GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Fighting eviction and hardship was never a part of the plan for retired Clay County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy Nancy Scherer. And, during what she called “the most difficult time in her life,” she refused to lose faith.

“It’s gotten to the point where I try to remain positive. I try to be positive, but when it’s day in, day out [and] it’s been like this for months, you get really discouraged. You pray a lot more,” she said.

It wasn’t until her community of first responders stepped in that Scherer said she had the chance to breathe and see a window of hope.

Scherer was the first female road patrol deputy and sergeant of patrol and investigations in Clay County. She was a teacher and was always working. Until her retirement in 1995, she couldn’t remember when she wasn’t on the go.

A recent medical emergency changed her life. She had back surgery several months ago. Last week, she had her right knee replaced. Now, she needs surgery to replace her left ankle.

“You never think it’s going to happen to you, being disabled,” Scherer said.

Initially, she just dealt with the sudden pain until it got to be too much.

“It got to the point where I could hear crunching. And it got worse. That’s when I went to a foot specialist,” Scherer said.

Scherer said she was diagnosed with a condition that results in a lack of cartilage between the bones in her knee and ankle.

Not being able to walk without assistance from a walker or crutches, Scherer struggled to make ends meet. And, with Scherer unable to continue working, her income was limited, leaving her plagued with the pressure of paying her bills.

“I’ve got your bills. Your rent, car payment, your food, credit cards, house insurance, etcetera,” Scherer said. “I found myself in a big dilemma.”

With no family around to help, Scherer said she eventually succumbed to the pressure and nearly faced being evicted. Scherer said that moment left her feeling lost and depressed.

“I was sitting in a chair thinking, ‘Well, what am I going to put in my car that I can keep when I get evicted,’” Scherer said.

Scherer began finding ways to stay afloat. Along with help from her daughter and a friend, Scherer said she began finding household antiques and coins to sell on Marketplace as a temporary solution.

“That’s how I’ve gotten by. The grace of God just is it. First, having a lot of expensive jewelry helped a lot. Just really cutting down on food, cutting down on buying things. Just cutting corners everywhere I could look,” Scherer said.

Amid her struggles, Scherer said she has always been reluctant to ask for help. She insisted on finding her own solutions.

“I don’t like to ask for things. I’m not one that will say, “Oh, I need this. I need that.’ I will do without until it gets to the breaking point where I have no choice [but] to ask,” Scherer said.

Scherer said that a stubborn and independent mindset came from being in law enforcement for a large portion of her life.

Because of her time as a Clay County deputy, Scherer said she had the opportunity to endure many impactful experiences and meet many influential faces. Two of which would help to change the trajectory of her future circumstances.

Scherer said Sheriff Michelle Cook and her senior executive assistant, Denise Flak, became her guardian angels. Flak and Cook introduced her to the Signal 35 Fund, which was launched early last year.

Headed by a local group of community members, the nonprofit was created to provide aid and funding to county first responders in need. The name Signal 35 comes from the county’s radio call code for “officer needs assistance.”

After hearing about Scherer’s situation, Cook asked Signal 35 for help. As a result, Scherer became the first official recipient of the funding.

“The fund did exactly what it was intended to do: it helped support a Clay County first responder who was in need,” Cook said.

The funding was a saving grace after reaching out to many charities without success. With its help, Scherer said her rent was paid for three consecutive months.

“You have no idea what a relief that was,” Scherer said.

In addition, Scherer said Flak brought her supplies and food bought with donations.

“We were able to give her the check from the Signal 35 foundation, but she was just shocked that somebody would help her to keep from being homeless,” Flak said.

Signal 35 is a private nonprofit that operates solely on donations. It helps county fire and rescue, law enforcement and corrections officers, 911 dispatchers, fire and arson investigators, forensics personnel, flight medics, retirees, recruits, cadets and family members.

Scherer said she continues to be grateful for the help. She added the experience taught her how to appreciate all she has.

“I see a lot of need to help more people. We have not really addressed the problem with people with disabilities as much as they need to be,” Scherer said.

But, even with the help, Scherer said she would soon return to the same predicament. With it being January, Scherer said her rent payments and struggles will resume, and she will be back at Square 1.

Originally, Scherer had hoped to complete her surgery in early December to give her enough time to recover while preparing to find a job. However, her surgery was canceled and rescheduled to last week.

“I was thinking I’d already be into a month of recovery by this time, and I could go back to work,” she said.

Scherer said her daughter set up a GoFundMe account to help her. As of now, Scherer is just waiting it out. She is hoping for the best after her surgery.

“I’ve resolved that I might have to live in my car with my dog. If I can’t get enough for rent for the next couple of months, I’ll be living in my car,” Scherer said.

She said she will keep fighting and hopes others in similar situations will do the same.

“Don’t give up. Things will get better, eventually. Look at it as a hurdle, not a curse,” she said.