FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
(last updated: March 19, 2011)

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we have received over the past few years relating to our family. If you have a question that is not listed here, please feel free to send Jacob an e-mail (jbh301@gmail.com) or post a comment at the end of this post. Thanks!

General Financial Questions:

1. Q: What sources of income do the Holloways presently have?
   A: We presently receive a benevolence of $1000.00 a month from the Diocese of the Mid-South of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, where Bishop John is a medically retired bishop. However, this amount is set to expire soon, and we will then be without any fixed sources of income. As such, we significantly rely on your generous donations.
   Please note: The $1000.00 a month is not funded from any donations sent to the Diocese of the Mid-South. It is funded solely by the Diocese. All donations sent to the Diocese are immediately forwarded and deposited into the Holloway Fund account.
2. Q: Have the Holloways applied for any government-funded assistance programs (i.e. Food Stamps, Medicaid, etc.)?
   A: Yes. Bishop John is currently receiving Medicaid assistance, which provides for the majority of his medications, as well as in-home health care 7 days a week. We are also currently receiving Food Stamps. We have also preliminarily qualified for a one-time utility assistance. We are also investigating other sources of assistance, such as Section 8 Housing assistance.
3. Q: What is the Holloway’s long term financial plan?
   A: First and foremost we rely daily on God’s provision in our lives. Of course, we know that God uses people in this area. Jacob is currently pursuing a career in medicine and intends to support the family once he has a regular income. This should take several years. Until then, the adult Holloways (Jared, Jacob, and Josiah) are doing all that they can to minimize the family’s needs and to financially provide for the family. Bishop John, barring a miracle, is permanently disabled. Elaine is presently undergoing treatment for lymphoma and is unable to work. We hope that one day Elaine will be able to work, but for the foreseeable future this does not seem possible. As such, the Holloways rely heavily upon your generous donations.
4. Q: Do Bishop John or Elaine qualify for Social Security Disability assistance?
   A: Both Bishop John and Elaine opted out of Social Security in the 1970s. As such, and due to other issues, they both do not qualify for SS Disability. We are, however, pursuing SSI, which is similar to, but different from, SS Disability assistance. Information and updates regarding this process will be posted on the main page of the blog.
5. Q: I’ve read your monthly budget and I do not understand why you have X costing so much. Why is this?
   A: We have done all that we can to lean the monthly budget down to a reasonable amount. The costs generally reflect the monthly averages from the past year. We understand, however, that somethings may be further trimmed and reduced. We assure you we are not intentionally wasting money. We realize that we may be overlooking something. If you have a specific concern or suggestion, please feel free to e-mail Jacob. We welcome all suggestions and concerns.
6. Q: Who is in charge of the family’s finances?
   A: Currently, Jacob handles the major bills (Rent, Power, and Natural Gas) and these are being paid from the Holloway Fund account at First Bank of Pike. Elaine has been handling the smaller every-day expenses (Water, cable/phone/internet, groceries, etc.) from her personal checking account. Recent difficulties in Elaine’s treatment have prevented her from handling some of the bills, and as a result, Jacob has been more involved in the every-day bills. The Holloway Fund is a joint-signatory account, with Jacob as one of the signatories, and Jason Brisendine as the other (Jason serves as the bank’s chief loan officer and is a dear family friend). We assure you that all of the money received is being used as judiciously and responsibly as possible.
7. Q: What options do I have to give to the Holloways?
   A: All of this information is listed under the “Support the Holloways” section of this blog.

General Family Questions:

1. Q: What is Bishop John’s current condition?
   A: Bishop John is holding steady. He has not shown much improvement since several years ago, but he has also not shown much decline. Every so often he is able to speak clearly and respond to questions. In general, he is doing well and hanging in there. Changes in his condition are noted on the blog’s main page.
2. Q: What is Elaine’s current condition?
   A: Elaine has finished treatment is beginning to recover. Her blood pressure and weight are holding steady. Her labs have begun to show improvement. During a recent visit, the PA announced that it was time for Mom to begin living again now that she is cancer-free!
3. Q: How are the children doing?
   A: Josiah and Hannah are doing well. Both are helping out around the house and doing their part to help care for Bishop John and Elaine. They both continue to be home schooled by Elaine. Josiah plays football for CrossPointe Academy in Hollonville, GA and Hannah is the resident nurse.
4. Q: What is Jacob’s status for medical school?
   A: Jacob is scheduled to re-take the MCAT in May 2011.
5. Q: I want to come by and see the family, may I do this?
   A: Of course! We would love to see you and welcome you to our home. If you would like to stop by for a visit, please e-mail Jacob or give us a call at home (678.603.2658).
6. Q: I want to help but don’t have the money. Is there anything else I can do?
   A: Specific needs crop up from time to time. Jacob generally posts these on the blog’s main page. In general, people have cooked us meals (Jacob especially loves and appreciates this), volunteered to take Elaine to Emory, or offered Josiah and Hannah transportation to and/or from church. If you have an idea or would like to do any of the above, please e-mail Jacob.
7. Q: Are there any other needs that are not listed in the budget
   A: Yes. Specifically:
   The family van was recently totaled in an auto-accident and we only had liability insurance. As such, we do not currently have the means to either repair the van or to purchase a replacement vehicle. We are actively searching for a replacement to either be donated or purchased at a reduced cost. Please let us know if you know of a vehicle that would meet either of these criteria. Until then, we are having to solely utilize Jacob’s car for transportation. 

   Elaine is in need of new clothes (everything–shirts, pants, socks, etc.), as she has lost nearly 80 pounds since beginning treatment. Her sizes are: Between 1x-2x in shirts/tops and XL in pants.

You may e-mail Jacob or give us a call at home (678.603.2658) if you would like to help with any of these items.