CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A retired Clay County deputy is thanking the community and Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook after a relatively new program helped her in her time of need.
But now, she faces another dilemma.
Nancy Scherer is a woman of many firsts.
“I was the first female road deputy in Clay County in 1983. Then I was promoted to first female sergeant, then the first female sergeant of investigations,” she said.
She retired from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office after many years of public service and decided to serve the community in another way -- as a teacher for children with special needs.
That’s until mobility issues rendered her disabled and unable to work.
“I’ve got a left ankle that needs replacing and a right knee,” she said.
Last fall, the Signal 35 program stepped in when Scherer was on the brink of eviction.
The nonprofit, named after Clay County’s radio call for officers who need assistance, helps current and retired first responders and their families when they need help financially in their personal lives.
“I was crying,” Scherer said. “Because it was such a blessing. I didn’t even know anybody could help because I had been calling charities, everybody I could find and nobody could help or wouldn’t show up.”
Scherer said Signal 35 helped her pay her rent and other basic needs for three months, but she still has to undergo surgeries with a lengthy recovery time.
Now, she is facing eviction once again.
“You don’t think it’s going to happen to you,” she said. “When it happens to you, it’s like a slap in the face, especially with my left ankle and my right knee going out almost at the same time this summer. It was like a double whammy.”
Scherer’s daughter started a GoFundMe campaign to help with her expenses as she recovers, and they’re hoping the community will donate what they can.
She said she was hesitant to ask for help again because of her pride but felt like she had no other options.
“I’m trying to sell everything I own. I sold a bunch of jewelry and things I own. I resolved the fact that, I hope not, but if I have to live in my car, then I’m going to have no choice,” Scherer said.
Signal 35 said the organization helps people when there’s an initial need to give them time to connect with other organizations that can help on a long-term basis.
If you would like to like to help Scherer, click here.