Kathy Howe is a single mother of three children, ages five, eight, and 11. She was referred to Opa-locka CDC’s care coordination services by the Principal at the Arts Academy of Excellence, where one of her children attended school. The principal informed Kathy of the Keeping Our Promise program, that of which serves as the hub that links families to needed community resources through care coordination and wraparound services. These services include but are not limited to family therapy, emergency assistance, and individual tutoring.
After enrolling in care coordination, Kathy soon became unemployed due to an unfortunate diagnosis of breast cancer. As the sole income earner in the home, Kathy worried how she would be able to continue to provide for her family. Like any mother, Kathy simply wanted the best for her children, and at this time, being able to give her children a home with working electricity was “the best.” “Between receiving chemotherapy and worrying about paying my bills, I became very stressed out,” said Kathy. After continuing to work with OLCDC’s family counselors, Kathy found comfort in knowing that they had her and her children’s best interest at heart. “Working with OLCDC gave me one less thing to worry about. Now, my kids don’t have to wonder if the lights will be on when we get home.” The Keeping Our Promise program helped Kathy with utility assistance and provided her with extra community resources to assist her children. Kathy has successfully completed her chemotherapy sessions and was able to return back to work. “I don’t know how I would have made it without OLCDC helping me.” If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, OLCDC is here to serve. Visit olcdc.org for more information about the programs and various resources available to you and the community.