A Simple Mistake, A Big Roadblock
Gloria never imagined that a clerical error could cause so much trouble. Years ago, her mother—a single mom—opened a life insurance policy for Gloria and her brother. But when Gloria tried to claim the funds, she faced an uphill battle. The life insurance company insisted that they had her name and address wrong, listing an address in Brooklyn instead of her Manhattan home.
“I sent letters, called, or whatever, everything! And ‘no, I’m sorry. Your name is different. Your address is different.’ I said, my God, what else can I do?”
Feeling frustrated and defeated, Gloria turned to Open Hands Legal Services, meeting Nicole, a dedicated lawyer who took on her case. For the first time, she felt like someone was truly in her corner.
Piecing Together the Puzzle
Nicole and the team at Open Hands understood the complexity of Gloria’s situation. With an address error and a name change in her records, untangling the problem required persistence. They reached out to the overseeing office to figure out exactly what documentation was needed to release the funds. With their guidance, Gloria submitted a new application.
“To come here and have somebody who says, ‘well, we’re going to try to help and see what we can do.’ Oh, my God! That’s great! That is really a stress off of us.”
After years of hitting dead ends, Gloria finally received the check she had fought so hard for. It was more than just a financial win; it was a moment of relief and gratitude.
A Future Secured
For Gloria, the recovered funds meant something deeply personal. Approaching her 80th birthday, she worried about what would happen when she was gone. Now, she could ensure that her final expenses were covered, so her children wouldn’t be burdened.
“I think to myself: I don’t want my children (or nobody!) to be asking for money for my burial. So that’s when I went phew! God, thank God!”
Gloria’s story is a testament to the impact of advocacy and the power of persistence. With the support of Open Hands and its volunteers, she found the resolution she needed and peace of mind for the future.
Grateful for a Helping Hand
Gloria’s experience is a reminder of how vital it is to have someone who is willing to try—someone who listens and offers hope. Thanks to the support of Open Hands and people like you, Gloria’s story is one of relief instead of continued struggle. It’s proof that even a small act of advocacy can make a world of difference.
“This is the reason why I am so grateful to [Open Hands] and all volunteers. And everybody that had to do anything with this.”
Your support made a world of difference for Gloria. With your help, we can continue providing the advocacy and support that changes lives—just like Gloria’s. Make a gift today to ensure that more people have a fighting chance at justice and peace of mind.