This notation is written to outline the series of events which led to their present situation and subsequent request for Loss Mitigation Assistance.

 An April 18th, 2004, Bernardino was struck by another motorist in a direct motor vehicle collision. The other driver was late for work, speeding an excess of limit, and openly admitted running the red light facing him. Unfortunately for them, this person was unable to provide a driver’s license, proof of insurance, or even a social security number. He was issued several tickets at the accident scene and was allowed to go by the Houston Police Department.

 Bernardino was cut out of his vehicle, back boarded and collared by the paramedics of the Houston Fire Department. He was transported to the Methodist Hospital Emergency Department where Erwina is employed as an RN. After extensive x-rays, CAT scans, and close physical examination by the emergency room doctor. Bernardino was released with the diagnosis of multiple contusions, bruises, but no broken bones or extensive injuries. Both the police and the paramedics interviewed Bernardino while in the ER. They were given the news that the other driver was injury free but unable to provide legal documents to support himself. They were advised to retain the services of an attorney.

 An April 19th, 2004, they visited the holding area of the towing company that secured the accident scene. State Farm adjusters were already there and proceeded to declare the vehicle, a brand-new 2004 Chevy Tahoe, a “ total loss. ” They were advised to see Attorney DeSimone by the owner of the wrecking service in order to facilitate the paperwork with the insurance company involved. They retained the services of said law firm on the same day.

 On April 20th, 2004, Bernardino was referred to Doctor S. Pagano for management of symptoms resulting from the accident. Doctor Pagano is a chiropractor and proceeded to provide care in the form of adjustments to Bernardino’s neck and back. After three weeks of therapy, Bernardino was cleared to return to work. Bernardino then informed Doctor Pagano that he would discontinue visits since he was fit to return to work. The final adjustment resulted in immediate pain and tingling to Bernardino’s left side.

 After several days of pain and gradual numbness, Bernardino returned to Doctor Pagano’s clinic. Doctor Pagano ordered a CAT scan of the head and neck to search for injuries. The results were forwarded to his office and the clinic visits continued until the end of May. By June, Bernardino’s symptoms were worsening. He developed intense headaches, blurred vision, trouble walking, and distinctive weakness to his left arm and left leg. Doctor Pagano’s services were discontinued after several sessions where Bernardino constantly informed him of worsening symptoms and growing anxiety that more harm was occurring rather than good. Bernardino was put on short term disability leave by his employer, the Methodist Hospital.

 Between June and July 2004, Bernardino was admitted several times for neurological problems stemming from symptoms related to continuous complaints post chiropractic therapy. The Methodist Hospital was unable to pinpoint the cause of worsening condition despite several CAT scans and MRI. By mid-July, 2004, Bernardino was unable to walk without assistance, drive a vehicle, sit/stand/lie down for more than five minutes, continuous headaches and numbness and weakness to bilateral extremities. A myelogram was done at the insistence of Erwina since CT/MRI results were negative. The myelogram showed fractures in C3-C4 of the spine. Bernardino underwent decompression and fusion of the C-spine on July the 19th, 2004.

 By September 2004, Bernardino was terminated from his position with the hospital and was given long-term disability status. His ability to earn was reduced to an income of $1134.25 a month. Erwina continues to work as an RN in order to provide for the family. State Farm insurance was unable to pursue the other driver for damages. The other driver failed to appear in court to address the citations in which he was charged with. It is unknown if this individual is still in the United States. Bernardino severed his relationship with the DeSimone Law Firm and hired the Matthews Law Firm to represent his case against Dr. Pagano for chiropractic malpractice. Litigation is pending as of July 2005.

 Bernardino and Erwina continue to reside in their home located at 8503 Rigby Court, Humble, TX. They have four children: Xianelle- age 13, Xiarhina- age 10, Xiarissa- age 7, and Marcus- age 5. The children reside in the same home and attend local public schools. The family has the use of one vehicle for transportation to work/school. Due to Bernardino’s continuing disability and frequent hospitalizations, the family continues to experience financial hardship. The family has recently been granted permanent residency status as of January 2005 and is therefore ineligible to receive social security assistance for dependence. Erwina’s income remains the sole source of financial stability for the family. Her income is affected by frequent leaves taken in order to care for the children and Bernardino during his many hospital admissions. Recent cutbacks to overtime shifts at the hospital has led to further reductions in income earned. Furthermore, Bernardino and Erwina have no family support in the United States.

