Richard's Story

Richard and the mightly leap into “receiving”.

NOTE: Names and other details may have been changed to protect the privacy of the author and those that may be mentioned in the below article.

I had built a robust business working for myself, something I never thought I’d do when I was in school. Success was in my pockets, in our bank accounts, and in the four walls of our home, and in the roof over our heads. When my clients started calling to cancel orders or, even worse, stopped calling to place orders, I was suddenly at a loss. Market shifts can happen quickly, and this was like a lightning bolt.

How would I feed my family? How would I feed the dogs? These questions sprinted through my mind, leaving me somewhat debilitated. Refusing to give into the paralysis of panic, I started going through ALL of the options on the table. I may have built a second, and then a third figurative table to be able to consider the array of choices in front of me. Prayerfully and creatively, the battle began. I could find a job. I could change my approach to rebuilding my business. I could shift gears altogether. We can go to family for help. We can sell a few things… There were so many variables.

I had heard of people going to charitable organizations in times of distress. Damn it, I was distressed. I didn’t want to be a “receiver”. I had always given to our church, to other organizations, and even bums on street corners from time to time. Bridge Utah had sounded like a great idea, for “those people”. It was starting to sound better for “this person” and “his people”. My pride was checked. I couldn’t pay the mortgage, utility bills, and buy groceries.

I went in to see what it was all about. Everyone there was friendly, non-judgemental, and gave me the chance to give back by volunteering some time each week and throw a few bucks in the donation box. The Bridge solution at least took care of the groceries, and I didn’t have to wonder if my wife and kids were going to be hungry while I was slaying new dragons.

It took a while to get through it, but I was able to rebuild my income and take care of the key finances for our family. Bridge made a huge impact, for which we are forever grateful. We now donate both time and other resources to the cause, when we can. Great organization.

Richard Hertz