New Bedford Woman Raising Her Grandchildren Loses Home to Fire

Since 2015, Fun107 and The United Way of Greater New Bedford have come together during the holiday season to help a local family in need. We have shared countless stories of struggling families and have witnessed the SouthCoast step up in generous ways to give these people hope and a brighter holiday.

On Monday, we kicked things off with the Martin family, and today, we would like to introduce you to the Mignault family from New Bedford.

To say that Sherri Mignault has a big heart is an understatement. She and her husband took in their three grandchildren when their children fell on hard times, and have been raising them ever since. Sadly, Sherri’s husband passed away, and it’s been extremely difficult on her and the children, who referred to him as “Dad.”

Mignault has been homeless in the past and was thrilled to find a home for her family through Section 8, but tragedy struck again. A house fire burned her home, and all of their belongings, to the ground.

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When one of the grandchildren asked to “save Papa," one of the firefighters ran in and grabbed the grandfather’s urn. Papa was the only thing saved from the fire.

“I haven’t really been able to grieve my husband,” Mignault said. “I just have to be strong for the kids.”

Mignault suffers from severe anxiety and panic attacks, so getting a job is harder than ever. She has no family to lean on, and with the colder months right around the corner, she is desperate to provide a home for her grandkids and get back on their feet.

The Mignault family could use some help with mentoring, rent assistance, clothes for the children, and meals. Her granddaughter loves cosmetics and anime, and her grandsons love cars and toys. For Sherri, she just wants her kids to be happy.

Here is how you can help the Mignault family this holiday season.

Text to Donate to Holiday Wish

Text WISHES21 to 243725. You will be sent a United Way e-link that allows you to make a donation via credit card to this family when you select the day and date of which family you wish to help from the drop-down menu.

Donate By Check to Holiday Wish

Make checks payable to the United Way of Greater New Bedford and in the memo line, write HOLIDAY WISH and the day and date of the family you wish to help. Checks can be mailed to United Way of Greater New Bedford, 128 Union Street, Suite 105, New Bedford, MA 02740.

Donate by Credit Card to Holiday Wish

You can make a secure donation to the United Way via credit card HERE. Select the day and date of the family you wish to help from the "Please Select a Family" drop-down menu.

All of our families are pre-selected through the United Way of Greater New Bedford. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the United Way directly.