Aging and Disability Services in Action
Helping Neighbors with Disabilities
When you meet Megan, her love for local history is obvious. She especially loves stories about neighborhoods and buildings in St. Paul.
Megan lives with a disability that makes it impossible for her to work. She relies on supportive services that help her with daily life. Although she can’t work, Megan spends time volunteering, crafting, and caring for her two cats.
For years, Megan lived in an apartment that wasn’t safe. “It wasn’t a good place to live,” she remembers. “I was constantly stressed, and I knew I needed to get out.”
She didn’t have the resources to move on her own, but when her building was condemned, leaving was the only option. Megan turned to Catholic Charities for help.
“It’s a relief to know there’s someone I can call when something comes up. Catholic Charities has my back.”
A Safe and Supportive Home
Megan was connected to Catholic Charities Aging and Disability Services program. Our staff helped her find a safe apartment. They helped make sure she would continue receiving the in-home care she needs.
“They helped me get out, and I couldn’t have done it without them,” Megan says. “It’s a relief to know there’s someone I can call when something comes up. Catholic Charities has my back.”
Megan emphasizes that without Catholic Charities’ help, she could have lost her housing and benefits. “Catholic Charities made sure I had a place to go,” she said. “They took care of the details so I didn’t end up on the street.”
Catholic Charities continues to help manage Megan’s support network. Staff make sure she has consistent in-home care and can live independently.
Finding Stability Again
“They didn’t just find me an apartment,” Megan said. “They made sure I had the support in place to keep it.”
Now, Megan feels safe for the first time in years. She can focus on her health, enjoy her pets, and live with peace of mind. Catholic Charities Aging and Disability Services has helped people like Megan for nearly 50 years.
Megan hopes to remain active in advocating for the programs that have helped her. Especially as cuts to Medicaid bring her benefits into question. “Without their help, I’d be in a shelter or worse,” said Megan. “Instead, I have a home where I can take care of my health.”
