It’s February! Sometimes, at this time of year, when it is both cold and dark outside, it is easy to dwell on the things that are going wrong or negatively affecting us. But not today! Today I want to share one of our Community Village client’s success stories.
Several months ago, an older adult approached us seeking support and resources. She had lost her home and was living in her vehicle — a challenging feat as she had some significant physical limitations. She began to come to the Community Village on a regular basis to access the shower and laundry facilities, to enjoy a hot meal on occasion and to meet with one of the Social Workers to discuss possible housing options.
Finding appropriate housing was a challenge for her due to her physical limitations and moderately low income. She had explored options of living with extended family but was unable to secure anything. Nothing seemed to pan out. We were all getting concerned because it was autumn, and she didn’t relish the possibility of spending the winter in her vehicle.
During one visit the social worker asked the client if she would consider living outside of St. Albert, and the answer was “no." She feels safe here, her supports are here, this is a place that she knows well.
The social worker didn’t push her but did encourage her to consider a possible group living option in a nearby community. The possible new home was staffed by professionals and would be able to support her special needs. The staff even invited her out just for coffee so she could take a look at the place and meet some of the staff without any obligation.
Reluctantly, our client did go for coffee and came back from her visit saying, “this is the place I want to live!”. She spoke highly of the home and the community and was excited to make the move, knowing she would not need to worry about living in her vehicle anymore. She has since moved into her new place and is absolutely thriving. She calls us on occasion and says she really feels like she is home and surrounded by her new family, who even take the time to say good night to her at the end of their shift.
She was looking forward to being able to spend Christmas in her new home surrounded by people who really care about her. This has been such a positive life change for her. She has shared that she feels happy and hopeful for the first time in a long time and her future looks brighter than ever before.
Family Day is a day we celebrate being with our families — for some they look a little different, which they do for this client, but the end result is the same feeling of belonging and being cared for. She now has her chosen family where she can receive the emotional and practical supports she needs.
