A Network of HOPE
“I never asked for help before,” says Rosa,* a petite 53-year-old grandmother who has been legal guardian of two young grandsons for the past seven years. She is referring to the time before last January 12th, when two calamities hit the family: Rosa’s primary job as a nanny reached the end of its contract, and, much, much worse, a hit-and-run driver struck 11-year-old Carlos.

Carlos’s survival instincts saved his life. Dragged beneath the car, he prayed, and as the car stopped at a light, pushed himself out between the wheels. When Rosa reached him at Stanford University Hospital, he was being prepared for eight-hour surgery to repair compound fractures of his left leg, and his face was bloody from bouncing on the pavement.

Carlos would need Rosa at his side full-time, day and night, for many months of recovery. But as breadwinner for the little family, how would she provide for all their needs with no job? How would she pay the rent? Buy food? The staff at Stanford knew. They referred her to Samaritan House.

Taking a quick break from her hospital vigil, Rosa arrived at our Client Services Office exhausted and careworn. As Rosa describes it, Case Manager Marlen Castillo “met me with a big smile. She opened her heart with love, and said ‘Let’s see what we can do to help you!’” Marlen immediately began connecting Rosa with a network of caring.

Marlen says, “Rosa was desperate. She couldn’t pay all her rent. So Samaritan House paid part of her rent with the San Francisco Chronicle’s Season of Sharing Funds. I also gave her the phone number of a pro bono lawyer to handle her grandson’s case against the hit-and-run driver.”

Marlen then referred Rosa to “Las Companeras,” a new Samaritan House pilot program sponsored by the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation. “Companera” means “friend,” “mentor,” and “confidante,” so the program provides case managers who embody the meaning of those words. These experienced and empathetic case managers go to the clients’ homes to provide the intensive support that will help clients successfully overcome their obstacles.

Carmen Gonzalez, who is heading up the new program, became Rosa’s “companera.” Rosa says, “When I brought Carlos home in his wheelchair, my neighbors brought food to welcome him home, and Carmen also came right away. This was perfect because I couldn’t leave the house.”

During their first regular visits, Carmen and Rosa sat at the kitchen table and developed strategies to get the family through the rough months of Carlos’s recovery. Together they dealt with Rosa’s fears and frustrations and reinforced her strength and hope.

Among other things, Carmen made sure Rosa got food and clothing through Samaritan House and connected her with important support groups, such as The Kinship Program, which helps grandparents who are caregivers. Carmen also referred Rosa to Carmen Vargas, a benefits analyst for San Mateo County, so that the County could help pay her PG&E bills.

Today, things are looking up. Carlos is out of his wheelchair, and will be healed enough to return to school next fall. Rosa is working part time, and looking forward to full-time work once Carlos is fully mended.

Now when Carmen comes to visit, Rosa enjoys the camaraderie of a person who has become a valued helper and a trusted friend. Rosa hugs Carmen like a sister, and says, “Nobody did for me what Samaritan House did. You came with so many things to help me survive!”

* Client names are changed to protect privacy. J