Success Stories
Temporary Help Provides Long-Term Solution
Mr. and Mrs. Jones* relocated to West Virginia in an attempt to provide a safer environment for their six children. Instead, they encountered major obstacles to finding affordable housing and employment. They turned to YWCA of Charleston’s Sojourner’s Shelter for Homeless Women and Families for temporary help.
Mr. Jones had a high school diploma and some training as a certified nursing assistant but had been unable to complete the program or obtain certification. Mrs. Jones also was a high school graduate and was certified as a nursing assistant and had an associate’s degree in physical therapy. Together, they attended Sojourner’s Education/Job Readiness Center and upon completion of their training passed the test for state certification as nursing assistants. They worked with a job developer and within a week’s time were both employed. The family was able to move out of the shelter and into their new residence.
Their children, ranging in ages from 11 to 17 years of age, enrolled in public school and attended the shelters after school tutoring program. The eldest child graduated from high school in 2004 and went on to enroll at a local university. This spurred Mrs. Jones’ lifelong desire to obtain her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. She returned to the Education/Job Readiness Center and began the enrollment process at the same local university attended by her daughter. This past Christmas, she learned she had won a scholarship from a local civic organization that would help defer some of the cost of her college expenses. She enrolled at that university in the fall of 2005.
A Lifeline to Better Health
A monthly income of $462.
A pharmacy bill of more than $300 a month.
How would Frances*, a woman facing the risk or stroke and even death, pay for surgery to correct a blockage of her carotid arteries?
West Virginia Health Right, a United Way partner agency, was her lifeline. The clinic provides medical, dental, prescriptions, and health education services at no charge to more than 17,000 patients, most of whom represent the working poor. Hundreds of health care professionals volunteer at the clinic to provide patient care, making Health Right's annual cost per patients under $75. Without United Way contributions, more than 1,000 people would be at risk.
Health Right arranged for a vascular surgeon to perform Frances’ surgery free of charge. The clinic provided the required laboratory and diagnostic testing prior to surgery. They were even able to provide Frances with her monthly medications through the clinic's pharmacy.
“I don't know where I’d be if it weren't for Health Right,” said Frances. “The people who helped me were top rate. I’m glad to live in a community where so many give freely to help others.
“If I even won the lottery, I’d give every bit of it to Health Right,” Frances continued. “So many patients depend upon the generosity of the people there. A better use of the money couldn’t be found.”
Positive Changes
Whether it’s by changing a negative attitude into a positive one, a “C” grade into a “B” grade, or simply helping a child to have fun on a day that he or she might have been sitting at home, The Salvation Army’s Boys & Girls Club is full of “success” stories. Just ask Jasmine*, a 10-year old girl that has been a member of the program for more than four years.
Jasmine always seemed “older” than her age. She was very articulate and never had a problem voicing her opinion, especially when she felt something was unfair. That changed, however, when her uncle was shot and killed. This traumatic event hardened her and caused her to lash out at those around her.
The staff at The Salvation Army took Jasmine under their wing and spent extra time working with her one-to-one throughout the summer and into the school year. They counseled her on anger-management skills and conflict resolution methods to provide healthy alternatives to dealing with her negative emotions. Over time, her attitude has softened to the point where she has been recognized as a “junior staff member of the month” for her good behavior.
*Clients name has been changed
