Time is now to help

Dear W.C.,

I have been struggling for quite a while and when I finally spoke with someone at my church last week they suggested I write a letter to The Time is Now to Help. So, I find myself writing this letter asking for help with my utility bill and this months rent. My elderly mother lives with me and she suffers from dementia. I have had to give up more and more hours at my job as her needs become greater and I can no longer leave her alone. I have applied for assistance as her caregiver so I can remain home full-time now but have not gotten a reply yet. This past month was especially difficult as I needed a root canal and other dental work done after trying to ignore the pain for several months. My mother also needed to have a filling repaired that would only have gotten worse if I did not have it fixed. This has put us even further behind in our financial obligations. I would be forever grateful if you would be able to help us out of this mess.

Dear Readers,

Often, I find people ask for the bare minimum of what they require to successfully lift themselves out of poverty, either out of embarrassment or not wanting to appear too needy. That does not work in our fellow creations' favor as poverty continues to grow and spread as each month they fall further and further behind.

Once I met this caring daughter and her mother, and reviewed their budget, I found what this caregiver was requesting was the bare minimum of what they needed. If we provided only the currently owed rent and utility bill, I saw there were other bills that would continue to be unpaid. The large dentist's bill had been placed on a credit plan and that payment each month would make all the following months' expenses impossible to pay.

The caring woman and her mother sat patiently with me while we went through all areas of her budget. She had omitted some things out of embarrassment, the required toiletries and personal care items and her car payment. When I asked the woman about these additional items not on her budget, she admitted she had left them out intentionally. I asked the woman how she expected me to save them from poverty and get them back on the track with a balanced budget if she does not share all the details with me? I assured her I have looked over thousands of budgets over the years and knew what should be included for the obvious needs I saw before me.

The caring daughter wiped her tears away but not quick enough before her mother looked at her with concern and asked, "Why are you crying?" She quickly put a smile on her face and reassured her mother she was fine. She whispered to me how her mother became very upset when she saw her sad. It could take her hours to recover from it. I nodded my head that I understood, and she did her best to keep her emotions in check as she shared the full details of what they needed to survive the next few months.

The Time is Now to Help would be providing their current rent and an additional month, their current utilities, two car payments, gift cards for food, gas and toiletries as all were an expense they could barely afford. We would pay their dental bills to prevent that monthly payment from continuing to ruin their monthly budget. When I asked if there was anything else we could do for them, the caring daughter again tried to hide the tears in her eyes. She turned her head as I saw tears of gratitude and relief fall. I again nodded my head and did my best to hide my own tears of gratitude for the poverty relief we were able to provide thanks to your support.

Several weeks later the caring daughter left me a voice mail sharing she had finally been approved for assistance. I could hear her crying as she thanked us for all we had done for her mother and herself. This time I did not have to hide my own tears.

Thank you for helping us provide poverty relief throughout our communities. Please donate at this time as all your donations will be matched by the Fall 2024 Helping Hand Up $50,000 Matching Grant, doubling your donation. Thank "You" and God Bless "You".

Health & Happiness, Love & GOD Bless Everyone, Sal

Please Help: There are many coming to us in desperation. Our good fellow creations need our compassion. Together we make a big difference. Make checks payable to: The Time Is Now to Help, P.O. Box 1, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. The Time Is Now to Help is a federally recognized 501©3 charitable organization. You will receive a tax deductible, itemized thank you receipt showing how 100% of your donation was used for providing poverty relief.

Please visit our website to read more of our past and current columns and/or to make a donation: www.timeisnowtohelp.org Please go to the home page, follow the yellow highlighted link that says WC Letters to see current and past columns.

A Very Special Thank You: Kunes Country Auto Group, Paul Ziegler, Clarence W. and Marilyn Schawk Donor Fund, Linda West, Catherine Schwenn, Mary Fitzgerald, Carolann Lippert, Ziegler Charitable Foundation, Jim and Lynette Heimann, Paper Dolls, Dale and Gail Folkers, Thomas Morrissy, Lake Geneva Area Realty, Knights of Columbus Lake Geneva, Joan Baron, Dr. Mark and Cynthia Brower, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Vanderveld, Al and Dorothy Hermansen, Larry and Kelly Happ, Carol Brathol, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schuberth, Leslie Marcello, Aileen Hodges, Rita's "My Salon", Kathleen Gallagher, Christine Larsen, Dennis and Carol Gilhooley, Doris Wiechmann, Beth Pizzo, Duane and June DeYoung, Carol Hinners, Charles and Rebecca Miller, Michael and Kathe Beach, all of our anonymous donors and ALL of you who support The Time Is Now to Help donation boxes. Anyone who would like a Time Is Now donation box in your business, please call (262) 249-7000.

