A single mother was referred to a community health worker (CHW) through one of the agencies that speaks Swahili. The client was pregnant with her first child, and her husband worked while she took care of the household chores. Her husband left while she was pregnant with their second child. The client is disabled and uses a leg brace, and her husband had taken care of all the expenses. Both children were diagnosed with autism, and she struggled to find the resources to pay her bills and rent.
Unable to speak English, she couldn't reach out to agencies, and she had no access to transportation. After connecting with the CHW, she told them she needed essentials: diapers, clothing, bedding, shoes, SNAP benefits and housing. She also needed a photo ID and a Social Security card.
Working with the CHW and a social worker, the client was able to get an ID, Social Security Card, a housing application, and to make doctors’ appointments over the course of six months. They also helped her get Social Security Income benefits, which enabled her to pay utility bills, rent and other expenses.
The CHW also helped her get donated diapers through the Avenue of Life agency, and apply to Love Agencies for clothing, bedding, beds and baby hygiene supplies. When the CHW conducted a home visit, they noticed that the family had only one bed, and the living room was empty. Although the client doesn’t drive, when she gets rides to doctors’ appointments, she needs car seats, which she didn’t have. The CHW helped her obtain car seats and had someone educate the client on their use.
The client was approved for Section 8 housing and moved. She is very grateful to the CHW for helping her get help through the agencies and for explaining the system to her.
Adapted from a story from the Community Health Council of Wyandotte County.
This article is part of our ongoing series, CHW Success Stories, which highlights the work of community health workers throughout the MARC region.
