(Names have been changed to protect the family’s privacy)
John and Anna are a local young family of four with two daughters, ages three and four. John worked on a Vineyard as a field worker and Anna was a stay-at-home- Mom. They lived in sub-standard housing on a ranch which they share with another family. The income from John’s Vineyard job was minimal and they struggled each month to make ends meet. They did not have sufficient income to pay all of their bills and sufficient food for the family. A family friend, familiar with People Helping People (PHP) referred them to our organization believing we might be able to help with some basic household items.
As the family had no phone, a PHP Family Services Coordinator PHP made an appointment to visit the family at their home and assess their needs. Anna reported that due to weather and the season, her husband was working less hours and they were facing challenges buying basic food staples. The interview clearly showed that the family required immediate attention to ensure that their basic family needs were being met.
The family was provided with an emergency supply of groceries from PHP’s pantry, a grocery voucher to Albertson’s, and was enrolled in PHP biweekly food program. Since the family did not have beds and linens for each family member, PHP staff furnished a voucher for the PHP Thrift Store where household items could be purchased and arranged for a bed to be purchases by, a PHP partner and charitable organization at Mission Santa Ines.
Once initial concerns were addressed further visits with the family revealed additional issues. Anna, who did not have health insurance, had not visited a doctor for a well-woman’s check-up for well over 3 years. She also complained of a toothache. The children were also uninsured and had not received any pediatric care including recent immunizations.
The PHP coordinator enrolled the children in a health insurance program and staff secured an appointment with a local pediatrician. The children received exams and all necessary immunizations. As the older child was suffering from severe dental issues, the family was referred to a local dentist and appointments scheduled. Because of the severe nature of the dental needs, sedation would be required and so a PHP staff member provided the necessary transportation to Santa Maria.
During interviews, PHP staff had noted that Anna had a difficult reading and signing required forms. After a few visits, Anna finally shared that she suspected she needed reading glasses. PHP staff referred her to local Optometrist who provided a complimentary eye examination and a new pair of reading glasses.
After continued interaction with the family it also became clear that the family was not aware of no and low-cost pre-school opportunities that were available options for their daughters. As lack of transportation was a barrier, alternatives were explored such as car-pooling and public transportation. Anna networked with other parents and successfully arranged for her daughters to attend the State pre-school in Santa Inez.
With her daughters safely in preschool, Anna secured a job at a local hotel within walking distance from her home and with working hours around the children’s school schedule.
Now working, from 18-22 hours per week, Anna reports that her family is stable and does not struggle as much each month to make ends meet. Both girls are healthy and are learning rapidly. The family now has a telephone line. With an introduction by PHP staff to the Buellton Public Library, Anna and her girls have developed an appetite for reading and have been checking out books for all members of the family regularly. The family now receives only occasional assistance from PHP.
PHP’s programs and services such as those described here are designed to assists individuals and families to be independent and empower them to achieve a higher quality of life.
For more information please visit our Website at www.syvphp.org
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