The decision to drive drunk has brought 21-year-old Derrick Jenkins and his family a lifetime of consequences.
The family was shattered after Derrick drove his motorcycle drunk and crashed last year. The accident left Jenkins blind with traumatic brain injuries. His mother, Jennifer Jenkins, lost her job and couldn’t pay rent. The decision nearly left Derrick’s family homeless.
Friday, the family got the knock on the door they dreaded: eviction. An emergency motion bought them until Tuesday.
Judy Vargas with Catholic Charities saw the Jenkins’ story on Bay News 9 and wanted to help.
"My heart just broke to think what they were going through," Vargas said.
Catholic Charities got the Jenkins’ an apartment in Pinellas Village and arranged for Joe’s Moving and Labor to help the family pack up and move out.
"This is the best moment since we've been out of the hospital," Jennifer Jenkins said.
The Jenkinses are grateful for a new beginning.
"I'm overwhelmed,” Jennifer Jenkins said. “I'm just so grateful. It's a relief that I know where we're going to be tonight and next week."
"Just the words 'new home,' it's not just a place, this is a home,” Derrick said. “It's a second chance at life and everything."
Vargas says this is what Catholic Charities is all about.
"We give a first chance, a second chance," she said.
Jennifer Jenkins says she’s looking forward to getting back on track and being able to give back.
Even though this is a fresh start for the family, they will forever be reminded of Derrick’s past. Derrick Jenkins wants to remind people not to make the same mistake he did.