Program Success Stories
Catholic Charities (Increasing Self-Sufficiency Impact Area)
Irene, a 78-year-old female, was referred to Catholic Charities' In-Home Support Service by the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Waukesha County. She had no social support other than occasional contact with one family member. Irene's need centered around cleaning and reducing clutter in her apartment. Her chronic pain in addition to her numerous other health problems made it difficult for her to clean her apartment.
As a result of receiving 2 hours of service per week from Catholic Charities In-Home staff, the clutter in Irene's apartment was significantly reduced. The regular disposal of trash by the In-Home staff has led to improved household smell and cleanliness. Over time, the Homemaker developed a trusting relationship with Irene, which led to discussions regarding some of Irene's more personal health concerns. This staff member reported these unresolved health issues to the In-Home Support case manager who addressed the concern with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Waukesha County. As a result of this communication, Irene was able to receive follow up medical care at a local hospital. Catholic Charities, with the support of United Way and Waukesha County, made it possible for Irene to remain living independently and self-sufficient in her own home.
Hebron House of Hospitality, Inc. (Meeting Basic Needs Impact Area)
Denise, a 23-year-old single mother, came to Hebron House after relocating to Waukesha due to a domestic violence situation. While Denise's situation was horrible, it did not qualify her to be accepted into a domestic violence shelter. Within a week of entering Hebron House, Denise obtained employment and enrolled her child in school. After three weeks of saving her paychecks, Denise found an apartment close to her new job and was able to move out to her own apartment. Six months later, Denise is still at that job, still in her apartment and is now enrolled in school. She is very happy that she is safe with her ex-boyfriend now in jail. She is excited that her new life is turning out so well.
La Casa de Esperanza (Strengthening Families Impact Area)
Ann entered La Casa de Esperanza's Family Self-Sufficiency Program at the age of 19. She was a single-parent, with an infant daughter, who depended on multiple forms of public assistance. Her income of $8,076 was from her job as a waitress and the W2 Payment Program. With the assistance of her case manager, Ann began to set goals to obtain a higher education in the medical field. She began working as a nursing home part-time, while pursuing a Certified Nursing Assistant certification at WCTC. Upon achieving that goal, she continued on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Today, Ann is a graduate of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. She is working full-time for the same nursing home where she earns an annual salary of approximately $45,000. Ann is completely free of any type of public assistance and is looking to the future. She is awaiting the purchase of a home. Ann also plans on continuing her education to become a Registered Nurse. She is looking forward to creating a better life for herself and for her daughter.
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