Memorials: Richard and Lindy Urbach in memory of Delores Evans.

Prayer Chain: The power of prayer and positive thoughts comes from the true healer, our Lord answering our prayers. Please pray for healing for the following people: Brian, Mike, Sylvia, Megan, Kayla, Maria C., Judy, Scott, Annie, Marilyn, Brandon, Helen, Dennis, Mary, Joseph, Jordan, Jean, Tom L., Dr. Peter, Matthew, Pam E., Jenene B., John S., Patricia H., Wendy, Eric, Anthony, Mary, Charlie, Tom P., Christina, Billy, Mike, Cheryl, Bryan E., Betty, Ellie, Concetta, Cheryl, Kirubel M., and Wanda L.

Please visit: www.timeisnowtohelp.org

Historical homes you can own in the Lake Geneva area

Located close to the Historic Woodstock Square and Metra Train Station. This two story all brick home features a huge double lot with separate parcel numbers in the city limits. It has great bones and does feature an enclosed front porch for those special evenings. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout the first floor living and dinning area. Exterior of the home offers raised flower beds, a huge shed which is 24' x 12' and a 20' x 5' chicken coupe. Country living with the convince of local shopping, dinning, and entertainment.

UPDATE!!! Being an older home the bedrooms are modest size. The seller is willing open the wall between middle bedroom and primary bedroom and add full wall of closets creating a large 18x11 primary bedroom with it's private full bath. This rare one of a kind rehabbed Farmhouse in the heart of McHenry you won't want to miss. New Roof, New Windows, New Flooring, New A/C, New Kitchen, New Appliances, New Bathrooms and so much more. This home is within walking distance to the McHenry Riverwalk that features Live Entertainment, Restaurants, Bars, Deli, Parks, access to Fox River with boat launch.

Welcome home to this stunning and beautifully rehabbed five bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom Victorian family home in Northwest Suburban Woodstock!!! Pull up and the enclosed 23 ft porch immediately invites you in to sip your morning coffee while enjoying the crisp fall air!!! As you enter the home into the living room you are greeted with large windows with their original leaded glass accents that add charm and dance prisms of light on the beautiful oak floors. Looking through the arched doorway in the living room you appreciate the oak floors that seamlessly flow into the kitchen. Step into the adjacent dining room and you start to imagine memories in the making of holiday gatherings or milestones being celebrated!!! Head into the updated custom kitchen where you are pleasantly pleased with the ample amount of hickory cabinets and pantry closet to store all your culinary goodies. With adequate granite countertops prepping everyday meals and baking those delicious goodies for holiday gatherings is a breeze!!! Retire for the night in your main floor master bedroom with sizeable closet space and a full-sized updated bathroom with a surround shower, newer vanity, and fixtures. Large office space for those looking to work from home or use as an in-law-arrangement with the half bath within steps!!! Upstairs are four generously sized bedrooms with plenty of closet space and a remodeled full bathroom with tile surround tub, newer vanity, and fixtures. Fifth room upstairs can be used as an exercise room, craft room, or playroom...the choice is yours!!! BONUS...added back stairwell to sneak downstairs for a midnight snack!!! Walkup 3rd floor attic makes the perfect area for storing decorations, luggage, and memorabilia. New vinyl siding, aluminum soffit/facias and gutters and a professionally landscaped yard makes outdoor maintenance a breeze. The16 x 16 deck in the partially fenced in backyard makes grilling and relaxing a favorite place to meet after a long day!!! Oversized detached two car garage to keep your vehicles protected from the elements as well as more exceptional storage. This charming home has a lot of newer features to save you money down the road - roof, water heater, boiler, and asphalt driveway. Within walking distance to downtown Woodstock Square, movie theatre, schools, city park, library, Dairy Queen, and Woodstock Metra train! The owners have maintained this home with love and care!!! Come make this your new home!!!

