Editor: I have been a resident of Langley since my parents moved here when I was 11 years old. I have been very proud of where I live, and pleased with the services within our community — until I found myself in need this week.
I was once a single mother in this community. When my children were old enough to stay home alone after school, I then enrolled in Kwantlen Polytechnic University. After I graduated, the recession began and I found myself without any employment opportunities. I have a large debt load and I have been without any professional job prospects for the past four years.
I did find work for a minimum wage as a cashier at a small store. I was laid off in May and I received one week’s wages ($418). At that time, my mother was suffering from breast cancer. We spent our last meaningful week together on Mother’s Day. Later that week, she was told she was terminally ill.
She died a few weeks later. I was without a job and without my mom within a few short weeks. I was a member of the Langley Food Bank, and I had missed my six-month review appointment in August, just several weeks after my mom died.
I promptly called Langley Food Bank that week and let them know my mom had died, I had lost my my job and I needed to receive further assistance. They let me know there was a penalty for missing my appointment. I was not allowed to make an intake appointment to get back on their services for three weeks.
I did secure several on-call jobs shortly afterwards, but on Nov. 9, my vehicle was hit from behind by a young person texting, and I was injured. I have since lost all three jobs.
On Monday, I went to Langley Food Bank. I was told by the intake worker that I missed my appointment in August. I reminded her that I called at that time. I was told I could have an intake appointment in the middle of January, 2013. I asked her if she could make an exception, and she replied “no.”
For the first time in seven years, my rent in unpaid to my landlord. I have a welfare appointment pending in the future, and I am without funds and food today. Langley Food Bank is turning their back on me and my family.
I’m heartbroken by the rigid cold attitude of this service.
Elaine Bartels,
Langley