 In conclusion, Bernardino continues to hold disability status and Erwina is currently seeking a second, full-time job in order to supplement finances. They have applied for disability status for homestead tax assessment purposes. They are requesting a stay of foreclosure and wish to enter into an agreement with Waterfield Mortgages to reduce the monthly payment and to extend the length of time the mortgage is contracted for. They are in the process of debt consolidation and review by attorney for possible bankruptcy. It is their hope to remain in their home if possible as poor credit standings indicate low probability for re-location to another house/apartment. They have consulted several real estate firms in Houston and were told market value of home would not be met due to surplus of homes for sale in the immediate vicinity. It is understood the equity in the present home is limited, however Bernardino and Erwina feel all avenues of relief have been explored, and therefore request any assistance in saving their home.

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ACCION Texas, Inc.
2014 S. Hackberry Street
San Antonio, TX 78210
Executive Director: Janie Barrera
Microloan Contact: Elizabeth Montoya
E-mail: info@acciontexas.org
Phone: 210-226-3664 Fax: 210-226-2940
Service Area: Arkansas, Atascosa, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bexar, Blanco, Brewster, Brooks, Brownsville, Burnet, Carmeron, Caldwell, Calhoun, Comal, Concho, Corpus Christi, Crockett, Culberson, Dallas, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, El Paso, Fayette, Fort Worth, Frio, Gillespie, Goliad, Gonzales, Green, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Houston, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Irion, Jackson, Jeff Davis, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kenedy, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Kleberg, Lampasas, Laredo, LaSalle, Lavaca, Lee, Live Oak, Llano, Loving, Mason, Maverick, Medina, McAllen, McCulloch, McMullen, Menard, Midland/Odessa, Nueces, Pecos, Presidio, Real, Reeves, Real, Reeves, Refugio, San Antonio, San Patricio, San Saba, Schleicher, Starr, Sutton, Tarrant, Tom Green, Travis, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria , Webb, Willacy, Zapata and Zavala counties
Website:

Business Resource Center Incubator
401 Franklin Ave.
Waco, TX 76701
Executive Director: John Dosher
Microloan Contact: John Dosher
E-mail: john@brc-waco.com
Phone: 254-754-8898 Fax: 254-756-0776
Service Area: Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Hill, and McLennan counties
Website:

BiG AUSTIN- Businesses Investment Growth
4100 Ed Bluestein , Suite 207
Austin, TX 78741
Executive Director: Jeannette Peten
Microloan Contact: Ligia Trevino
E-mail: info@bigaustin.org
Phone: 512-928-8010 Fax: 512-926-2997
Service Area: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, BWebsiteeson, Milam, Gillespie, Lampasas, Lee, Llano, Mason, Mcculloch, and SanSaba counties
Website:

Neighborhood Housing Services of Dimmitt County, Inc.
301 Pena Street
Carrizo Springs, TX 78834
Executive Director: Manuel Estrada, Jr.
Microloan Contact: Manuel Estrada, Jr.
E-mail: nhsdc@brushco.net
Phone: 830-876-5295 Fax: 830-876-4136
Service Area: Dimmit, La Salle, Zavala Edwards, Kinney, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde and Maverick counties
Website:

Rural Development and Finance Corporation
711 Navarro Street Suite 350
San Antonio, TX 78207
Executive Director: Gloria Guerrero
Microloan Contact: Lucy Brooks
E-mail: RDFC@DCCI.COM
Phone: 210-212-4552 Fax: 210-212-9159
Service Area: Cameron, El Paso, Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, Maverick, Dimmit, Webb, Zapata, and Zavala counties
Website:

San Antonio Local Development Company
215 South San Saba , Rm 107
San Antonio, TX 78207
Executive Director:Ramire Cavazos
Microloan Contact: Robert Ayala
E-Mail: roberta@sanantonio.gov
Phone: 210-207-3932 Fax: 210-207-8151
Service Area: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, San Antonio and Wilson counties
Website:

Southern Dallas Development Corporation
351 West Blvd., Suite 800
Dallas, TX 75208
Executive Director: Jim Reid
Microloan Contact: Victor Elmore
E-mail: Velmore@SBDC.org
Phone: 214-428-7332 Fax: 214-948-8104
Service Area: Portions of the City of Dallas
Website:

