There are basic things that we all need for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, income that can support a family through retirement, and good health. Please read these real-life stores of lives touched through the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties:
Faith in Action
Mom’s dearest wish was to remain in her own home. Memory loss, impaired vision and a variety of health issues have made this harder and harder. Her daughter lives over an hour away, and tries to help, but distance and her own health prevents her from doing it all. Faith in Action volunteers have stepped in by providing transportation, bringing Mom meals, doing the shopping, keeping the walk shoveled, and more. Mom remains in her own home thanks to their care. Mom’s daughter is amazed at the volunteers’ kindness and generosity. Her Mom calls to share stories of her wonderful volunteers, and how they make even a trip to the doctor fun. Mom’s daughter says that the volunteers are “an answer to prayer” and feels as though she has discovered “long lost friends” through the volunteers and Faith in Action staff. She tears up as she talks about her amazement of how Faith in Action’s “angels”. She believes that our volunteers have saved Mom’s life, calling Faith in Action a “godsend”. “We are ever so grateful”.
Integrated Counseling Services
“I first came to ICS a little over a year ago. My school counselor said I should give them a try. Am I ever glad I did. My mom and dad got divorced 3 years ago. Life hasn't been easy for me since that time. Instead of fighting with each other, they just want to take it out on me. My ICS therapist has really helped me and my parents communicate better. They are finally leaving me out of their fights. I am doing better in school. Best of all, I not depressed anymore. It's been months since I've thought about hurting myself. If my ICS therapist hadn't been there for me, I'm not sure I'd be here.”
PADA
In 2010 PADA received a referral from Community Action Coalition. It was a women name “Nancy.” She was accepted in the Transitional Housing Program but was afraid to leave the home because of her abusive husband. He was very controlling, physically, verbally and mentally abusive. Nancy felt she was not able to leave the relationship with four children especially since one of them is a special needs child. She worked part time but the income wasn’t enough to survive on. Nancy’s husband threatened and intimidated her, telling her that she would never get away and he would find her, kill her and kill himself. Nancy took these threats very seriously. He was also an alcoholic and had isolated Nancy from her family and friends. Every time they attended a family function they had to leave soon after they arrived due to his drinking and behavior. Nancy realized the children were being affected by the abuse in the home. The children were also afraid of him and began having behavior problems at school, with friends, and the community. She didn’t want to live with the abuse anymore but the fear kept her in the relationship. CAC stepped in and was a great help to Nancy. One day Nancy had the courage to report the abuse to the Police. Her husband was arrested and she obtained the 72hr no contact order. He was also ordered not to have any contact with her and the children, and no presence at her residence through the criminal case. This was Nancy’s opportunity to break the cycle and start all over with her children in a healthy home. PADA also made a referral to Legal Action of Wisconsin and she was represented in the family case by an attorney at no cost to her. All the pieces in the puzzle were connecting, the collaboration of other organizations really helped Nancy. Nancy moved to an apartment and continues to work part time, soon her divorce will be finalized. Nancy continues to receive counseling for her and for the children. She attends PADA support groups once per month and her children go to art therapy at PADA. It has not been a smooth road as there have been bumps along the way, including Nancy’s guilt, shame, and fear of the reality of it all. The PADA advocate and supported Nancy and was able to help her understand that her feelings are normal and that she needed to grieve the loss of this relationship before she could move on. Nancy is doing well and now she has a chance of a healthy life, with her children.
Rock River Free Clinic
A patient was seen by the Rock River Free Clinic who has diabetes and heart disease. Due to lack of medical care in the past he has developed lower limb circulatory problems and ulcers. He was able to obtain needed medications, including insulin, at RRFC and education on how to take his meds. He also received a home visit from a Public Health Nurse referral from RRFC. The PHN assessed his home environment and identified health, nutritional and safety needs of the patient. The patient also received in-patient surgery to correct the ulcers on his legs and restore circulation. The patient now has his diabetes under control and has been referred for further needed education on diabetes and how to avoid complications in the future. He will continue to receive follow-up testing, treatment and medications at RRFC and in-home educational support from the Public Health Nurse. His quality of life has improved and he now understands how to take care of himself.
Community Action – Next Steps
One of our students has three siblings and a stay-at-home mom. Recently the husband and father of the family left them and they had no significant income. They thought the student would have to leave the school program because of their new situation. When I was able to tell the mom that we had a special program to help families who needed financial support, she cried and hugged me. Her daughter loves coming to school and is thriving there. She will get to continue coming and growing because of the United Way support.
Small World Preschool
A child's father became ill last year and had to have brain survey for a tumor. The mother had to accompany the father for his medical treatments, so she lost work hours along with the father. They still had to have care for their child while attending these medical treatments. The scholarship was able to help maintain consistency for the child while the family was going through this health crisis and economic change. Currently, the father is unable to work or drive due to seizures. The mother is back to work and the child continues to be in the program. The family is very appreciative for the assistance with child care as money continues to be very tight.