Local Foundation Brings Joy To Mother In Need
by Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With school set to start in a few days, August is a tough month for many parents who are struggling, and it's especially tough if you're homeless.
Today a single mom lent a hand to another single mom.
It's a good day for the Williams family.
"This is a very big help, I don't have none of this stuff," says Kenyetta Williams, a single mother of six children ranging from age three to 15.
She and her kids have spent the past several months without a place to call home.
The cause? Her electric bill snowballed to about $4000. When she couldn't pay the bill, they had to leave their home.
"The electric got cut off and everything," she says, "so we were just out walking around trying to find some place to live."
Williams and her children went from hotel to hotel. One of her youngest daughter is autistic and non-verbal, so she had to no choice but to do whatever is necessary to make ends meet, even of it meant selling candy on the street.
"A lot of people would say, 'you have all them kids, where are their fathers at?,'" she says, "they say--you should have food-- but when you are on your own, it's a struggle."
But her luck changed several days ago when she met a volunteer from the When In Need Foundation.
On Tuesday, they brought her food, water, back packs and school supplies for her children. They also paid part of her electric bill, so she could move back into her home in Southwest Philadelphia with her six children.
Reporter: "You have tears in your eyes now, why?"
Williams: "Because I am very, very happy."
"I started this organization because there are so many people in need," says Chetachi Ecton, Founder of the When In Need Foundation.
Ecton was a single mother of three when she came to the US from Nigeria 30 years ago.
"I was her," she says, "I'm one of those mothers who was standing on the street-- I sold waters and candies to take care of my children."
Ecton eventually started her own business helping disabled individuals seek social services. Now, using her own money, she's travels the world-- helping others in need.
"I share my love, I share my gifts to make others happy," she says.
When In Need has made donations to children and seniors alike in Philadelphia, Nigeria, and in other places across the U.S. and the world.
Now, Williams and her six children are the recipients of the group's kindness. But she needs more.
Williams need furniture for her children, a refrigerator, and more.
"I'm not going to be afraid to ask for help anymore," says Williams, "I am so appreciative of them for helping me."
Reporter: "Hopefully this will be the change of luck that you need?"
Williams: "Yes, things are going to change for me and my family, it's going to change."
Thanks to a single mom helping another.
"Thank you, I thank you for helping me and my family," said Williams, hugging Ecton.
For more info to When In Need Foundation go to http://www.winfound.org/.
