Meeting Steven

Steven Nelson is tall, with a calm voice and broad smile. It’s not difficult to understand why children find him so reassuring. As a foster parent, it’s a trait that helps Steven care for children who have experienced significant trauma — those most disinclined to trust. And Steven has lived through traumatic experiences of his own; twenty years ago, he was struggling with addiction which led to homelessness. “I just didn’t care about nothing except keeping my high going. I got jobs, but I didn’t keep them,” he shared.

It was then that Steven came to Catholic Charities — first staying in shelter, then finding permanent housing with the help of case managers. For Steven, permanent housing led to stability. “In 2006, I finally got custody of my son after six years of trying. I went to college to become an addiction counselor, which was a way for me to stay sober. It changed my life,” he explained.

 

Our Paths Cross Again

While raising his son, Steven discovered a talent for caregiving and obtained his foster care license. A few years ago, Steven was surprised to be referred to Catholic Charities Aging & Disability Services through his medical insurance — he remembered the help that he received many years.

Today, he works with Case Manager Melissa Newton to connect with resources that will help him maintain independence as he ages. “Melissa helped me get all my needs met and more. Getting me coordinated with a care plan, having someone help clean my house — I even got connected with the neighborhood organization, which helps me with shoveling and organizes senior citizen exercise programs,” he said.
 

 

Using Lived Expertise for The Greater Good

Steven is looking towards the future — he was recently appointed to a Ramsey County advisory committee, where he will use his lived expertise to advise leaders on public health issues. He also plans to partner with Ramsey County to champion the needs of foster children. His ultimate goal is to “get a permanent place for foster children, where they can get training and achieve their dreams.”

Revisiting Dorothy Day Place

20 years after his stay at the Dorothy Day Center, Steven visited the new Dorothy Day Place with Chief Program Officer, Keith Kozerski. Watch the video above to learn more!

“At Catholic Charities we often talk about helping people go from surviving to thriving. Steven’s story shows us that a night in an emergency shelter doesn’t have to be the end of their story. It doesn’t define who they are. Someone who went from sleeping on a mat at the old Dorothy Day Center, to coming back and being inspired by what he’s become and what this organization has become. Our community is stronger because Catholic Charities is able to be there for people when they need it the most, and see them with the dignity they deserve.” – Keith Kozerski, Chief Program Officer