Case Management Article

June -August 2007

Case Management

Nothing is as important as having someone in your corner.  Can you remember a time when there was not a doubt in your mind that someone was in your corner?  I know for me that was an amazing feeling.  I was convinced that I could do anything.  As we move into the second year of Hurricane Katrina's aftermath, it is imperative that individuals remember that there are still hurting people in the world.  Our focus has been centralized on continuing to stand in the gap for those survivors from Hurricane Katrina.

 No words can explain the hurt and loss still felt.  I referenced before having someone in your corner.  Put yourself in the position of many of the survivors we encounter.  They have lost everything.  You see, so many times we take for granted the little things.  We can go to our closet and ponder on what to wear for that day.  A survivor has to ponder about what they are going to eat, if they will have a place to live, if their children are adjusting well, what society is thinking, if they will ever have a place of their own, if they can find a job?  Often times, we forget that we are not in control.  There is a higher power at work.  We are to encourage and love one another through. 

Our focus at G.R.A.C.E. Community Services has been on the rebuilding of lives.  Our case management team has been diligently working with organizations and other entities that are going to project survivors into the next realm.  We have been focusing our efforts on rebuilding individuals so that they can enter into the workforce.  We have partnered with two organizations that are affording our clients the opportunity to learn new skills. They are not only learning new skills, but they are also gaining independence.  No longer will they have to wait on someone to do it for them.  They now have the skills to walk boldly into their season.  We are elated to be a part of a ministry that is promoting a hand-up and not a hand-out.  We are those cheerleaders who encourage, who persevere, who commit, who stand boldly in the gap for those who can't do it for themselves.  We will continue to stand firm and fight for the victory.