Success Stories
Patience Pays Off
Raymond* came to the Roark-Sullivan Lifeway Center in March 2005 with no income and an inability to work due to health problems. At first, Raymond was reluctant to participate in basic shelter activities, such as chores and cooking. He also didn't work with the nurse or case manager to deal with his issues.
Staff saw Raymond hanging out with friends during the day and not working on improving his circumstance. After six weeks, Raymond began to share his issues with staff and began participating in chores at the shelter. He souch help from the shelter nurse to get referrals to the doctors he needed to see for his health problems. He also began to cook and discovered it was something he was pretty good at. He applied for disability and for an apartment.
It took many months, but eventually it all came together. He got an apartment, began receiving disability, and his overall health improved. Raymond's success is proof of what can happen with a little patience on the part of the staff and the willingness from a client to improve his circumstances.
The Long Trip Home
Mr. Jones* left his home in Gulfport, Mississippi, to visit West Virginia with some friends following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. When he arrived, his friends abandoned him. He found shelter at Union Mission Crossroads. During his stay there, Mr. Jones found it difficult to fight his addiction to alcohol and spent some time in Prestera's PARC program.
He came to United Way of Central West Virginia's Information & Referral office to get help finding a way back home. He was referred to the local Department of Health and Human Resources for traveler's aid. Due to a payment conflict, between DHHR and Greyhound, however, the voucher could not be used. The staff in Information & Referral contacted the Council of Churches, which agreed to purchase a non-refundable bus ticket for Mr. Jones, due to his hurricane evacuee status. Another local agency, Mountain Mission, was able to provide him with some snacks and fast-food restaurant gift certificates for the long trip home.
*Clients name has been changed
