Client Stories: God is always with you

“Without God man neither knows which way to go, nor even understands who he is. In the face of the enormous problems surrounding the development of peoples, which almost make us yield to discouragement, we find solace in the sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ, who teaches us: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5) and then encourages us: “I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mt 28:20).”
- Caritas in Veritate (para. 78)

Catholic Charities of Central Texas recognizes that in the face of seemingly unmanageable problems and severe discouragement, finding a solution deems impossible. Without a third party on the outside looking in, the idea of a solution can get lost in the midst of turmoil. We all need God to get us through to the next step and realize that there is a way out. Our employees are able to provide a helping hand and lend an ear when needed most through the strength given to us by God.

Finding solace can be extremely hard in times of despair. Our clients at Catholic Charities have overcome tremendous odds. Below, we have selected three stories that best encompass what we do as an organization.

Prior to the devastation of Hurricane Ike, FRANCES and WILLIAM lived comfortably in a two-bedroom condo in Galveston. When the storm hit, the elderly couple fled to Austin with nothing but the clothes on their back. Living in a hotel room, they anxiously awaited word that they could safely return home. Then Frances and William became very ill, both checking in and out of the hospital due to medical issues. Frances had no medical insurance, and the couple was fully dependent upon William’s monthly Social Security check. On the verge of homelessness, they came to Catholic Charities. Here they found a light of hope and help. A case manager was able to find them housing assistance through a Rapid Re-Housing program, medical assistance through Project Access, and food through food stamps and Meals-on-Wheels, and then helped them move into and furnish a new home. The couple, now permanent Austin residents, continues case management under Catholic Charities of Central Texas and are on the road to self-sufficiency.

SORAYA, 57, came to the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2002 with the hopes of finding a better life for herself and her six children. After witnessing her husband’s murder by Taliban forces and the many other atrocities of the war in her country, Soraya sought and obtained refugee status. She arrived in the United States in January 2002 and, as a refugee, she has seven years of access to a variety of social programs to provide support and help her integrate into society. This allowed Soraya to access the physical and mental health care she needed to care for several medical conditions, including early dementia. Catholic Charities helped Soraya bring her son and grandson to the U.S. In early 2009, Soraya’s access to social programs that she needed to treat her dementia was expiring. Fortunately, she applied for citizenship in March 2009 with the help of Catholic Charities staff—filing her paperwork, preparing her for the interview with immigration authorities and accompanying her to the interview to determine whether she will become a citizen. Now, as a proud citizen, Soraya is safe and secure while living the gift of freedom other Americans enjoy every day.

When John lost his high tech job of 10 years, JOHN and MARIA thought that they might lose their house as well. They used their saving trying to stay current on the mortgage, but had fallen two payments behind. After a six-month search, John had finally found a job, but they were unable to catch up and didn’t know where to turn. Attending Catholic Charities’ Tactics for Touch Times workshop changed all that. John was able to take the information he learned in the workshop to develop a new budget and then negotiate a repayment plan with his mortgage company that allowed him to catch the past due amount up over a twelve month period. “I was ready to give up and just walk away from my house and then I Saw the flyer for Tactics for Tough Times. Thank God Catholic Charities was there in this time of need.”

Featured Client of the Week: Mother and Child

On a rainy day in October, a twenty year old YPS graduate in crisis came to CCCTX with her five day old daughter after fleeing from her residence due to a violent episode with her maternal grandmother. Client stated that she was not in danger; however, she had no place to stay with her newborn.  Client fled with only her diaper bag, 2 diapers, a car seat, and the clothes on her back.  Mother and baby arrived very wet and very distraught around 5pm. Supervisor Watson did the initial assessment and engagement process while Case manager (CM) Blincoe assisted. As the assessment progressed, it was discovered that the mother and newborn were in danger and at risk for great harm. For client was a victim of domestic violence and the alleged perpetrator was her mother. 

After several hours of discussion and 15 calls to several agencies throughout Travis and Williamson County, client was continually declined services because of the age of the newborn and client’s physical condition; she still had stitches due to a cesarean delivery.  Because of the great risk of harm for the newborn and that CCCTX believes it is unacceptable for a mother and newborn to sleep on the streets in the rain, we provided client with 2 weeks of hotel stay, several gift cards for baby items, food, and the support she needed. We also provided spiritual counseling and daily visits with her and baby.

After 7 months, mother and child will soon be completing case management services with CCCTX and will be able to continue to pursue her life dreams on her own.  Client will leave case management with the tools and skills she needs to be completely self-sufficient. When client arrived she had nothing except the clothes on her back.  Soon she will leave our program with the skills to continue to have: a healthy, happy baby; a safe place; a budget that sustains a lifestyle; a decision in the federal programs desired; a relationship with and the support of several Austin programs that specialize in child development; a counselor specializing in domestic violence; a plan for parenting; and, the tools to help her sustain her new life, as well as, the knowledge she needed to continue to work on the reunification process with father and maternal grandmother.  All services she learned or obtained through CCCTX. Recently, client was given a $200 gift card for baby items as a gift for all her hard work.

Client has stated during case management the following:

CCCTX became my surrogate family during a very difficult time. I love talking to case managers and supervisor about my problems. They really help me. CCCTX provided me the hope I needed and helped me find a future for me and my baby. Without CCCTX, I am not sure what we would have done or if I would have had to give my baby up.  Because of CCCTX, we now have a life together and we are fine.

Recently client was asked to describe her experience with the program and what skills she learned with YPS. Client stated “I learned a lot about how to be on my own, to eat right, and take care of my baby right”. When asked how these skills are useful for her today she stated that all of the skills learned are helpful in sustaining her life and firmly stated “now we are living again.”