Mr. D has been with St. Vincent de Paul Louisville since before January. On Jan 3, 2019 Mr. D checked in to the shelter with alcohol on his breath. At this time you could not check in under the influence of any substance, leaving Mr. D without a bed and having to stay in White Flag that night. Cassidy Kennedy, Program Manager at Ozanam Inn, asked Mr. D a simple question that evening. “Do you want something different?” Mr. D had checked in and lost his bed several times prior for being under the influence. Case Manager Stacy Boyd and Cassidy told him to think about what he wanted, and if he wanted something different to be back at 9 am for case management and make a plan. Mr. D was here at 9 on the 4th of January and that was the day he changed his life.
For years, Mr. D had only worked as a day laborer. He told Stacy that he wanted a job and even had specific job in mind. Within a few weeks he stopped day labor and applied for that job. He even followed up with the manager so the employer knew he was serious. His determination paid off and he landed the position he wanted.
Luck seemed to find Mr. D. He received a letter from Louisville Metro Housing Authority that he had been placed on a waiting list for Dosker Manor. Afraid for his sobriety and mental well-being, he spoke to Stacy and Cassidy about his fears. They came up with a plan: come to the Open Hand Kitchen for dinner and hang out until he was ready go home! Home sounded so nice to him. On Sept 12th, Mr. D moved into his own apartment! He hates heights, but loves the view of the city from the 12th floor of Dosker Manor. He has more than eight months of sobriety under his belt and a plan to keep it. Getting a driver’s license will be his next big move. He’s even saved enough money to buy a TV for his new apartment.
Just one question got Mr. D to the high he is on now, 12 floors up in his own one bedroom apartment.
Ashley W. arrived to St. Jude Women’s Recovery Center unconvinced she had an addiction, prior to exiting she was able to admit she did have an addiction and that she was in need of help.
After arriving at St. Jude, Stephanie quickly obtained a sponsor and began working the steps. She met with her sponsor weekly and was a very helpful big sister to newer clients. Stephanie is now employed and in transitional housing.
Case Manager Patrick Crady helped a Veteran save enough to move out of Ozanam Inn on their own. The Veteran was able to pay first month’s rent and deposit and still have enough for the month. Patrick helped him achieve full-time employment, which was the key to his self-sufficiency.
The Good Samaritan
Download the October 2019 Issue
Leave a Reply