By Donna Clark RN, Director
Our Adult Dental Outreach has served many in our community but we have seen some heart breaking stories. We had a middle aged woman come to us escorted by her older sister requesting a large sum for dental care. The woman in need (Alice) was mentally challenged and was being cared for by her sister. Alice had severe health issues and was in need of open heart surgery as soon as possible but, nothing could be scheduled until she had the rest of her infected teeth extracted. They had a quote from a dentist who was not part of our program as he did not discount his care. We referred her to one of the dentists who does surgical extractions and works with us and her dental surgery is scheduled and paid for. Please keep her in your prayers as she is very scared. So many people come to us in pain and it is a blessing to be able to say yes to help give them a quality of life again. When you are donating please keep the Dental program in your mind and designate that in the memo section of your check. Thank you for your support.
As spring comes ever so slowly, our census begins to decrease as folks are able to get jobs doing yard work and other unskilled positions. It’s so nice to see them smiling; able to pay their way again. Other clients that are regulars help keep the agency property cleaned up and assist anyway they can. Very few clients that are weekly regulars just sit and stare at the TV; most all help us in some way. They are grateful for what we can provide them and try to pay it back as best they can. One gentleman who was housed through Salisbury’s Housing First Program is so happy to be off the streets after 6 years that he comes every day we are open and makes sure the trash has been emptied and taken to the dumpster before we close. Being able to pay part of his rent and utilities he has a tiny bit left over for other needs. Unfortunately, not enough to cover food and all his medications. We are proud to help him and connect him with other agencies that can assist him. It’s so good to see him walk with confidence again.
Exodus 17:8-16 “God gives us hands to meet others’ needs”
(The Upper Room Saturday April 7th)
H.O.P.E. 