The Corporation for Economic Development of Harris County, Inc.
11703 ½ - 1Easttex Freeway
Executive Director: Jacqueline Griffin
Microloan Contact: Vllerie Boudreaux-Allen
E- mail: jgriffin@cedhc.com
Phone: 281-590-5600 Fax: 281-590-5605
Service Area: Brazoria, Chambers, FortBend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller Counties
Website:

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Two years ago my husband and I received custody of three beautiful granddaughters, ages 10, 8, & 5.  Sara, the oldest is disabled due to arthrogryposis at birth. Shortly after receiving custody, I became disabled, I am  45 yrs. of age and I have osteoarthritis throughout my body, needless to say our finances have become very limited.  Sara is a very intelligent young lady.  I am unable to take her anyplace,  she has become too heavy to lift and it is impossible for anyone to load her wheelchair, therefore Sara is usually at home.  She misses alot of school functions, parties, etc.  We are in desperate need of a wheelchair accessible van.  Please Help!

Well where should I start...... for the most part I am not really a bad person just the victom of some bad decisions.  I had never really understood credit or the ability of it to affect your livleyhood.  I have always been perceived as a very smart individual yet where are all these smarts now because I feel like I have no idea what to do with my life other than put it in GOD's hands.  Talented well yes I do beleive that I am. I have graduated college yet I am still in debt with student loans over $25,000 which are increasing of course.  My neglect to my financial situations have definitly caught up to me and of course at the most inconvienent time of my life.  I as most college students planned to graduate college and receive that great opportunity that college added to your life.  The idea of not living how I was raised ..... never knowing if bills were going to be paid on time or at all.  I have managed to live for the most part up to the standards that society has set.  I really want to fix all my wrongs, fix my credit, change my financial future and for the most part live my life through GOD.  I just don't know where to start.  Due to a poor decision I made in Dec 2004 to drink and drive I was left with a suspended license, and fines that totaled over 2,000.  Yes they are still there.  Working check to check this extra money is so hard to find to pay these "punishments"  not to mention they want to go to so many classes and take these counciling sessions that of course cost $$$$$ which you are already strapped for.  What did I do NOTHING its definitly haunting me now.  I recenlty lost the best job I have ever had.  I am in the process of being evicted from my apartment b/c my roomate whome I had given $ for rent never took it to the office and managed to intervien the office manger from calling me to let me know that rent wasn't paid.  3 months rent totalling $3,800 due to late fees and penalties which accrued.  I have managed to scrape up $3,000 I have the approval and respect of my apartment managers but that doesn't pay the bills. With my electricity shut off, the student loan office garnishing my wages... which I no longer make since I lost my job due to my inability to arrive to work on time.  I feel like there is no end I know that I am the direct cause of all of my misfortunes yet I see no light in my tunnel.  The State of TEXAS wants fine money yet I cant drive to work.  Catching a ride or depending on someone else is not cutting it and w/o the financial means to obtaine a occupational lic I am left with my back against the wall.My sister had her baby last week, a beautiful baby boy Brennan Reid.  I just want him to have an uncle he can be proud of, considering he doesn't have a father he can be proud of, the deadbeat left my sister when he found out she was pregnant and that is why she moved to Texas form Idaho to start over.  I havn't given her the best idea for a "new start" either.  My father is helping as much as he can but even w/o a job I make more that my father.  Typical sob story I know..... I have managed to live the 26 years with the thought of all my accomplishment be owed to none other than myself and GOD. I have realized now that I can't do it alone at least mentally anyhow its too much.On a positive note I got my electricity turned back on and am just trying to avoid selling anymore of my personal items to cover any left over debts. I worked so hard to obtain everything I have and to have to sell it tends to be more than I can handle.  Truth be told I am mentally and physically exausted and do not know what else to do.  I have tapped every possible resource and absolutly mentally drained.  I know that I have amazing potential to do whatever I want in life.... yet I feel so held back due to my past financial obligations.....which I intend to pay back just havent had the opportunity to.  I am not supposed to drive, if I get pulled over I will go to jail.  Yet I am unable to affored a occupational lic as with lawyer fees it is around $700.00  on top of finding a job and managing the $11 in my checking account and not falling behind on my other bills ....not to mention my fines now totaling over $2,000+.... I just want to crawl in the corner and forget about it all.  NOT AN OPTION ...... If anyone has experienced any thing like this and was successfull in overcoming please , please , please contact me and give me hope.  Or even if you failed at least let me prepare for whatever it is I am about to face.  Just need a starting point or some sort of guidance as to where or how to start fixing my life so that I can be Happy, or prepare myself to self -destruct with dignity.... if there is such a thing.  If  you have read all this Thanks as it was not meant to take up your time.  I am sure I can get through it especially coming from my background ..... something has got to give at some point...

