The following story is told by Tina, a Kinzler Foundation beneficiary.
When my husband passed away in January of 2014 I had not heard of the Kinzler Foundation until someone within our church had mentioned it to me. They brought me the application to receive potential financial help for my family. I was put in contact with Ray Duimstra who came and listened to our family’s story.
Before my husband passed away we were a family of 8 and serving within our local church as Pastor and wife. I stayed at home as a mom and wife, and worked alongside of my husband within the community. Once he passed away, I was very fortunate to have a church which was like family and helped with meals, rides for the kids, and just being there for our family. As the first few weeks and months were moving forward in a fast spiral, I knew since I didn’t work outside of the house my expenses would build and the pressure of how to pay the bills was a concern. I still had a four year old at home and five others depending on me to be there each day. I believe that the Lord brought the connection with the Kinzler Foundation to help take that pressure off and just allow me to be there as a mom for my children.
The foundation helped pay our mortgage for 9 months. So many times I knew in situations like mine, the family would have to be uprooted and taken from their home due the financial impact of loosing the main supporter of the family. I did not want this as an option since the children had lost so much when they lost their dad and I knew this would be too quick and more emotional for all of us to leave where the last memories of their dad were created. I also knew our family would be impacted greatly if I had to leave them and work fulltime… if finding fulltime work would even be possible immediately.
Although the house is just a material possession, it was a stable connection and safe place for our family. I am so grateful for the supporters of the Kinzler Foundation who made it possible for us to keep the financial burden of the home at a minimal thought and allow us to focus on healing emotionally together.
Those who give to help support families like mine need to realize that the impact doesn’t just happen for a moment or a few months, but the impact keeps going over the years. I believe how we react by giving hope and resources to a family when they are thrust into an immediate loss can set the family at ease and make a difference. Over the years the Kinzler Foundation has continued to keep in contact, caring about our family, and making sure we have resources if help is needed. The Foundation has kept our family involved with other families who are going through this journey with get-togethers and activities, where we have made lifelong connections to continue moving forward.
I will forever be thankful for the financial support given during a difficult moment in time that my family had to experience. The continued involvement and friendship from Ray, his family and those within the foundation is and will be dear to our family for many years to come.
