As a single mother struggling with untreated depression and anxiety, Rachel had no family or close friends nearby on whom she could depend for help with childcare or parenting advice. Unemployed and staying at home because of the medical needs of her four young children, Rachel also had no car, current driver’s license or stable housing, and was dependent on the small monthly Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) check offered by the government to needy families.
Referred to the Good Samaritan Network in July 2011 by a local church, Rachel worked closely with her GSN case manager and community-based volunteer wraparound team, benefiting by the following family stability services:
- Transitional housing
- Medical, dental, and mental health care access, including much-needed prescription assistance
- GSN fundraising effort to purchase a used van for the family, plus gas money and help to reinstate Rachel’s license
- Partial payment of her outstanding college debt and help to reenroll in classes and navigate the financial aid application process
- Donation of a reconditioned laptop to help with school
- Assistance with budgeting, bill paying and establishing a savings account for future permanent housing
- Childcare arrangements to enable her to work
- Development of a daily routine and structure for the kids
- Meeting of basic needs such as children’s clothing and Christmas presents so the family could celebrate together
The result? Today, a year after leaving our care:
Rachel and her kids reside in safe housing; she was able to get off of TCA and support her family through a new job, which also
provides health insurance and enables her to stay on top of her mental health needs; she enrolled in school and is taking classes towards a degree; and having learned how to communicate her needs and reach out for help when necessary, Rachel has created a growing network of support for herself and her kids.
And while the relationship between the referring church, the wraparound team, the GSN case manager and Rachel was not without its ups and downs, what’s important is that, with
community help, Rachel gradually took responsibility for the health and welfare of her family and is now doing well.