Robert came to Friendship House’s (FH) case managers through the New Castle County Hope Center after returning to the US from Vietnam. Robert lived in Vietnam for 20 years, teaching English and raising his two sons whom he adopted in Vietnam. When a stroke and expired visa left him with no options, he returned home to the US for the medical attention he desperately needed. Upon arriving in Delaware, Robert stayed at The Sunday Breakfast Mission in Wilmington before temporarily moving into the Hope Center. At the Hope Center Robert was immediately connected with FH case manager, Kelly. She helped Robert get Medicaid so he could receive the medical attention he desperately needed. Kelly was able to assist Robert with obtaining his birth certificate, social security card, and other documents he needed to get further assistance such as housing. “My life is full of angels and Kelly is one of them,” Robert said.
Robert in his new home surrounded by friends
After Robert received medical treatment, he returned to the Hope Center to recover while he looked for a place to live on his own. Kelly worked with him every step of the way. “To me, she is a very comforting person. She understands me and she understands the situation. She’s creative and has a great attitude. I can’t say enough about her, she’s an angel,” Robert said about Kelly. The two had frequent meetings where they would sit together and find applications for housing to fill out. Even when Robert was having doubts, Kelly and FH were there to support him and encourage him to keep going. Robert reflected by saying, “That positive energy they all had, they weren’t accepting defeat, and not letting me accept defeat kept me going.”
Through FH, Robert met Bill, an FH volunteer, who helped support him and more importantly became a friend. Robert spoke about the impact Bill has had during his journey: “He has also become a dear friend. He comes over, he checks on me, he takes me shopping, takes me to church. He’s a really good friend. He’s another angel who came into my life.”
Eventually, Robert was successful in securing a place of his own which Kelly helped him find and apply for, and FH helped pay for the application fee through our Financial Assistance Program. “They really have supported me in so many different ways. I know it would be very stressful, if not impossible, for me to figure my way through these things,” Robert added. He is now living in his furnished apartment, and working a part-time job, which Bill connected him, with Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC), as an ESL teacher. “Kelly helped me get the house and the bills set up. Then Bill got the furniture from New Life Furnishings (a ministry of WPC). It’s just the kind of stuff I would have trouble doing on my own,” Robert said.
Robert with Executive Director, Kim
Robert still frequents our Wilmington Empowerment Center any time he needs assistance or help understanding something, and FH welcomes him with open arms. He is part of the Friendship House family and we will be there to cheer him on and guide him whenever he needs. “When you feel overwhelmed and beat down, FH is always there to help you out. That’s what I love about the group.”