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Upward Transitions followed up with our clients, The Howard Family, one year after they received assistance.
Brad, Kelly, and the children are doing very well, and they have added a new little member to the family! The oldest children are enrolled in kindergarten and preschool and learning, Kelly is working, and Brad is receiving the medical care he needs.
The Howard family found themselves homeless following a devastating fire at their home in Arkansas.
Frustrated with the lack of resources in their hometown, they decided to come to Oklahoma City to start fresh and be closer to doctors who specialize in Brad’s medical condition for which he receives disability income.
Their first day in Oklahoma City, they heard about the United Way Day of Caring Annual Cookout at Upward Transitions’ where they could feed their children for free. As they were enjoying hamburgers and hot dogs with their family, they met an Upward Transitions’ case manager, who listened to their story of how they lost their home, possessions, and identification.
“From the moment we came to Upward Transitions, we were welcomed with open arms,” said Kelly.
UT provided them with resources for shelters and food and arranged for them to retrieve birth certificates for the children to enroll in school and for Kelly to obtain an Oklahoma State ID to look for work.
The family received resources for mental health care, medical clinics, eye care, clothing, and other social services. Their case manager also connected the family with the Homeless Alliance for housing assistance, and the family moved into their new home in time for Thanksgiving.
When Brad and Kelly ran into barriers while trying to enroll the children in school, UT contacted the Homeless Liaison for Oklahoma City Public Schools on the family’s behalf, and the children were able to pick-up their supplies the next day and start school right away.
Brad said, “Upward Transitions helped us get on track to regaining our identity, obtaining a home, and getting our children in school. We are so grateful for the help.”