Joy entered into the program at St. Jude Women’s Recovery Center with chronic substance abuse disorder, severe medical abnormalities, as well as mental health disorders. Joy received the time she needed to address her medical and mental health diagnosis so that she could work on getting her life in order regarding her recovery journey. Joy worked closely with case management to obtain and maintain health insurance, housing, identification, and SNAP benefits. Joy stayed longer than the allotted time due to her severe circumstances. She is currently employed, has a sponsor, is working her steps, meets with a therapist, and maintains her health appointments. Joy’s light returned in her eyes and with every obstacle she faced, she was afraid, but she walked through them with support from our team and her other resources within the community.
Eileen has been housed through St. Vincent de Paul Louisville for several years. Over the years, her physical health has declined and she now experiences seizures. She has struggled with paying her rent and keeping her apartment habitable. Last month, her landlord said that he would not renew her lease and she had 30 days to leave the apartment. Housing and Programs collaborated to move Eileen to an on-campus apartment and add her son to the lease as her caregiver. Eileen will find additional support and flexibility in our on-campus apartment than she would with a private landlord.
When Jon came to Ozanam Inn, he had been homeless for more than a year. He had a chronic and severe mental illness that left him vulnerable to exploitation on the street. Jon entered the Sanctuary Bed Program at Ozanam Inn where he was able to secure psychiatric medication, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a bank account, a phone, one-on-one therapy, contact with family and support people, insurance, a Social Security card, and an ID. He then began taking steps towards independence and an apartment with assistance and services provided by St. Vincent de Paul Louisville staff. Despite all of his progress, he did not adjust to his medication and continued to display mental health symptoms. His Case Manager at Ozanam Inn connected with Jon’s family and helped him to become hospitalized at Central State Hospital so that he can continue to work on his mental health stability. These intensive services helped Jon become more stable so that he could work on his housing.
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