The Weatherly Family:
Overcoming Incredible Odds During the Pandemic
For so many families across Virginia, the negative ripple effects from the pandemic started early and had devastating results. In Southwest Virginia, the Weatherly family – including mom, dad, and a pair of young twins – were among those who foundthemselves facing overwhelming financial and emotional distress soon after Covid began sweeping through their community.
At the start of the pandemic, Mrs. Weatherly was disabled due to multiple chronic conditions and had to follow strict isolation and safety protocols. The family suffered a devastating blow when Mr. Weatherly, a certified welder, was laid off from a high paying job at a railroad company. The couple quickly drained their savings and fell behind on all their bills, including their mortgage. Having never been in a situation like the one they were facing, they reached out to social services and found out about the New River Community Action’s Whole Family Approach Project.
In a little over a month, they began working with a coach to help them find solutions. “The whole world was in crisis mode; we didn’t know what we were going to do,” says Mrs. Weatherly. “Having another person guide us towards a plan of action was a Godsend at the time.” The stress of the situation took its toll however, and in early 2021, Mr. Weatherly turned to heroin and later was arrested for possession. Fortunately, the charges were dropped pending a series of narcotics anonymous meetings, peer support groups and counseling sessions.
“For my husband, the biggest turning point was meeting our coach and case manager. Seeing his past is not that bad really helped him. It was so motivating for him, that was the biggest turning point right there.” With the full support of his family and the support of his coaches, Mr. Weatherly was determined in his recovery process, prioritizing his mental and physical health. He worked with the project on building his resume and improving his interview skills. Mrs. Weatherly says the coaches helped them set up and achieve their goals. “It is like there is this timeline in my head, like a mental goal . . . Yes, there was financial help as well, but the goal setting was mentally the most encouraging. Life will really slam you down - people will always respond to encouragement.”
With his physical and mental state growing healthier by the day, an incredible resume, and all his legal and criminal charges dropped, Mr. Weatherly began to believe in himself and had the confidence to pursue his career. In August, he accepted a fantastic new position with full benefits and opportunities for advancement.
Mrs. Weatherly says the Whole Family Approach program was invaluable providing vital support to her family during a critical time. “Had we not had the program, we would be homeless,” she says. “I mean, it changed everything.”
Overcoming Incredible Odds During the Pandemic
For so many families across Virginia, the negative ripple effects from the pandemic started early and had devastating results. In Southwest Virginia, the Weatherly family – including mom, dad, and a pair of young twins – were among those who foundthemselves facing overwhelming financial and emotional distress soon after Covid began sweeping through their community.
At the start of the pandemic, Mrs. Weatherly was disabled due to multiple chronic conditions and had to follow strict isolation and safety protocols. The family suffered a devastating blow when Mr. Weatherly, a certified welder, was laid off from a high paying job at a railroad company. The couple quickly drained their savings and fell behind on all their bills, including their mortgage. Having never been in a situation like the one they were facing, they reached out to social services and found out about the New River Community Action’s Whole Family Approach Project.
In a little over a month, they began working with a coach to help them find solutions. “The whole world was in crisis mode; we didn’t know what we were going to do,” says Mrs. Weatherly. “Having another person guide us towards a plan of action was a Godsend at the time.” The stress of the situation took its toll however, and in early 2021, Mr. Weatherly turned to heroin and later was arrested for possession. Fortunately, the charges were dropped pending a series of narcotics anonymous meetings, peer support groups and counseling sessions.
“For my husband, the biggest turning point was meeting our coach and case manager. Seeing his past is not that bad really helped him. It was so motivating for him, that was the biggest turning point right there.” With the full support of his family and the support of his coaches, Mr. Weatherly was determined in his recovery process, prioritizing his mental and physical health. He worked with the project on building his resume and improving his interview skills. Mrs. Weatherly says the coaches helped them set up and achieve their goals. “It is like there is this timeline in my head, like a mental goal . . . Yes, there was financial help as well, but the goal setting was mentally the most encouraging. Life will really slam you down - people will always respond to encouragement.”
With his physical and mental state growing healthier by the day, an incredible resume, and all his legal and criminal charges dropped, Mr. Weatherly began to believe in himself and had the confidence to pursue his career. In August, he accepted a fantastic new position with full benefits and opportunities for advancement.
Mrs. Weatherly says the Whole Family Approach program was invaluable providing vital support to her family during a critical time. “Had we not had the program, we would be homeless,” she says. “I mean, it changed everything.”