BENJEARLENE NELSON
Royal Palm Beach
Blindness, house fire can’t keep mother of two down
Even though she’s legally blind, Benjearlene Nelson has always had a clear vision of her future: to be a strong example to her children by owning a home, and to build a career by which she could support her family and help others.
But adversity has created far more darkness than the infection that destroyed Nelson’s left eye nine years ago.
In 2002, after an argument, her husband doused the couple’s West Palm Beach house with gasoline and set it afire with her two children inside.
Thankfully, no one was hurt, and Nelson, who also suffers from chronic liver and hip problems, escaped the abusive relationship.
“I knew I had a choice to either lose my kids and sink into the ground or get off my butt and do something,” she says. “But I thought, who’s going to hire me?”
Determined to succeed without a partner or public assistance, the single mom, now 37, got a telemarketing job in 2003 through a Social Security program that allowed her to work without losing her federal disability health coverage.
She quickly soared to top salesperson.
Her story was so inspiring that the West Palm Beach native, who grew up in Dunbar Village, testified before a congressional panel in Washington about the “Ticket to Work” program.
A year later, she joined Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, where she teaches life skills to adults with disabilities at a Boynton Beach rehabilitation facility.
Her second job, as a companion to adults with disabilities, helped her save enough money to buy a home in Royal Palm Beach.
Although she’d finally achieved that dream, Nelson’s happy ending didn’t last long.
Lightning struck the house in September, forcing Nelson and her two children — Adrian Nixon, 20, a college student, and younger sibling Greivondra Cobb, 18 — to move out while smoke damage was repaired.
The blaze may have destroyed the kitchen, but not Nelson’s fighting spirit or tireless work ethic.
“She’s such a powerful example of someone who won’t give up despite overwhelming hardship,” says Cal Miller, vice president of marketing at Gulfstream Goodwill. “All of us just love her.”
Nelson, who’s quick with a smile and hug for everyone she meets, says her faith sustains her.
“There are so many times I’ve wanted to throw in the towel, but then I think that this is just another test,” she says. “I believe that I’m here to give testimony that if you believe in God and take it one day at a time, you’ll survive.”
Benjearlene Nelson’s wishes
What she asked for: Money to help pay for eye surgery, property taxes, home repairs, groceries and a student loan. Also, a full-sized bed, clothes and linens.
What she received: An eye specialist donated cataract surgery. There were also donations of a bedroom set, linens and money to help pay Nelson’s home insurance, taxes and renovations.
What she said: “She has been so overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from the community that it’s shocked her,” says Cal Miller, vice president of marketing for Gulfstream Goodwill. “Through all that happened to her, she has always remained optimistic, and she believes God will pull her through. It’s been phenomenal. When she found out she was nominated, she sobbed uncontrollably. To have money after a string of rotten luck means everything to her.”
Nominated by: Gulfstream Goodwill Industries
Address: 1715 Tiffany Drive E., West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Phone: (561) 848-7200
Its mission: To help people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to become self-sufficient, working members of the community.