Situated in the heart of Richmond, this delightful two-story home offers a prime location with convenient walking access to a diverse array of top-notch restaurants and shops. The property is a savvy investment opportunity, featuring a lower unit with six rooms and a full bathroom, and an upper unit with five rooms and a full bathroom. Both units enjoy picturesque views of a mature, tree-lined wooded lot. Additional perks include a separate garage and ample parking for tenants. Ideal for those seeking both a residence and rental income, this property allows you to comfortably live in one unit while generating income from the other. Richmond, with its renowned dining, lively bars, and charming neighborhoods, is an emerging village with a bright future. This is your chance to be part of Richmond's growth. Plus, converting the property back to a single residence is straightforward, involving only the removal of boards from a closet that was once a stairway. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity!

Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and income potential with this enchanting vintage Cape Cod lakefront home on Wonder Lake. This fully furnished, 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom, 4,000 finished sq.ft. retreat sleeps 12 guests and is a standout on the Airbnb/VRBO markets. The main level features a living room, family room, kitchen, dining room, 2 fireplaces and a first-floor bedroom. Enjoy stunning lake views from the master suite, complete with an en-suite bath and separated from the two other upstairs bedrooms for privacy. The finished walkout lower level includes a bar area, recreation/game room, fireplace and a fifth bedroom. There are two inviting patios to enjoy the lake views and sunsets. Also included are a boat house, 2-car garage, wooded lot, kayaks, paddle boards and a canoe for your enjoyment. Wonder Lake is an 840 acre private lake that is perfect for boating, swimming, sailing, skiing and fishing. Enjoy ski shows by its nationally ranked ski club most Friday nights and yacht club sailboat races on Sunday mornings. Use this captivating home as your personal escape and/or continue its successful Airbnb journey. With its classic charm and prime location, it's a unique opportunity to enjoy lakefront living and earn rental income.

Charming doesn't begin to describe this beautiful home. Spacious open floor plan, great for entertaining. Water views from almost every room!!! 1800 square feet of deck surrounds your new home to be so that you can enjoy the 171' feet of water frontage on Lake Catherine, one of the sought after lakes of the Chain. Take in the beautiful view from sunrise to sunset. Quality was never spared in the upgrades. All the character of a formal cape cod with beautiful trim, and built-in's. Ceramic and Hardwood floors. Large primary bedroom, with a primary closet so large, it warranted its own measurements in the listing. The ensuite boasts a huge primary bathroom, with a soaker tub. Your kitchen has hickory cabinets, granite counter tops, along with stainless steel appliances. Lakeside, you have a concrete seawall and a pier. There is a running pond with lily pad's right in your own yard. If that is not enough, you are adjoining to the members only HOA property, giving you easy access to the clubhouse, playground, picnic area, boat ramp, and of course a beach. Must already have a preapproval for viewings.

Step back in time with this stunning Victorian manor that perfectly blends classic charm and modern comforts. Refinished hardwood floors and original pocket doors set a welcoming tone, while the tastefully updated kitchen offers the perfect balance of style and function. Enjoy your morning coffee or unwind after a long day on one of the multiple porches, or grab a bottle of wine from your climate-controlled wine cellar for an evening of entertaining. Step off the porch and you'll find a spacious yard for play or relaxation, plus a 3-car garage with walk-up overhead storage - ideal for all your needs. Don't miss out on this incredible property. Schedule your showing today!

Don't miss this very well maintained home in Darien! Lots of bedrooms and storage. Beautiful Hardwood floors and woodwork throughout. Large concrete patio for your backyard entertainment. 2 pantries, fireplace, walk in closets and much more! Large 6 car garage for all you toys or Mancave! Delavan Schools! All room sizes are estimates.

Large west of the interstate property on 3 acres in Racine County. Bring your decorating ideas to this 4 bedroom farmhouse property with a pole building & an extra shed.Horses allowed! Secluded rural setting with privacy & space. Close to Union Grove & easy access to I-94.

