“I had to fight to live,” shares Ann.* At 27 years old, Ann left Honduras and immigrated to the United States to be with her husband. She left behind family, including several children. She also left behind years of abuse at the hands of her previous husband. Unfortunately, Ann found herself in a similar abusive [...]
At 33 years of age, Alicia is focusing on getting her life back on track. Over the last several years, she has struggled with substance abuse issues, an abusive former partner, and the loss of custody of her two children, Justin and Kaylynn. Losing custody of her children sent Alicia spiraling out of control. She [...]
“I was running from my grief,” says Cynthia. Cynthia is a single parent to 13-year-old twin girls and also a daughter in college. Just over five years ago, Cynthia lost two other children and her husband in a tragic accident. She was struggling staying where she had been living with them, and decided to move [...]
At “22 years young,” Renorldo has a crystal clear vision for his future. “In five years, I hope to be the next Warren Buffet,” he shares. “The company you keep has a lot to do with the outcome you will see. You can’t let your environment get the best of you. You have to surround [...]
“You often hear of issues around finance and healthcare decisions with Powers of Attorney and guardianships. But a huge issue we see in long-term care facilities is the guardian or POA agent restricting the elder’s relationships, such as who they can see and socialize with,” says Patricia Hunter, Washington State Long-Term Care Ombuds. “The real [...]
Betty was a figure skater, headed to a professional career, when a fall during a double axle at 15 years of age changed her path forever. She grew up in California, and moved to Washington twenty years ago. She’s done many things in her life, including nursing and studying sign language interpretation. Twelve years ago, [...]
“The world has gotten crazy,’” shares Francisca. “Every bit of help counts. Everyone needs a time to get back on their feet and this housing helps a lot of people.” Francisca and Javan met in 2003 at a treatment center. Both were battling homelessness and substance abuse issues. Through the following years they continued to [...]
“I knew I wanted to do something more satisfying with my life than working in retail, but I just didn’t know how to get there,” shares single mother of three, Chiquita. So, in 2015, Chiquita entered a youth and young adult development employment program at MSC. A case manager helped her to define and [...]
“I want my family to realize they are blessed and that some people have more needs than us, especially needs to survive like food,” says Hedi, “It is fun, it’s a family thing, it is making a difference in the community, connecting to others and transforming our own lives by having a sense of purpose.” [...]
Earlene has been volunteering with the King County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for almost eight years. “I got involved because I saw a lot of older people not being able to advocate for themselves, they weren’t speaking up for themselves. There are also a lot of older people that are put into places and their [...]
