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This client story was recently shared at a Board of Director's meeting. It gives such a clear picture of what we do, that we wanted to share with our supporters as well. Please enjoy!
The tremendous increase in client intakes during these last several months has given the direct assistance staff a unique opportunity. It has given us the opportunity to prove that the Northside Neighborhood House is an organization capable of innovating in response to widespread economic upheaval. The NNH has seized this opportunity and made every effort to prove that our 85 years be reflected by the wisdom we evince, rather than the age of our methods. While we strive to assuage the financial burden of the newly encumbered, it is imperative that we not neglect the steady undercurrent of those clients for whom poverty is an inheritance. We still see and will likely continue to see single mothers and fathers who do not receive child support, those who have had their belongings lost in fires and floods, persons with disabilities and without representation, and persons bereft of emotional and financial support in the wake of divorce, abuse, unplanned pregnancy, and addiction. One such client that came to us in September exemplifies this broad demographic.
When 35-year-old "Mollie" first came to us in December of last year, she needed help with food, diapers, and baby formula. She explained to us that she is a single mother with two boys- a two year old and an infant. She had been out of work due to her two pregnancies and most recently, cancer and MERSA. Her father was helping by letting her live with him until she was able to gain steady income. In addition to her request for food and other nessessities, Mollie expressed the desire to get back in shape after her most recent pregnancy and our social worker referred her to a scholarship program at the YMCA. Mollie returned a month later in January. She had signed up for the YMCA scholarship fitness program for herself and her older son was accepted for their afterschool program. She was receiving food stamps and had contacted AAA Women's Services for parenting classes and supplies.
The last time Mollie came in she had more good news- she had finally been approved and was receiving income for her disability, had moved out on her own with her children, and had begun vocational rehabilitation at the Department of Human Services. Unfortunately, these hard-won achievements were at present being overshadowed by new hardship. Her new apartment had flooded, and mold flourished. Within the space of a week Mollie's furniture was ruined, she and her older son were put on oxygen, and her youngest rushed to Thompson where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. Her landlord moved her to a new apartment and we at the Northside Neighborhood provided her with a bed for the children, linens, and blankets.
Mollie's story is incomplete. Although self-sufficiency is a goal not yet realized, it's cases such as Mollie's that give us hope and our clients encouragement. For every step back, she's taken two steps forward, and if she continues to make positive changes based on recommendations for long-term stability, she will succeed.
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