Since the pandemic, many people have seen their financial situation change throughout the country. In Los Angeles alone, the effects have been felt very hard. Many have lost their jobs, fallen behind on rent, and are in danger of their houses being foreclosed.

Jesse Jackson is one of the many people who have felt such effects. When lockdown started, he was unable to leave his house. With an $850 electric bill on his table and not enough cash, he had to search for options.

Thankfully, he found St. Barnabas. And with the help of his case manager Adriana, he was able to have his entire bill covered.

“I am very appreciative of St. Barnabas for covering that for me. I was running out of options, and had it not been for the pandemic, my power would have been turned off sooner. I was in good health, but I was unable to leave the house. I am lucky to have my case manager, here.”

Like many folks, Jesse comes from humble beginnings. A lifelong native of Los Angeles, he grew up around his family—with his nine aunts and uncles each having their own separate house on the same street. He also spent plenty of time with his cousins, whether it was going to church or playing sports with them. Speaking of sports, he played Basketball throughout his junior high and high school years before playing for the CBA while at Arizona State University.

Although he left college after a while, he eventually graduated from California Polytechnic State University years later with a BS in Computer Technology thanks to his former employer Hughes Aircraft covering his fees. He was also a veteran for 3 years and was part of the Dodgers Stadium cleaning team semi-annually for 22 years. 

Nowadays, he lives with his wife, Kathleen, and their marriage is 15 years strong. Each day, he rides his bike and considers life to be an open book. His wisdom? It’s okay to ask for help. “I don’t understand why others don’t ask for help, because if you ask for help, most people will help you. If you are truly honest, they will help you. I’ve been independent since I left rehab 15 years ago. When you have responsibilities, you have to care for yourself, but there is nothing wrong with asking for help.”

Thanks to him asking St. Barnabas for help, he is now able to live in his home with electricity and access to power right at his fingertips.  Despite the hard times, he keeps an optimistic mindset on life. “You have to remember the good times, because that is all you have. You can’t do it again, and you can’t do anything about yesterday either. You have to do what you have to do. It’s in God’s control, and there’s nothing to be nervous about.”

By Krista Savage-White