Charity returns the favor to a former volunteer

Bundled up against the afternoon chill, Judy Day brightened as she watched her great-grandson, Caleb, bound off a school bus and into her arms.

Wearing round spectacles, the 4-year-old perched on the padded seat of Day's walker as she pushed him into a Bothell trailer park, to the mobile home they share. "He is a jewel," Day said. "My heart just melts for him. I know I have him for a reason."

But if it weren't for the help of Hopelink, a nonprofit organization that serves people in need across the Eastside, Day and Caleb would likely be homeless. Over the years, Day has frequently visited Hopelink's Northshore Emergency Center, first as a volunteer helping out in the organization's food bank, and now as a client in need of services.

Hopelink is one of 13 organizations to receive aid this year from The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy. Last year, the fund raised $24,000 for Hopelink, money that helps low-income families pay their energy bills, put food on the table and stay in their homes. Some of the funds go toward the organization's adult-education programs, which help people who need to improve their literacy and job skills.

While Caleb is in preschool, Day makes weekly trips to Hopelink's food bank in Bothell to help offset what her food stamps don't cover. For the past few months, Day also has sought emergency financial help from Hopelink through its rent-assistance program. Since her granddaughter left in September, Day no longer has help paying utilities and the rent on her mobile-home space.

And now she has Caleb to care for, too.

Born with poor vision

About six years ago, Day filed for custody of her then-teenage granddaughter, who was living in foster care. The girl came to live with Day and did well at first, enrolling in Running Start, which allowed her to attend community college. Later, the teen got a part-time job, which helped her cover some of Day's bills.

At that time, Day was a steadfast volunteer at Hopelink, and she often would take the girl with her to help sort food at the food bank.

But in time, their relationship soured.

The girl became pregnant at 18. Caleb was born with poor vision, and was wearing glasses by the time he was 3 months old, Day said. He also struggles with language and attends an early-intervention preschool through the Northshore School District, where he sees a speech therapist.

In September, Day obtained temporary custody of Caleb. Her granddaughter has since moved out of state.

After her granddaughter left, Day found herself needing help from the organization where she once volunteered. As a retired nurse's aide, she subsists on about $660 a month in Social Security, to cover her $445 rent, plus electricity and grocery bills.

Day went into Hopelink's Northshore Emergency Center to ask for help.

"I was desperate. If I couldn't pay my rent, I knew I'd get evicted, and then Caleb and I would be out on the streets," Day said.

Teresa Andrade, manager of the Northshore Emergency Center, has known Day for years, since the time Day was a volunteer at the food bank. She had seen the difficulties Day went through with her granddaughter, and watched Caleb grow from a baby into a toddler and preschooler. When Day came to her in need of help, Andrade knew it was a difficult thing for her to do.

People who understand

"No one wants to be client; everyone would rather be donor or volunteer," Andrade said. "No one wants to have to go to a food bank. Anyone would rather go to the grocery store and pick out what you want to eat." Andrade, who has a picture of Caleb as a newborn sitting on her desk, eased Day's fears. They were not going to be homeless.

"Judy knew this was a safe place to come for help," Andrade said. "She knew it was OK to be a client, that we treat everyone with respect."

The feeling of relief brought tears to Day's eyes.

"It was like, 'Thank God, there are some people who understand,' " Day said. "I'm 66 years old, and I never thought I'd have to worry about where I'd live."

On Wednesday, Day visited Hopelink's gift rooms, where she picked out a few presents for Caleb from the donated toys and clothes. And she plans to sign up soon for the organization's Family Development program, where she will work with specialists who will help connect her with community resources, set and meet goals and manage her limited finances.

Day is determined to be the best "mother" she can be to Caleb. But she knows it won't be easy, and that she will need help along the way.

"I feel I owe it to Caleb. I owe him love and guidance, and as good as I can give him," she said, easing herself into a cushy chair that supports her bad back.

Caleb was on the floor, immersing himself in a make-believe world where a toy snake and a shark keep him company, where he can build anything with his Legos, or go anywhere in his Hot Wheels toy cars.

"He's the happiest I've ever seen him," said Day, beaming. "He smiles so much more."

Rachel Tuinstra: 206-515-5637

or rtuinstra@seattletimes.com