Maria Amici* came to NFCC feeling completely overwhelmed. Last year, her world turned upside down when her husband John suffered two strokes, causing a debilitating brain injury. His condition requires around-the-clock care, so Maria had to quit her job. With extended family far away and two school-aged children at home, Maria was stretched thin – both financially and emotionally. When she received an unexpected $2,000 bill from the water company in unpaid balances, she didn’t know what to do or where to turn. Then she learned about NFCC.
Maria made an appointment with NFCC. She met with a case manager who was able to provide financial assistance to help with the water bill and point her toward other resources. The case manager referred her to our benefits screening service, which helps families assess their benefits eligibility and supports them through the application process.
Maria met with Amy, our benefits screener, to learn about what benefits could help the family become more financially stable. With Amy’s knowledge and expertise of the process, the Amico family was able to secure $1,000 a month in Medicaid and SNAP benefits to help the family cover medical bills and put food on the table.
Maria shared:
“When I felt so helpless, Amy treated me with dignity and respect and made me feel much better about myself… She went above and beyond to help me and it has given me peace of mind. I appreciate her from the bottom of my heart, and I am forever grateful for what she has done for me and my family going through these times. She gave me so much helpful information when I felt like all the doors were closed for me. I have never experienced what I have been going through for the past year. