Brian’s story warms our collective hearts. It’s just an amazing thing when CHOICE just…well…works! One of the things that distinguishes us from other agencies is our ability to go out into the field and address peoples’ needs where they live and where they hang out. If we hadn’t gone out to find Brian, he would still be stuck at home with no food, no medical care, and no social stimulation. We’re so happy that we were able to help him turn the corner.

Food in the Pantry

Brian receives social services and because of several illnesses, spends most of his time at home. He called our care coordinator, Robin, and told her that he was working with another agency but he still didn’t have any food and wasn’t receiving a lot of the services that were promised to him. That very night, Robin visited a local food pantry, picked up groceries and went over to Brian’s home to visit him. When she was putting the groceries away, she realized just how little he had, and she went out to the grocery store and picked up some more things to stock the cupboards. He was overwhelmed with emotion as Robin left him that evening with enough provisions to last a few weeks.

The next day, Robin rolled up her sleeves and got to work. She called a visiting nurse service, obtained the necessary forms, contacted Brian’s Primary Care Physician’s office so they could fill out the referral, and filed it with the service. Within days, Brian had a visiting nurse and both occupational and physical therapists at home. Then she contacted Meals on Wheels and arranged for hot meals to be delivered everyday to his home.

From Basic Needs to Socialization

Now that he had some of the basics taken care of, Brian was able to express to Robin the fact that he was bored at home because his television wasn’t working. Robin to the rescue again…she promptly called cablevision and had the cable turned back on. Even better, she got Brian to come to one of our socialization groups. He attended our art group, where participants explore their creativity, and he enjoyed himself so much, he plans to come back regularly.

In the end, the first agency Brian was working with was so impressed with Robin’s work and our mission, they have started referring their clients to CHOICE. Now THAT’S what we call getting results!

Good Outcomes: That’s Why We Do What We Do!