Ariceli Giving Back!

Meet Ariceli, a former PADS Lake County client who’s now giving forward and making a positive impact in our community!

Ariceli, along with her family, relocated to the area from Texas but after some struggles found themselves without a place to stay. PADS was there to help with emergency shelter and case management. PADS was there to help with emergency shelter and case management. Eventually, with the invaluable assistance of our dedicated team member Moniqua, Ariceli and her family secured housing here in Lake County.

Filled with gratitude for the support they received, Ariceli and her family wanted to give back to our community. They reached out and asked if we could put their gently used wheelchair to good use. We happily accepted the wheelchair, which is now going to benefit another client in need.

Ariceli’s story is a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of community and the incredible journey that clients can take from receiving support to becoming advocates for positive change. We’re deeply thankful for Ariceli’s generosity and commitment to making a difference. #GivingForward #CommunitySupport #PADSLakeCounty

David came to PADS Lake County facing homelessness, struggling with substance abuse, and grappling with job security. Life had dealt him a tough hand, as he had previously been incarcerated and lost custody of his beloved children due to his battle with addiction. For a time, David found himself sleeping in his vehicle, exposed to the harsh realities of life on the streets.

But in the face of adversity, David’s determination shone through. With our support, he was provided with case management and vital resources, including assistance to overcome his substance abuse challenges and work toward regaining custody of his children. A glimmer of hope emerged when he was connected with Catholic Charities’ Rapid Re-Housing program.

Today, the transformation is nothing short of incredible. With the unwavering support of PADS Lake County and Catholic Charities, David now has a stable home, is on the path to reuniting with his children, and is embracing a life of sobriety. His journey is a shining example of hope, resilience, and the extraordinary potential for change. David is not only gaining back custody of his children, but he also enjoys the stability of a job and a bright new beginning.

David’s story reminds us that even in the darkest times, hope can prevail, and with the right support, individuals can embark on a journey of recovery, healing, and transformation.

Meet Donnie, a resilient individual who came to PADS Lake County as an undocumented immigrant from Honduras. 

Donnie’s journey was not without its challenges; he arrived with painful and bloody urine, and his high medical needs led to placement in our emergency shelter. It was later determined that he required kidney stone removal with a stent placement.

Navigating the healthcare system in a new country can be daunting, and Donnie faced the added stress of being undocumented, which meant paying for essential health services out of pocket before receiving care.

Enter Xiomara, our healthcare coordinator, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in Donnie’s story. She’s been tirelessly assisting him in obtaining his permanent residency card, a process complicated by his homelessness and lack of a stable mailing address.

In February 2023, Donnie had a stent placement that was meant to be temporary, but due to financial barriers, he couldn’t access the follow-up care he needed. Xiomara teamed up with a financial advisor at Vista to secure medical benefits through the state and connected Donnie with the Rosalind Franklin Interpersonal Care Clinic for essential primary care to manage his pain.

After almost nine months of waiting, Donnie is finally scheduled to undergo surgery on November 21st. This procedure promises to significantly improve his quality of life, bringing much-needed pain relief. With this new lease on life, Donnie is looking forward to rejoining the workforce and building a brighter future. 

Meet Lisa, a remarkable individual who came to PADS seeking a safe haven. Lisa faced the daunting challenges of homelessness and battled mental health issues that added to her struggles.

For over two years, Lisa had been living with a friend until circumstances took a difficult turn, and she was asked to leave. She briefly stayed in motels, but financial constraints led to an uncertain life on the streets of Lake County.

Lisa’s path changed when she found refuge at PADS. Here, she found more than shelter; she discovered a supportive community that provided warmth, sustenance, and clothing. Her journey to stability also included vital mental health services through NICASA.

With the guidance of her dedicated Case Manager, Lisa diligently worked toward her housing goals, attending weekly groups to stay motivated throughout her shelter stay.

Today, we are thrilled to share the exciting news that Lisa is thriving. On September 15, 2023, she signed her very first lease, marking a significant milestone on her path to independence. Lisa will be moving into her own home on October 1, 2023, where she looks forward to quality time with her daughter, decorating her new space, and increasing her involvement in local church volunteer work.

Lisa’s future is bright, and she’s excited about the simple joys of having her own space, the freedom to move at her leisure, and most importantly, calling a place “HOME.”

Lisa’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of community support. We are immensely proud of her accomplishments and wish her nothing but happiness in her new home.

*Lloyd’s journey is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of support. Formerly a manager overseeing a team of 12 at the Department of Transportation, Lloyd’s path took an unexpected turn due to insurmountable differences, ultimately leading him into homelessness.

Living out of his car, with family support not an option, Lloyd’s situation was dire. That’s when he found hope at PADS Lake County. Embracing the Housing First program, Lloyd embarked on a seven-year journey of growth and empowerment. With dedicated case managers, he honed crucial life skills, equipping himself for a brighter future.

In a pivotal turn, Lloyd was granted the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV). Embracing this opportunity, he has not only secured a stable living situation but thrived in maintaining his unit and budget effectively. Today, as he looks back on his progress, Lloyd is deeply grateful to PADS Lake County for being his steadfast ally.

As he envisions the road ahead, Lloyd’s optimism shines bright. His aspiration to transition into Assisted Living in the coming year speaks volumes about his determination and drive. Lloyd’s story is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, with support and determination, a future of promise awaits. #SuccessStories#HomelessNoMore

Annie’s story started with adversity, but with the compassionate support of PADS Lake County, she found the strength to rise above her challenges and create a better future for herself and her children.

