Twenty-five-year-old Ana’s life changed after the car accident. One day, she was home whipping up a meal for her 3-year-old son. Then she was in the hospital with no use of her arms or legs.

A month later, Ana awoke from a coma and began the difficult adjustment to using a wheelchair and a catheter. Returning home brought new challenges. Ana required assistance with everyday tasks. Her mother helped her, but over time their relationship became strained. When her mother moved out, Ana and her son became homeless.

That’s when Ana was connected to NILP. She began working with Barbara. They tackled emergency needs including housing, transportation, and finding a Personal Care Assistant (PCA). Their hard work soon began to pay off. Ana was accepted into an emergency shelter and secured a PCA. An NILP Options Counselor helped Ana with disability benefits.

While living at the shelter, Ana struggled with childcare. She was adjusting to life with paralysis while doing her best to care for an energetic toddler. The Department of Children & Families (DCF) became involved. Ana strategized with Barbara, and they came up with a plan to improve childcare. It was approved by DCF. Ana could breathe again.

Shortly after, Ana was approved for a voucher for a single-family home. However, her new home was far away and Ana’s friends and PCA had difficulty visiting her. Fortunately, a few months later another housing application was approved. Ana was able to move back to the community of her choice and closer to her natural support system!

Since the accident, Ana hadn’t felt independent. But thanks to NILP’s assistance and reassurance, Ana now feels capable of taking care of herself and her son.

Successes like this would not be possible without you! Thank you for helping people with disabilities overcome obstacles and achieve independence in the community.