“Elaine” is a single mother who was seven months pregnant with twins when she first met with social workers from Family Counseling Services. During Hurricane Katrina, a tree crashed through the roof of her Naranja apartment, destroying furniture, clothing and the childrens’ few toys. She then lived with neighbors, moving from house to house until Hurricane Wilma displaced many of the friends who were assisting her. Not wanting to bother people who were facing their own difficulties, she moved back into her apartment where the family slept on the floor on cardboard boxes.

Her eight-year-old son was referred to the Neighborhood Empowerment Program (NEP) at FCS because he exhibited isolated behavior and was having academic difficulties. Upon meeting the family, the other youth members of NEP became determined to help. They collected canned goods, clothes and toys to donate to Elaine and her family. A family anonymously donated a couch and a bed. Case managers, working with our partner organizations, linked the family to medical, housing and other support services.

Today, the eight-year-old remains active in the Neighborhood Empowerment Program, where he is committed to helping others that are in need. Elaine had healthy twins and is an active member of her community, as well. “I thought people had forgotten about us in this neighborhood,” she said. “It is good to know that people still care.”