Regards

Hello Fokes,

First of all*Merry Christmas* to anyone who stops by to read this :)And a *Happy New Year to you.Let the new year bring as much happiness if not than the last.  This from a single mom of three healthy teens an a beautiful healthy grandaughter which is alot to be thankful for.

I guess i am looking to make as many new friends as posible in the new year.So if you want to make a new friend,drop me a line sometime.

                                                  Sincerly Miss Countrygirl Tina

Hello,

I am a 24 year old single mom here is Balch Springs , Texas. I am needing help with gifts and groceries this year for Christmas. My daughter turned 3 years old in August and is not picky at all. Winter clothes are needed very badly. Toys are not a necessity. Please let me know if there is anyone oput there who can help. Thanks and Have a Great Day!

We have been foster parents since 11/1994, and a Group Foster Home since 5/2002.  My wonderful husband and I have 2 birth children (ages 20 & 8), 6 adopted children (ages 13, 12, 11, 11, 9 & 8), and 1 current foster daughter (age 18). Over the past 12 years we've fostered 43 children, not including those who have been with us more than once, or respite placements.  Our family was named "Foster Family of the Year" in September, 2002 for our Region (19 counties in and around Dallas/Fort Worth).

I am a foster/adopt PRIDE trainer (for potential new foster & adoptive parents), I train foster & adoptive parents in topics such as Community Resources for Children, PMAB (Principles & Management of Aggressive Behavior), Free & Inexpensive Family Activities, Adoption Subsidy Negotiation, and others.  I am currently moderator of a foster/adoptive parents' email support group, and former Secretary of the Tarrant County Foster Parent Association.  I have been a Girl Scout Leader for 12 years, and a soccer coach on and off for the past 4 years.

In meeting the special needs of my former and current children (both foster & adopted), I have found that therapists who have direct experience in dealing with the needs of foster and adopted children are few and far between.  I feel with my unique experiences as a foster and adoptive parent, together with the hours and hours of training (substiantially more than the 20 hours currently required by the State of Texas), I am going back to college to continue to help foster and adoptive children and their families as a mental health professional.

I am currently enrolled at Tarrant County College in the Mental Health - Clinical and Psychological Counseling Program.  My current GPA is 3.6.  I am searching for financial assistance to help me through college, together with information and assistance in locating and transferring to a four-year college once I earn my Associate's Degree at TCC.  I have applied and will be receiving a Pell Grant.  I have also applied to several scholarship programs through the college, but competition is fierce and thus far I have received nothing.

Additionally, I am trying to raise enough funds to maintain a vehicle for my 18yr old foster daughter. She will be attending a Christian college in the fall, so all money will go toward her college expenses.  Her busy schedule prevents her from finding a job, so I put aside about $240 per month (almost 1/2 of the foster care reimbursement I receive for her).  Unfortunately, the funds she will receive to help pay for school doesn't come close to the tuition, room and board, and expenses (books, etc.) needed for this college, so it's up to us or no one.

I am also available to answer questions and provide whatever assistance I can offer in connection with fostering and adopting in Texas (I'm in the Arlington Region).

I'd like to open a retail store, importing products worldwide.  Any help would be appreciated!

 I am a single mom of a 16 year old son who is terminally ill with a disease called Wegeners Granulmatosis.  I am not one to ask for charity, but this year I have swallowed my pride to do just that.

I am currently unemployed due to Justins hospitalizations over the last year.  We have lost EVERYTHING, right down to our home and vehicle. We have been staying with friends for several months now, even though it is not a home of our own it is a warm place to lay our heads.

I cant begin to tell you how overwhelmed I am emotionally and mentally, anyone who faces the fact your child is dieing can understand where I am coming from.  I lost my son James six years ago and now I am losing Justin. I keep faith that a miracle will happen, because faith and hope are the two things we do have.

It kills my soul  to know that Justin may face christmas morning with nothing.. I dont know what to do or where to turn to.. If anyone could offer me any help or lead me in the right direction to anyone who could help me out I would greatly appreciate it.

