At Arab American Family Services, we are always blessed to have the opportunity, day in and day out, to help every client that walks in the door. Recenly, we met a 58-year-old man who recently lost his job as an auditor, due to health issues. He suffered a stroke that caused blindness in one eye, and poor vision in the other. His job was as an auditor, and he could not do that job without the use of his eyes.
Faced with the difficult task of losing his job and his health issues, John is now being supported by his sister.
When we met John, he was in distress. He told his caseworker that he had no way of paying for his energy bills, and showed her his overdue energy bills, which added up to over $800.
Despite struggling to make ends meet, his sister was also struggling with the financial burden of caring for him. He told caseworkers he was afraid he would never catch up.
Once John explained his situation to the caseworker, she immediately knew what services he needed. She helped him apply for SNAP benefits and Medical Benefits because he lost his health insurance when he lost his job.
She then requested that he bring in supporting documents for his condition and his medical bills. An appointment was set for the following day.
When John returned the following day an application for Residential Hardship Assistance was filled out and sent in to CEDA, to help with the past due balance.
A CEDA Energy Assistance application was also filled out to help John will the bills for the next year.
Two weeks after John first visited AAFS, he came in to inform his caseworker that he was approved
for the Residential Hardship Assistance and also for The CEDA energy assistance. He also said that he had a phone interview with SNAP and was approved for the Medical Card and Link.
No matter how trying of a time you are going through, physically, emotionally or financially, never give up. Stop by at our office or call to schedule an appointment. It could make all the difference.
Our office is located on 9044 S. Octavia in Bridgeview. Our office number is (708) 599-2237.
(708) 599-2237
