Testimonials

 

Richard, 84, from Escanaba, has lunch once a month with a group of men brought together by the Alzheimer’s Association, all of whom are caring for wives with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.  The conversation may range from sports to home projects to careers, but inevitably turns to issues, concerns, and successes experienced while caring for their wives.  “When we’re talking, I know I’m not alone, and I don’t feel sorry for myself,” he said.  Richard’s wife, Jean, participates in another Alzheimer’s Association program, “Gather at the Gallery,” (modeled after a program developed at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art) where people with dementia visit the Bonifas Arts Center.  Jean use to visit the Bonifas Art Center prior to her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and Richard believes these visits now bring her much enjoyment.

 

An 18-year-old young man came to Voices for Youth after living for four months in an abandoned school bus in a gravel pit, where he hunted rabbits and birds for food, and he cooked over a campfire.  Two years later, he had graduated from Bay Middle College and enrolled in programs to get his CDL license and his heavy equipment operator’s certificate.  He now works full-time and has been living in his own apartment for almost two years.

 

From a Catholic Social Services client- My eight months of sobriety are the result of my hard work and the tools that I received from my individual counselor, my group counseling, and the psychiatrist.  They helped me identify my underlying anxiety and depression as some of the reasons I turned to chemical dependency.

 

Kaela, from Perkins, appreciates the support from Welcome Newborns, including monthly newsletters, a tote bag filled with information, and a free Halo Sleep Sack (to prevent SIDS).  Even as an experienced mother, Kaela stated, “No matter how old you are or how ready you think you might be, there is always something to learn.“

 

Theresa, 51, from Escanaba, was a struggling single mother attending Bay College and working part-time.  Food stamps helped make ends meet, but expensive prescriptions meant that her limited resources weren’t enough to meet her basic needs each month.  The Salvation Army’s food pantry was critical to her survival, enabling her to prepare nutritious meals so she could keep working towards her goals for a better future.  She has since completed her education and is actively pursuing full-time employment.

 

From Tri-County Safe Harbor- Our 19-year-old client married a man who was verbally, mentally, and financially abusive.  She was dependent on her husband for everything, and he controlled her through this dependency.  The Tri-County Safe Harbor helped her gain independence with a driver’s license, a job she enjoys, and an affordable apartment that is safe for her and her child.  She has learned how to stay safe, to recognize when a person is abusive, and to handle the situation to keep herself out of abusive relationships.

 

From the Girl Scouts: Rebecca, 17, Gladstone-  My 12 years in Girl Scouts taught me about financial literacy by participating in Fall Product Sales and Cookie Sales.  Because of these sales I was able to attend camp for 2 weeks every year since I was 6.  Last year, I was a camp counselor – a rewarding and challenging experience that I would never have accomplished without my own camp experience.  I have been accepted to three colleges.  Girl Scouts has helped me build courage and confidence to pursue my dreams.

 

Sandra, 52, from Escanaba, was never able to participate in sports in high school due to limitations on the mobility in her arms.  She has been an active Special Olympics athlete for 30 years.  She loves the socialization with athletes, volunteers, and the community, and she serves as the athlete representative on the Area 1 Management Team, providing great input at meetings.

 

John, 37, from Perkins, began counseling with Teaching Family Homes “after I went off the deep end, lost my wits about me, and had to get back on track.“  He had no money or insurance for counseling, but with United Way funds for counseling for the uninsured, Teaching Family Homes was able to help him.  As he began to find it easier to talk about his issues, his family relationships improved. “Counseling helped a lot,” he said.