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Here are just a few examples of how your gift to United Way makes a real impact in the lives of others. When we reach out a hand to ONE, we influence the condition of ALL.
CRISIS LINE HELPS FIRE
VICTIM
A BIG BROTHER MAKES A DIFFERENCE
CANCER PATIENT GETS A RIDE
ORAL HEALTHCARE PROGRAM RESTORES NORMAL LIFE
LEGAL ADVOCATE HELPS WITH GED
HATCHER CENTER HELPS PARALYZED EMPLOYEE
KNEE REPLACEMENT FOR UNINSURED CITIZEN
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Catherine was more
than distressed when she was referred to the Crisis Line. Only days before
she had suffered the devastating blow of losing her home to a fire. Having
lost just about everything, she was looking for anything from clothes to
furniture for a new home. Most of all, she needed to know she wasn't alone
and had somewhere to turn for help. Within hours, Crisis Line was able to
help her locate only not only the essentials, but also some toys for her
children. Catherine kept in contact off and on for a few weeks until she
was confident that she was once again self-sufficient. She would end each
conversation conveying her gratitude by saying that she didn't know how
she would have lived through such a difficult situation without the
support and guidance of the Crisis Line. In 2008, Crisis Line gave 1,032
referrals to people like Catherine with basic immediate needs.
George and the Big Brothers Big Sisters Match
Specialist met at Marcus' apartment complex. After just a few short
minutes, magic started happening. The two tactfully began to get
acquainted. They talked about their likes and dislikes, and the fun
things they wanted to do. George helped Marcus with his spelling
words, and Marcus returned exclaiming he had gotten all the words
right! Now they get together weekly for pancake breakfasts and trips
to Chic-fil-a. They go to Lowes to complete woodworking projects.
Marcus now has an apron and a badge that he has been awarded for the
projects he has completed. For Christmas, they shopped for books.
George enjoy visiting Marcus at school for lunch. They are a great
match!
Frank was diagnosed with throat cancer in October
2006. He was referred by doctors in Danville to Wake Forest Medical
Center, a 158 mile round trip. Frank had to take radiation at Wake
Forest for 7 weeks, requiring daily travel. Danville Cancer
Association helped Frank with his travel cost so he could afford the
daily 158-mile trip, and also helped with some of the co-pays on his
prescriptions. The DCA referred him to an agency that helped Frank
with some of his other medical bills. Frank was not able to work at
this time and received a minimal amount of pay during his illness.
Without the help of the DCA, he would not have been able to make his
appointments for his daily radiation treatments. After many months of
therapy (radiation and chemo), Frank was able to return to his job
with few side effects of the surgery or treatment.
Marie is deaf and has a severe intellectual
disability. Her elderly mother is chronically ill, and serves as
Marie's caregiver. Marie and her mother are on a fixed income and
would be unable to support their household financially without
government issued supports. Marie suffered from dental pain for more
than two years. She had been sent home from her Day Support Program
tearful and in pain on several occasions. At one point, her pain
became unbearable and she sought assistance at the hospital emergency
department. She was given antibiotics and encouraged to see a dentist.
She was in need of numerous extractions, but had no resources to see a
dentist. Through Danville-Pittsylvania County Community Services' Oral
Healthcare Access program, Marie was able to receive needed care. Her
teeth were removed and she is pain free for the first time in years.
With assistance from her Case Manager, she will be receiving dentures
through her Medicaid Waiver. She is now able to eat, sleep, and enjoy
her daily routine pain free. As her oral health improved, so did her
quality of life.
When Phyllis lost her job upon her company's
closing, she applied to the Virginia Employment Commission for
training provided by the Federal Trade Act. Phyllis was placed in an
educational program to assist her in getting her General Education
Diploma (GED). At 68 years of age, with only a 4th grade education,
the VEC did not believe that Phyllis would be able to complete the
program in the requisite two year period, and she was denied the
training benefits. A Virginia Legal Aid attorney argued that Phyllis
was doing all she could to complete the training and the she should
not be penalized for not completing eight years of education in a
two-year period. Due to the Virginia Legal Aid Society's
representation, the Appeals Examiner awarded Jennifer $6,579 in
federal Trade Act benefits. Phyllis could now pursue her GED which
enables her to continue contributing to the household that she shares
with her daughter and grandchildren, and will give her greater job
opportunities in the future.
Jerry exemplifies overcoming life obstacles. In
2005, he was involved in an automobile accident that left him
paralyzed. As a result of this life changing accident some of the
things he loved and participated in were now a thing of the past.
After months of physical therapy he began putting his life back
together. Removing the barriers to employment was tough and it seemed
like nobody wanted to hire someone in a wheelchair. His drive to excel
impressed the Hatcher Center management and they later met with Jerry
to talk about a potential opening. He was hired in 2007 and his life
has changed drastically. He has been able to progress in his position.
He has bought a wheelchair accessible van, manages his own affairs,
and is working towards one day becoming independent. He has become a
productive citizen, works hard, and is still receiving some therapy.
He is truly an example for others to follow.
A new patient contacted PATHS and reported a
chronic history of knee pain. The patient had lost his job because he
couldn't physically work. The patient was not receiving disability and
had no form of health insurance coverage. After his evaluation at
PATHS' Health Center of the Piedmont, arrangements were made for him
to be treated at University of Virginia Health System. He underwent a
complete knee replacement. PATHS was able to arrange for his physical
therapy to be conducted in Danville. The patient keeps in close
contact with PATHS' case management staff and is always careful to
express his gratitude. The entire process required only a minimal out
of pocket expense for the patient. As a result, he has been able to
return to working full-time.
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