in his life.
As an hourly employee, his absence from work quickly led to him struggling to maintain his job and housing for himself and his son.
Facing this difficult situation, he reached out to Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) for utility assistance and found a dedicated case manager named Kielar. Her support went far beyond keeping the lights on.
Even though Kielar’s role is focused on assisting members of our community with utility assistance, all our case managers are trained to handle mental health crises should they arise.
During her initial conversation with Taraj over email, she realized he was under immense mental strain, and it was leading him to have suicidal thoughts. She could have referred Taraj to our 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, but she followed her instinct she reached out to a fellow staff member at HFUW for guidance on how best to assist him.
As a result, Kielar was able to de-escalate the situation and help Taraj navigate the available resources. She connected him with the Christian Service Center for rental assistance, where he also found a supportive community that helped him build a solid foundation.
Kielar’s assistance did not end there. Thoughtful emails and lists of resources continued to arrive in Taraj’s inbox–a consistent reminder that someone cared.
For Taraj, who spent a lonely childhood in foster care, this support was life changing. He had someone in his corner that went the extra mile to make sure he was seen and cared for.
Eventually, Taraj asked to meet Kielar in person, to say thank you. That moment is a testament to the power of human connection—and to how we all can make an impact.
63% of Central Floridians have mental health needs that are not being met. This story personifies the necessity of mental health resources that HFUW provides to our community, offering not just immediate relief, but also a beacon of hope and connection for ALICE individuals like Taraj who are striving to build a more stable future. We are committed to reaching as many of our neighbors as possible with the resources they need to not only survive but thrive.