Catholic Charities of Central Florida - Catholic Charities of Central Florida

Success Stories

New Life for Mary

Lazarus Free Medical Clinic

Wildwood, FL – “Mary” like so many of those we serve at our Free Medical Clinics, came to Lazarus after giving birth; without assistance, proper care and support. Had it not been for our on call Doctor and Nurse “Mary’s” life and that of her newly born child might have taken a deadly path. Performing an emergency procedure saving “Mary’s” life and subsequently provide the appropriate pediatric follow up and care for her newborn child.Lazarus Free Medical Clinic provides medical care to Lake and Sumter Counties’ uninsured working poor. The clinic provides quality medical care to individuals that fall at or below poverty level, whether they are employed or unemployed. The clinic has served more than 1500 patients, since opening in May 2008.

Lazarus Free Medical Clinic
210 Wonders Street
Wildwood, FL 34785
Phone: 352-748-4567

Cecily’s Story of Survival

CCCF Shelters for the Homeless

Casselberry, FL –“Cecily” had been homeless and living in terrifying circumstances for years. “Cecily” was in dire condition trying to survive life on the street, her lung collapsed and she was taken to a local emergency room. “Cecily” was stabilized and transferred to our shelter, we helped her create a personalized rehabilitation program including counseling, education, medications and a plan of hope for the future. Patients like “Cecily” will never have perfect health, but they can attain dignity and physical care so that they not only a recovery but experience sustainable change. “Cecily” moved into her own apartment and continues to come back to visit (as so many of the former residents do), to volunteer her time helping other in dire need.

Pathways to Care, Inc.
430 Plumosa Ave.
Casselberry, FL 32707
Phone: 407-388-0245

Finding Hope in their New Country

Refugee Resettlement Program

Orlando, FL - CCCF Refugee Each Year Resettlement Services program has helps more than 4000 individuals and families who have fled their native country for reasons of Crisis and Danger. One such Burmese family fled persecution seeking safety and educational resources for their children, arrived in the USA, with only two suitcases. Welcomed by Refugee Resettlement services of Catholic Charities, the “Pau family” after years of fear live their dream, now having jobs, a home and the ability to pursue a good education for their children. Catholic Charities' staff from the Refugee Resettlement program gave this family the hope and resources they never thought possible.

Refugee Services
1771 N. Semoran Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32807
Phone: 407-658-0110

A Future for Eleisha and Luba

Shepherd's House A Self-Sufficiency Program

Orlando, FL – Shepherd's House program provides support to Homeless Single Mothers in need of stability and affordable housing, a prerequisite for becoming self-sufficient. The program uses Case Management and Counseling to provide an opportunity for single mothers to gain necessary work experience, education, parenting, and interpersonal skills that will support long term sustainability. Eighteen-year-old, “Eleisha”, her infant daughter, “Lucy” had reached the time limit in a local homeless shelter when they were referred to Catholic Charities Shepherd's House Program. “Eleisha” with the assistance of Case Management support secured a job, coordinated daycare, created a family budget and started night life skills classes. Once “Eleisha” established enough savings, and completed her life skills training she was referred to a low rent housing program that partners with Shepherds House. “Eleisha” transitioned from the program with the knowledge and confidence in making good life decisions to support self-sufficiency and hopefully become the role model for “Lucy” that breaks the cycle Homelessness.

Shepherd's House
1819 N. Semoran Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32807
Phone: 407-658-1818

