Janet: A Positive Wellness Alliance Success Story
Janet, a single grandmother, was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 49. The diagnosis was a huge blow to her self-esteem. Being honest with her family proved fruitless; she quickly lost most familial support and her so-called friends shunned her.
After moving frequently from state to state and finally ending an abusive relationship, emotional distress led to her wanting a positive life-changing experience. Janet packed her bags and moved to Lexington to help take care of her two grandchildren. She was without a job or a home, and she believed she had no resources to help her find and travel to medical care.
With her health spiraling downward and once again in an abusive relationship, Janet ended up in a homeless shelter. She was desperate for any help she could get. She was told of our agency, Positive Wellness Alliance, by a staff member at her shelter.
By the time she enlisted our help, Janet’s health was fading quickly and her few resources would soon expire. Our HIV Case Managers were able to help her set and achieve tangible goals.
Positive Wellness Alliance helped develop a care plan, coordinated medical services, found a service to provide transitional housing, and another to help supply her with food. We also counseled her spiritually and emotionally. These services not only benefitted Janet, but her grandchildren as well.
Within nine months, Janet had met her goals. She had moved from transitional housing to a house she rented herself. She had single-handedly obtained a job with one of the social services agencies where she had previously been helped. Life for Janet was going well.
A few months ago, Janet returned to our office for her quarterly review. She came with flowers in hand and presented them to her Case Manager. With tears in her eyes, she thanked him profusely for all of his help; for holding her hand to help guide her, for being her friend when she needed one, and for helping her find social services which changed her life. Her health and her life are finally back on track.
Not all of our clients’ stories are successful accounts such as Janet’s. Many of our client’s will continue to face hardships every day, whether from the stigma of their illness, from their lack of resources, or from their medical conditions. With your generosity towards Positive Wellness Alliance, every day we can continue to help our clients with emergency relief, medical services, and emotional and mental counseling.
Together we can make a difference in the lives of many in our community. Along with our 31 United Way of Davidson County partner agencies, Positive Wellness Alliance puts your generosity to work every day. Please help United Way by designating your contributions towards a healthier and kinder community. Contributions of money, property, equipment, and volunteer time are greatly appreciated by the United Way partnerships.
Together, we do make a difference!
Julie Meyer, Executive Director
Positive Wellness Alliance
