Bradenton Mom Receives Help from Season of Sharing After Lifelong Giving

Bradenton: Jennifer Bell was still recovering from surgery when she parked outside Turning Points, a nonprofit that helps those in need. At 46, she had raised five kids mostly on her own and thought life would be easier now that they were grown.

But this past fall, after a series of surgeries and flooding in her home, everything felt overwhelming. For the first time in 30 years, she found herself needing help. Remembering the kindness she once received, she took a deep breath and walked through the door.

Jennifer has always been the one to care for others. Growing up as one of 27 cousins, she was the go-to for babysitting, cooking, and fixing things. Inspired by her grandmother’s battle with cancer, she pursued nursing. At just 17, she was already a single mom.

After losing months of work due to surgeries and a flooded apartment, Jennifer turned to Season of Sharing and Turning Points for help. They not only assisted her with housing and childcare but treated her with respect, which made a huge difference.

She felt relieved to find support, especially after facing so many challenges. Jennifer realized that asking for help didn’t mean she was weak; it was a step toward recovery. With assistance covering her rent, she could focus on healing.

Jennifer’s journey has been filled with ups and downs. She’s worked in various fields, from home health to criminal justice, and even ran a business. After moving to Bradenton to be closer to family, she found a job at a grocery store, but then hurricanes hit, causing more setbacks.

The worst came when she had to undergo emergency surgery, leading to a long recovery. With her savings gone from helping her kids, she felt lost and overwhelmed. But reaching out for help was a turning point.

At Turning Points, she met others facing similar struggles. They understood her situation, and she was grateful for the support. She learned about assistance programs that helped her cover rent, giving her time to heal.

Jennifer’s story is a reminder that it’s okay to ask for help. Many people are in similar situations, and there’s no shame in seeking support. She hopes to return to work soon and dreams of building a community with her kids.

In the end, Jennifer is proud of how far she and her family have come. They’ve faced challenges together, and now she looks forward to a brighter future.