Electricity

William, his pregnant wife, and five kids, had their electricity turned off last Thursday for not paying their deposit to North Little Rock Electric. William has been calling and visiting churches and agencies to get some help, unsuccessfully. With the temperatures below freezing, he cut the lock and turned his electricity back on. Now he will not only have to deal with the $100 deposit, but a penalty of between $250 and $500.

He needs a job. I referred him to Alexis at the Rock Creek Care Center. She told him of a temporary job at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. William took the bus and put in his application. He is waiting.

Some people at Linda's work donated $125 to use to help this family at Christmas. That will cover the deposit. I will plead with the power company to go easy on the penalty.

William needs a mentor. He does not have middle class values and work ethic. Why should he? He had no father to teach him. As a young man growing up in the ghettos of Chicago, he did not have a work history or any models. Can he make it on his own? Who will help him? How do you help him without enabling him?