God Bless,

Sherry Gilbreath

hello. i am an audio engineer in austin tx. my family was in new orleans when katrina hit and we lost everything. we are still trying to recover. now we are thinking about starting a business in austin and could use any help that is out there. thank you. god bless.

I'M A STAY AT HOME MOTHER,

I have 3 kids and am married. We just this summer moved into a rent house of our own and things are going pretty good. We have just enough money for food and bills, but are really struggling on how we are going to find any extra money for the kids Christmas. I do not want this to be a sad sob story because we are finally doing better. We just do not have the money to get the kids anything for Christmas. My kids are 12, 8 and 2. I have talked to them and they seem to understand, but I remember being that age and to not get anything would have crushed me. If anyone can help us out I would greatly appriciate it.

Thank you and God Bless!!!

My husband and I lost our jobs around the same time. We'll soon be loosing our house and to make things even worse our 3 kids ages 12, 8 and 6 will have No CHRISTMAS! As if the embarassment of being evicted and having to tell there friends they can't go places because we have no money isen't enough...when it is back to school after the holiday's all of there friends will be asking what they got for christmas...they will have to say they didn't get anything because we have no money!!

Please help My husband and I are deperatly looking for work..but even if we get other jobs it is too close to christmas to come up with money for back house payments, car payments and Christmas for our kids!

Please, please if there is any help that you know of....all suggestions are welcome!

Thank you,

M.W.

Im 24 years old who just seperated from my husband of 4 years. Bought a house back in January 2006 and owe just about 91,000 on it. I have been living paycheck to paycheck and have barley have any money to pay all my bills. Im a little less then 140,000.00 in debt and that includes my car and Credit Cards.  I am normaly the one being asked for money and i always give it even thought i know i shouldnt. I never ask for anything but i am asking now. My house Payments are 900.00 a month but i get paid every two weeks and thats what i bring home on each paycheck. So you can see why i need the help so PLEASE HELP ME.

Please if you have ever been in a place where you don't even want to go to the mail box to get the mail you will understand. unemployed not by choice but not enough money for sitter to leave kids at home, or put gas in the car. anything will help our family. thanks

Hello everyone!

     Thank you for letting me become a member.  A little about myself.  I am 32 yrs. old. A single mother w/two kids ages 9&11.  I didn't get to finish High School and regret it now, but I did go back to get my G.E.D.  I was momentarly lost due to a bad relationship, that is no longer, thank God!  But other than that We(family) are doing fine.  Just would like help to find resources of any kind that would be beneficial without having to worry about being scamned for money.  I am also a healthcare professional and also I do a little freelance on the side.  I guess I have endless dreams that I hope one day will flourish.  Anyway, that is a little something that I want to share with the rest of you about my life.

* just turned 24 yrs old/Jan. 1st.

*single mother of two (1yr old & 3yr old)

*trying to pursue education and career in Forensics/Criminal Justice

*struggling, life is at a standstill for me, every day I wake up it's hard to get out of the bed and face another day

*needing a little help, don't mind paying anything back

JUST NEED A LITTLE HELP.

Well I want to know if anyone knows about any charities that helps low-income families with a car in the Houston, Tx area (either donating or a car loan specially for single families with dependents).  I really need car to get to and from work. So if anyone knows anything please let me know

Thank You and God Bless

I have been married to a veteran (marine)for 22 years and we have 4 children 2 grown.we still have a 12 yr old daughter and 13 year old disabled son.my husband is in a mobile chair,he is on oxgen,a bipap machine that keeps him alive while he sleeps he has sleep apnea,high blood pressure,hep c(liver).copd,asthma,and is on numerious medications,i am asking for donations to pay down on a home that i can take better care of my husband,our rental home has no space for his hospital bed oxgen tanks or mobile chair,my husbands dream is for me and my children to have a home when he leaves this earth.the va would not give him a 100%till a few years ago we only had ss raising 4 kids so our credit got shot.please help us with any amount you can afford so we can pay down on a home for our family and we can make our payments please send your donation to carol stanley po box 637 belton tx 76513 god bless and thank you

I am 19 years old and can't seem to get my head up out of the water. I have a 3 month old son that is my everything that I would do anything and everything for. I have been living on my own for 2 1/2 years now, well technically not on my own... I have always depended on someone because I can't seem to do it on my own and it just seems to make matters worse.