Ram found the Center while he was living on the streets. He was kicked out because of his “lifestyle” and because he was suffering from mental health crises. The pandemic didn’t make his predicament easier either. Untreated mental health issues, feelings of shame and guilt, navigating a COVID-19 world, less access to resources he relied on… and on top of that he desperately needed glasses.
Ram came to the Center through our respite program and our team began their work. They provided community resource navigation to our trusted partners, connected him to a social worker, provided mental health counseling, and even helped him manage his finances. Even more, they matched him with a local optometrist through a partnership with VSP where he was finally examined and provided treatment.
Within 10 days Ram got his new pair of glasses… and a new outlook on life.
Stigma associated with mental health issues – despite the growing acceptance due to the stress COVID-19 has brought on us all – plus homophobia are not just damaging to the soul, but possibly fatal. For Ram, these reasons are what landed him on the streets. But he found the Center – and we’re glad he finally did.
$25,000 Matching Gift provided by the Ford Motor Company Fund.
This year, please consider making a donation for our Big Day of Giving campaign. You can donate starting TODAY and we’re incredibly thrilled to announce that our friends at the Ford Motor Company Fund are matching all gifts up to $25,000!
Double your impact by making a gift and help us reach our goal of $120,000. It’s never too late to change a life!