 |
 |
|
“I knew I had to get help, but I felt so ashamed. But I realized there was more shame in allowing my family to suffer.” In just one short year, Calvin separated from his increasingly violent wife, became the sole caretaker of his two young children, lost his job, his savings, and almost lost his home. When Calvin came into Together We Cope’s office he was down-trodden and embarrassed. “I never thought my life would be like this,” Calvin sighed. “This may sound terrible, but as a man, I should not have to ask for help to take care of my children.” Calvin separated from his wife and moved his two young boys into an apartment when it became apparent the children were in danger because of his wife’s illness. With the help of a friend that picked up the children from school, he managed to go to work everyday and see to the children’s needs. Calvin was shocked when he started to receive notices of non-sufficient funds from his bank because he knew he had a balance in his savings account.. Unfortunately, his wife had cleaned out the checking and savings, and since the accounts were in both of their names, there was nothing Calvin could do. Calvin scrapped by and was doing okay until he hurt himself on the job that he had held for over 10 years. He felt hopeless when he had complications with his worker’s compensation claim and was eventually fired for not going to work. He quickly fell behind with his rent, car payments, and utility bills. After working up the nerve to make an appointment with a case manager at Together We Cope, Calvin learned that many men come to Together We Cope seeking assistance for themselves and their families. In fact, his story was not too different from the many who seek help from the agency. Many seek assistance because of a family illness, job loss, or a break up in the family structure; Calvin was seeking help because of all three! His case manager was able to help Calvin with funds to pay his rent, gave him food from the food pantry, clothing vouchers to shop at the Sensible Shoppe, and even provided Calvin with school supplies for his boys. She also gave him information about public assistance, assisted him with finding legal help, and referred him to other agencies that were able to help. Calvin worked hard and contacted all of the agencies his case manager referred him to. With the help of a lawyer, Calvin was able to begin receiving his worker’s compensation money and the back pay due him. Calvin is now divorced from his wife and was able to move his children back into their home. Now that he is able and feeling better, he has found another job. “What would I have done without you?” Calvin asked his case manager. “I knew I had to get help, but I felt so ashamed. But I realized there was more shame in allowing my family to suffer.” Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
