Heather’s Story - Meeting adversity with HOPE
Project HOPE Serves local communities in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties through Hope, Outreach, Prevention and Education, and provides emergent resources to both Adventist Health Sonora associates and patients during times of crisis.
Project HOPE is also emerging as an important tool in addressing the health risks associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Pediatricians at Adventist Health Sonora, an ACEs Aware pioneer site, use a questionnaire to screen children for stressful experiences, including abuse, violence, deprivation, discrimination and insecurity. These experiences are strongly associated with some of the most common, serious and costly health conditions. When stressors are identified, pediatricians can take steps to help prevent and treat the physical and mental effects of these adverse experiences.
Heather Montgomery is a single mother of two whose daughter, Sabreena,
was screened for ACEs. The family was experiencing financial hardship
on top of the stress of dealing with Sabreena’s health challenges
and other difficulties.
“I didn’t have enough food,” Heather said, who was participating in a Welfare-to-Work Program while attending college. Pediatrician Devanie Teel, MD referred the family to Project HOPE for grocery store gift cards. Project HOPE again helped Heather when she faced insurmountable utility bills.
“If Dr. Teel hadn’t referred me, I’d be out on the street,” Heather reflected. “I cannot express how thankful I am for Project HOPE’s help.”
The Montgomery family is enjoying a better quality of life thanks to the generous support of our donors. Project HOPE assists families and individuals in our community through times of crisis by providing grocery and gas cards, paying bills, assisting with medical co- pays and prescriptions, and much more!
Donate by phone: (209) 536-5029
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