The Tailor-made Nature of Help
Would he finish high school? As Magda bathed and dressed her newborn, her mind puzzled over how to help her oldest son who was struggling academically and socially and considering dropping out of his classes. A thought surfaced: Brianna, her Social Worker at AlphaCare, seemed to have access to so much information. Could Brianna help Magda with this concern, even though it had nothing to do with prenatal or postnatal care? Magda hesitated, but then reflected on the relationship she and Brianna had built over the course of her recent pregnancy. She knew Brianna truly cared about her – and her family. It was worth a try.
Magda contacted Brianna and told her about the situation. Seeing the importance of finishing high school for Magda’s son, Brianna began researching options in a realm that was new to her. At her next appointment, Brianna shared information with Magda regarding several programs available for the completion of diploma requirements, as well as another option, the General Educational Development (GED). Magda and her son chose a course of action and, in time, he finished high school.
Brianna never knows what needs might arise on any given day as she walks with her clients through the many ups and downs of each unique pregnancy journey. Brianna celebrated with Magda when she found a job at last! However, that positive event led to a new complication: Magda would no longer be eligible for medical assistance due to her income. Her children would be left without insurance. Brianna again stood ready to help Magda by providing the CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) paperwork so Magda could apply for this low-cost coverage for families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.
The needs are diverse and ongoing. For Magda, her appeals for help have ranged from finding an affordable eye exam to providing gifts for her children last Christmas. During the recent stress of overseeing the remote learning of her school-aged children as a single, working parent, Magda reached out for help in locating activities they could safely do at home to relieve “cabin fever.” Brianna came through yet again with Zoom dance classes through the Dornsife Center (Drexel’s community-based neighborhood partnership). The kids love the classes, and Magda loves seeing them enjoy this energetic and healthy activity!
In many ways and on many levels, Magda has found that she can turn to AlphaCare for support and tangible information that make a real difference in the lives of her and her children. Thank you for your partnership, which allows Brianna to build a relationship with Magda while loving her well in the name of Christ and offering her tailor-made help when she needs it…every single time.