MEET FRANCINE
With help from Catholic Charities, at 91 Francine lives in the home she shared for 36 years with the love of her life, her husband Charles who passed away several years ago. Francine was a seamstress in her younger days working with Charles who designed and sold the clothing she sewed. Francine managed alone for many years after Charles passed. When she needed help to remain in her home, she was referred to and called Catholic Charities’ In-Home Support program.
A homemaker from the program was paired with Francine. Her homemaker visits once a week to help Francine with household chores. In addition to providing light housekeeping and help with laundry, her visits relieve the loneliness seniors feel when family and friends are gone. During her visits, the homemaker also observes and inquires about Francine’s wellbeing and will help her find needed services. Francine enjoys working with her homemaker and is grateful to Catholic Charities for helping her fulfill her wish to stay in her home where she is closest to her memories of her beloved Charles.
MEET GRACIE
Gracie is a successful interior and fashion designer. She worked hard to make a career for herself, and then her life changed when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis that impacted her mobility and changed the way she worked and lived. Carol, a Catholic Charities’ in-home support worker, assists Gracie with her work and the care she needs around her home. “This was not always my lifestyle: it is now. When I first started looking for help, I couldn’t find anyone who understood and then Catholic Charities In-Home Support sent Carol.” Gracie shares, “She understands my condition and that I am not in my normal functions. She understands the emotional effects of this as well.
Carol is a great representative of Catholic Charities.” Gracie is also a great representation of Catholic Charities and the people we serve. She reminds us that even when we face our greatest obstacles and need support, we can get through anything with the support of our neighbors. She shows us what it means to inspire others. Gracie explains, “I never ask why me but what can I do with what I was given?” Despite her diagnosis, Gracie continues to bring joy to others through her fashion and designs.
MEET CINDY
Throughout her recovery from back surgery and cancer, Cindy has relied on our In-Home Support staff for a helping hand. In February of 2018, Cindy was matched with a homemaker who assists her with daily tasks, allowing her to focus on her health and worry less. when her cancer treatments caused a life-threatening infection, our homemaker noticed early signs of a change in her health and urged Cindy to go to the hospital- staying with her through the Emergency Room. Cindy is now cancer free and regaining her strength. when asked about her experience with Catholic Charities, Cindy shares how much In-Home Support Services has helped her by providing emotional support and giving her peace of mind: "Catholic Charities has been wonderful and I'm incredibly grateful for the support I've received. I can't imagine what I would've done without them."
MEET JOHN
John, a 65 year-old Vietnam veteran, battled with severe obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression. Then, in August 2016, John was brutally attacked, leaving him physically unable to care for himself and his home.
John’s physical and mental health struggles manifested into a hoarding disorder. The condition of his home became so dangerous that he was issued an eviction notice. With nowhere else to turn and facing homelessness, John came to Catholic Charities for help.
With the support of Carla, Director of In-Home Support Services, the court delayed the eviction. Carla and her team worked around the clock to remove safety hazards from John’s apartment and established a six-month care plan.
John’s physical wounds have healed and he receives needed therapy to cope with his mental health issues. Today, John is living a happy, healthy and independent life.