SOUPer Bowl 2026

Through the generosity of the supporters of the United Way, numerous people have been assisted.  The following stories only represent a small portion of the people helped by the United Way grant:
* A 75 year old Raceland woman needed help with a medical bill for infusion services. She was very concerned that she would be sent to a collection agency and voiced her fear to her physician who referred her to discuss assistance. She received help and is incredibly grateful.
*A 39 year old Terrebonne Parish woman who is being treated for Astrocytoma (brain malignancy). She is unable to work related to her diagnosis and treatment and she requested help with her car payment. Through the United Wat grant she was able to make a payment and continue her care without interruption.
* A 63 year old Thibodaux being treated with radiation and chemotherapy for lung cancer requested help with multiple utility bills.  As a result of her diagnosis and treatment, she has been unable to pay her most recent energy and water bills. She received assistance through the United Way grant.
* A 56 year old Lafourche man was recently diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma and required surgery at MD Anderson. He has been out of work since his diagnosis and the generous grant from the United Way assisted him with his stay and recover without issue. 

An Asian woman called the hotline for emergency shelter and restraining order assistance. The survivor had been a victim of abuse for 17 years of her marriage. The request for service happened due to being strangled unconscious and being woken up by him trying to force himself on to her. She has an extensive history of abuse and throughout the years has sought services but was too afraid to follow through.
The client was assisted by our on-call mobile advocate who helped the survivor pack important items such as her social security card and birth certificate. The police were also there speaking with the perpetrator and trying hard to diffuse the situation. Once the survivor was transported to the shelter she was shown to her temporary apartment where she was relieved to have a safe place and privacy. Throughout her stay she was able to help other survivors by teaching them how to sew.
During her six weeks, she was able to put a temporary restraining order on her husband,
attend support groups, and receive referrals for housing and mental health. Chez Hope has been fortunate to receive funds that can help pay rent deposits and utilities. The survivor found a house that she was able to afford. She was provided with the ring security system which included cameras and doorbell to increase her safety.
She returned to Chez Hope. She expressed how important was the support she received. She was able to thank the advocates who assisted her and wanted to let them know that they were doing a wonderful job. She expressed interest in volunteering in the future and provided Chez Hope with a monetary donation.