A Marriage & Family Saved

The Counseling Center of Catholic Charities of Central Florida

Lakeland, FL - The Simpsons arrived late having lost time trying to get their infant and themselves road ready. They were clearly angry with each other and argued maliciously from the start. She blamed their problems on his drinking and he deflected by talking about her father’s drinking and her position in that family. “She is just so insecure, her father is a drinker and she puts that on me.” Ten month-old Crystal soon became reactive to the tension and began to cry. This seemed to signal louder accusations and faultfinding. The fights were well rehearsed and each knew the next leap to attack and the proper defense that led to the next attack. How would it ever change? Each seemed to harbor resentment from the past and fear for the future. She hates his sister and he cannot tolerate her mother. They both want out but each has tender feelings for the baby. Is there hope for them? This family participated in five sessions focused on reconnecting them to each other and to their shared responsibilities. When last counseled, they admitted that things seem to have turned around. They are talking more easily and finding real reasons to praise, congratulate, and appreciate each other. They recognize their strengths as a team and have experienced what can be accomplished when they support and encourage each other. Neither wants to do harm to Crystal. They don’t want to expose her to anger or teach her to hurt and berate the people that you love. He says, “I know it hurts my daughter when I fight with her mother. I would never tolerate anyone else doing that, so how can I let myself?” She explains, “We both need each other to raise her. Our families would be devastated if we part. We have to stop dragging them in when things are bad. We call them now just to say hello. They were suspicious at first. Now they like it.” He is asking to discuss his use of substances and possible treatment strategies. He is crafting an apology that he feels he owes her mother and hopes that his wife will consider clearing the air with his sister. They can talk about forgiveness and are loving and emotional about sharing a future together.

Counseling Center Lakeland
1801 East Memorial Drive
Lakeland, Florida 33801-5528
(863) 686-7153

The Story of Leo

St. Thomas Aquinas Medical Clinic

St. Cloud, FL – Leo is a 62 year old male who originally came to St. Thomas Aquinas Medical Clinic because of increased pressure in his ears and a continuous headache. After being seen by a volunteer physician, Leo was diagnosed with hypertension and was sent to a low cost lab to have his electrolytes, cholesterol level and blood counts checked. Leo returned in 2 weeks to follow-up with his hypertension and lab results. All of the results were within normal limits with a slightly elevated cholesterol level. He was then prescribed a new medication for his cholesterol level and additional labs were ordered including a PSA level to screen for prostate cancer. Leo returned a few weeks later to obtain his new lab results. He was seen by Dr. Castro, a Urologist, and after a thorough examination, a small mass on the back of Leo’s prostate was discovered. The mass was extremely hard to detect and the following week, Dr. Castro performed a free and sent the results to the pathologist. The results showed that Leo had advanced prostate carcinoma. Leo started his first oncology appointment in July of 2009 and is still receiving chemotherapy treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center. Thanks to the clinic Doctors Leo is still alive today.

St. Thomas Aquinas Medical Clinic
510 Brown Chapel Road,
St. Cloud, FL 34769
Phone: 407-593-1256

Joshua and Jennifer

Adoption

Cocoa, FL – Shannon contacted Catholic Charities in the first trimester of her pregnancy with fear and great anxiety. The adoption case worker met with Shannon and helped her with choose life options. Knowing she was too young to raise her baby herself, Shannon reviewed many couple profiles through her second trimester to see if there was a fit for her baby. Shannon came to the Cocoa office where she looked at another couple profile. She immediately asked if she could meet with Joshua and Jennifer. Jennifer was at work but Joshua was able to meet with Shannon and the adoption case worker that day. The next visit Shannon, Jennifer and Joshua met and she knew they were the best loving couple to parent her child. Jennifer went to doctor appointments with Shannon and was present at the hospital when the baby was born. The three share a close bond. Their experience is not unique to adoptions, yet it is very personal and special to this adoptive triad. Joshua and Jennifer are such proud parents and send pictures to Shannon regularly.

Adoption Services
817 Dixon Blvd., Suite 16
Cocoa, FL 32922
Phone: 321.636.6144

Welcome Home

Emergency Family Services

Orlando, FL – “Tyler” worked for a local Homebuilder and had been in the reserves for three years when he was called to active duty. His employer at the time would be required to hold his job while away. His wife a stay at home mother would manage the household until his return. “Tyler” found himself on a tour that lasted almost two years and when he got home to Orlando he found the employer he was depending on was no longer in business, the job market offered no opportunity and he could not sell his home and cover what was owed. For over a year he found work were he could but wages quickly failed to cover the bills. Out of desperation Tyler took a job out of State but not fast enough and his new employer had a waiting period for his first check. “Tyler” turned to Catholic Charities EFS and got the needed relief to pay his bills, feed his family and start his new job. “Tyler” and so many like him need short term solutions to make ends meet. EFS provides the urgent assistance desperately needed to more than 60,000 people annually.