Welcome to this charming 3-story farmhouse nestled on 4.6 acres of picturesque land, featuring a classic Sears Catalog barn-an ideal canvas for a modern homestead. This inviting home boasts a spacious layout across three finished levels, offering 6 bedrooms and 2.1 baths. Enjoy a sunny library, a formal dining room, a formal parlor, powder room, & a beautiful stone fireplace in the living room. Recessed lighting & a large country kitchen with a walk-in pantry add to the appeal. 4 spacious bedrooms & a full bath plus 2 linen closets are on the second floor which also has 7 ft ceilings. The third floor is a versatile space, potentially transformed into a private primary suite complete with its own bath, a walk-through closet, & breathtaking views of the property. The expansive barn is structurally sound & serves as a garage, workshop, storage & an area that could be for livestock. A stream meanders through the property, dividing the back wooded area with existing trails, perfect for exploration. Zoned A-1 (Agricultural), this property allows for horses or other livestock. Recent updates include a new roof, gutters & downspouts on both the home & barn (2022), upgraded electric service in the barn (2020), resurfaced deck with structural repairs and a new ramp, & natural gas grill hookup (2019). Interior improvements include new paint on most of the first and second floors (2018/2019), beadboard panels in the master bedroom (2018), refinished original wood floors (2018), a new water pressure tank (2022), high efficiency furnace, central humidifier, water heater, & water softener (2019). Partial estate fencing (2020) is present on the front and east side of the yard. **Please note that the home and all personal property are being sold as-is. This property is not eligible for FHA or VA financing. AGENT RELATED SELLER** While it may require some updates, with your vision and effort, it has the potential to become the hobby farm of your dreams.

Stunning, move-in ready riverfront beauty! Enjoy days on the water followed by a beautiful sunset without having to renovate or update anything. Located at the end of a dead-end street (no through traffic!) near the Chapel Hill Country Club, this secluded large lot is .85 acre and has room for everybody to enjoy lake life. The home was gutted and remodeled in 2011 and lovingly refreshed and meticulously maintained since then. The stunning eat-in kitchen includes a breakfast bar, granite countertops, a custom barnwood island, large pantry, and plenty of storage throughout. The massive great room is an ideal gathering space that also takes advantage of the incredible view with French doors leading to the huge riverside patio. The primary suite is an incredible retreat located on the first floor and opens to a covered patio with a river view. The ensuite bathroom is spacious, updated, bright and airy featuring a walk-in shower and soaking tub, marble flooring, and bay windows. Upstairs you'll find three additional bedrooms, two with French doors leading to a large deck overlooking the river. Another full bathroom is upstairs, as well as the laundry room which doubles as a storage room. The outdoor space is breathtaking with a ton of room for entertaining. The solid, concrete double pier with an electric boat lift and two electric waverunner lifts allows the ultimate boating experience. The two car garage is located in the front along with tons of extra space for guest parking. Absolutely nothing to do but move right in and enjoy life on the river. Schedule your showing today!

With magnificent unobstructed views of Benedict Lake, this stately home sits on 2.4 acres in the peaceful neighborhood of Benedict Shores. Adjacent to the backyard you will find Nippersink championship golf course and the scenic views that accompany it. The character of the main house is enhanced by wood floors, vaulted ceilings, walkout basement and plenty of windows inviting natural light and serene views. The flexible space on all 3 floors can accommodate large families and plenty of guests. In addition, just steps from the house you will find a charming 1354 square foot, 3 bedroom coach house and a 3 car detached garage. This extraordinary property provides an opportunity for many exciting possibilities!

Escape to this inviting 15-acre farmette, perfect for families and nature lovers. This spacious property features 4-bedrooms and 2-full baths, providing comfort and room to grow. Key highlights include a detached newer 2 1/2 car garage for ample storage, and two pole buildings- approx. 36 x 56 and 26 x 48-ideal for equipment, hobbies, or livestock. Enjoy the tranquility of wide-open spaces, scenic views, and endless outdoor opportunities. Located just a short drive from town amenities, this property offers the best of country living. Don't miss your chance to embrace a rural lifestyle-schedule a viewing today and envision the possibilities of your new home. Room sizes and measurements are estimated, buyer to verify. Sale is subject to land division approvals.

Escape to this inviting 5-acre farmette, perfect for families and nature lovers. This spacious property features 4-bedrooms and 2-full baths, providing comfort and room to grow. Key highlights include a detached newer 2 1/2 car garage for ample storage, and two pole buildings- approx. 36 x 56 and 26 x 48-ideal for equipment, hobbies, or livestock. Enjoy the tranquility of wide-open spaces, scenic views, and endless outdoor opportunities. Located just a short drive from town amenities, this property offers the best of country living. Don't miss your chance to embrace a rural lifestyle-schedule a viewing today and envision the possibilities of your new home. Room sizes and measurements are estimated, buyer to verify. Sale is subject to land division approvals.

Time is now to help

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