Karen, a single mother of two came to Richard’s Place for support and in need of assistance in many ways. Karen and both of her children ages 11 and 15 are HIV positive. Karens husband passed away three years ago due to complications of AIDS. After relocating back to Oconomowoc to be closer to family, Karen and her children were in need of medical attention and an affordable place to live. Not wanting to be a burden to her family, Karen wanted a place of her own so she and her children could try and live as normal of a life as possible. All three being in fairly good health have not experienced any opportunistic illnesses due to HIV status. 

Once enrolled in case management Karen and her two children were referred to a physician and signed up for state assistance HIV medication program. All three were able to continue the medication regimen they had been on prior to moving back to Oconomowoc without delay and interruption. Richard’s Place was able to assist Karen with a low income Mainstream Voucher so she could afford an apartment for herself and children.  Volunteers helped with the move of her furniture and belongings out of storage and into their new home. Referral was also made to psychotherapist for the family due to the on-going difficulty all three were still having after losing a husband and father.

Karen was able to get a part-time job at an agency that is aware of her HIV status. This was important to her so that if anything arose regarding her health or her children’s health she would be able to make doctor appointments for herself and her kids, and missing work would not be an issue. Karen and both of her children see the Richard’s Place case manager once a week to address any issues that may arise and obtain assistance with any unmet needs the family may have. Karen and her children also help by volunteering at one of the Richard’s Place supportive living. This appears to give all three a sense of belonging and acceptance within the community.