“My friends who see me now say I don’t even look like the same person I was at this time last year,” said 37 year-old Noemi M. of Yonkers. “I was so sick and frightened then.”

Noemi’s financial problems started with her health. “I was diagnosed in 2007 with ovarian cancer. I had to stop working completely to get my treatments.” Fortunately, Noemi’s husband Josue is employed as a postal worker and has insurance. But with medical co-pays, and other expenses related to her illness, the couple fell behind in their monthly mortgage payment of over $1,800.

“I was very frightened,” she said, “especially with two children to think about. We got a shut-off notice on our lights and I decided to try to get help from social services. I went three times and was told ‘no’ three times.”

Noemi’s niece then told her about a Yonkers-based community action program. “The people there referred me to The Bridge Fund of Westchester,” she said. “I could tell right away the staff at The Bridge Fund wanted to help.”

The Bridge Fund put together a financial package that brought the family’s mortgage and utilities up to date. “They also helped us get food from their food pantry,” she said.

Noemi said the change in the family’s situation over the last few months has been very positive, and her cancer is now in remission. “The Bridge Fund gave me a feeling that someone cared.” Noemi hopes to go back to work part time soon and eventually start her own licensed home-based daycare business. “I feel like good things are now happening for me and my family,” she said.