PADS Lake County stepped in when Annie needed it the most. Struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse, and involvement with DCFS, she was determined to turn her life around and regain stability.

Before finding PADS Lake County, Annie was left to sleep out in the streets, searching for a safe place to rest. But now, she has found a sense of belonging and comfort, thanks to the assistance she received.

PADS Lake County played a crucial role in connecting Annie to permanent housing via A Safe Place. While she faced eviction due to lease issues, PADS remained by her side, offering support and guidance.

Today, Annie’s journey is one of hope and transformation. With the Emergency Housing Voucher and GBHI program provided by PADS, she has found a path to independence and long-term case management.

Not only has Annie secured a safe and comfortable place to call home, but she also has a nurturing environment for visitations with her beloved children and DCFS. Her outlook for the future is brighter than ever before.

Annie’s story is a testament to the power of empathy and community support. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those facing homelessness and adversities.

Join us in celebrating Annie’s resilience and the invaluable work of PADS Lake County. Together, we can be a beacon of hope for those seeking a new beginning. https://padslakecounty.org/donate/

Once experiencing homelessness, Ronald’s life took a turn when he sought help at PADS Lake County. With numerous challenges ahead, he needed a guiding hand to reclaim his life and find a path to stability.

Thanks to the unwavering support of PADS Lake County, Ronald received the care and assistance he needed. From emergency shelter to emotional support, every step was taken to ensure his well-being.

Ronald had been staying in a building across from the Waukegan Library under the stairway, and his past was marred by a toxic relationship with a previous significant other. But with PADS Lake County’s intervention, hope was rekindled.

Today, Ronald is no longer on the streets, wondering where he’ll rest his head. He’s found a place to call home, thanks to the Emergency Housing Voucher and GBHI (Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals) program provided by PADS Lake County.

Embracing long-term case management, Ronald is now living independently and looking forward to a brighter future. With determination and support, he’s overcoming the barriers he once faced.

We are incredibly proud of Ronald’s resilience and the transformative impact PADS Lake County has had on his life. Together, we can continue to create positive change, one life at a time.

Ronald’s journey is a testament to the power of compassion and community. Join us in supporting PADS Lake County’s mission to empower and uplift those experiencing homelessness. Together, we can make a difference! https://padslakecounty.org/donate/

#ChangingLives#Empowerment#CommunitySupport#HomelessnessAwareness#PADSLakeCounty#HopeForTheFuture

*Aaron came to PADS realizing that he could not last much longer on the streets. For a long time, he has been through some rough times struggling with homelessness, while going through the rigorous impact of unemployment. Finding decent housing continued to be a challenge for him, without the proper documentation normally required by employers. His being disconnected with his family and significant other exacerbated his already desperate situation.

Once signed up with PADS’ services, Madiha, Aaron’s case manager, immediately worked on working with him to get proper documentation in order to find a job. She guided him with how to get legal support to get his records expunged. Aaron appreciated the encouragement he received to connect with his family and friends with whom he has been alienated from for a long time.

“PADS saw that I needed help. They have shown me understanding and compassion from the time I walked in their door. Madiha, my Case Manager, gave me the push I needed to go beyond my fears – take the first steps towards my path to housing. I was miserable, but now, I have hope for my future!”

Today, thanks to YOU, Aaron has found a job at McDonalds, while enjoying the support of his significant other, and his new-found relationships with his friends.

No one ever wants to watch their home burn to the ground with all their belongings, memories, and think “what next.” This is what happened to *Mary and her adult son in December of 2021. Mary and her son were living in their apartment for years, and she was using FERA funds to pay for their rent, as Mary has major health conditions. Mary wanted to provide the best for her son, as she was his primary caregiver. Mary’s son has severe health conditions that require more care than most, and Mary had no idea what to do next. With a limited source of income Mary knew the next best step was to come to PADS Lake County and ask for help.

Mary and her son had been to PADS and other agencies in the past and felt like they did not have any help with navigating the housing and health care system, until they met Malin. Malin was able to listen to their story, understand their concerns, and provide Mary with a positive outcome for their future. Malin was able to provide shelter for Mary and her son in one of our motels’ sites and work with her to come up with a long-term solution.

Malin got in touch with NICASA ARCH and Mary should be receiving an emergency housing voucher, which will open more opportunities for the family. Mary is continuing to receive case management assistance and has a better relationship with our team. She is grateful to have received a manager who understands her story, and continuing to work for her case. We are wishing you the best of luck Mary, and can’t wait until the day you move into your new home!

As a father all you want to do is give your child(ren) the world. Providing food, a stable household, love, and support were just some of the attributes that drove *Ryan into coming to PADS Lake County for assistance. Ryan and his daughter were looking for assistance in finding permanent housing to call home. Ryan had no source of income at the moment and didn’t know where to start. He met with his case manager, Darnai, and she was able to provide Ryan and her daughter a 90 day motel stay.

Ryan’s determination to do better for himself and his daughter is what drove him to even find a job! With a job under his belt, support from PADS, and his daughter cheering him on, Ryan can now afford an apartment for him and his daughter. Ryan told Darnai that now he has a job, a place to call home, and the extra guidance, he can now move forward and focus on his health.

We are proud of Ryan taking the next step in not only putting his health first, but making sure his daughter has the basic essentials covered. We can’t wait to see what Ryan and his daughter have in store for the future and we are cheering you on!