        |
Housing the Homeless
Robert*, a single dad of two-year-old Joshua found himself in a situation he never expected. After his wife left him to care for little Joshua alone on $10 an hour, Robert was forced to move to a more affordable home. Now that he was down to one income, money was so tight that they couldn’t afford first month’s rent and deposit, and they were on the brink of homelessness. We were able to help Robert pay his rent one month; provide budget counseling and three months follow-up support. This month when our case manger spoke with Robert, he shared that he and Joshua are doing great now.
*Not his real name.
|
|
Caring for Children
Lisa*, a 19-year-old single mom of toddler, Benjamin, needed that parenting manual that none of us receive when we have children. Lisa wanted desperately to give her son the love and care that her parents never gave her. Stressed with going back to school while working part time AND the demands of an active new walker, she was going crazy with Benjamin’s habits of turning the TV on and off and constantly throwing things in the toilet. She found herself saying the same hurtful things her mother had yelled at her. She needed somewhere to turn for advice. On a recent home visit, her parent educator helped her toddler-proof her home to create less hazards (and less hassles). She was able to help Lisa understand that a lot of Ben’s frustrating behaviors were developmentally appropriate, not just naughty. She showed Lisa several new games that she could play with Ben to challenge his development and have more fun with him. Now, each month, Lisa looks forward to having someone to turn to for advice.
*Not her real name.
Feeding Families
Annette*, a preschool teacher and single mom of three small children makes enough to pay for rent and childcare, but not always enough to pay for food. While food and other expenses have gone up in the last year, Annette’s wages have not, and she now worries each time an extra expense- like a dental visit or car repair- comes up. Annette recently shared, “I have a hard time asking for help, but some months I do not know what I would do without Growing Home. I know that no matter what happens, at least my kids will have enough to eat.”
*Not her real name.
The Wellness Project
Michelle* was accustomed to the overcrowded health clinic downtown where she and her children had to wait hours to be seen by harried health care workers who barely had enough time to provide their medical care, much less get to know her and her children. She didn’t expect anything different from the mobile medical van** at Growing Home. She was shocked at how much care the volunteer doctors and medical staff showed her and her children and how much time they took with each child for their well-child check-ups. Her kids were able to get all there vaccine updates right there, and she was able to get a prescription for 4-year-old Isaiah’s asthma. The next morning, Michelle shared with her case manager that she’s never received such kind and thorough medical care for her children.
*Not her real name.
**a partnership between Growing Home, ACS LiftCare/Van, Avista Adventist Hospital, St. Anthony Hospital North and Centura Health |
|
 |
 |
|