County Woman Encourages Those in Need to Apply for Help

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) -Choosing between heating your home, feeding your family or paying for your medications. Those are the decisions some County folks face every year, every week, every day. There are several services available to make sure people don’t have to make those difficult choices and one County woman says, she’s grateful for the help and support she’s receiving. Donna Izzo says “Even if they don’t provide something tangible, they provide the support that you may need to hear that day, like, you’re going to make it. You are going to make it, which we’re very, very thankful for.”

Donna Izzo has been receiving different services through ACAP for many years. Those services range from money through the Home Energy Assistance Program, WIC benefits to help winterizing her home. Izzo says “We have had, in later years, we have had a furnace replaced by ACAP and a fuel tank replaced and we have had, very recently I’ve been working with Sandra and we have had smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and we’ve had locks that help us to keep safety. "

Right now, Izzo’s daughter, son in law and their children are also temporarily living in her home as they search for a place to live. Izzo says ACAP has stepped up to make sure they are all ok.

She says “We’re just so appreciate of all these little things that come and help with feeding the kids. And this summer they were wonderful, they brought meals for the kids all summer and it was just such a blessing for us, being older and on social security and you know, all that.”

Especially in the middle of the pandemic when many are struggling, Izzo says, don’t be afraid to reach out if you need help.

“Just go ask. Don’t be afraid, don’t be embarrassed, don’t be ashamed,” she says, “We have told so many people about the different things that are out there. I’ve never had anyone at this point say to me, can’t help you with that. Or if they can’t, they will refer someone else that can help. Which is a great help, which is such a blessing.”

Izzo adds she values her ongoing relationship with ACAP and hopes others will take advantage of the help that’s available.

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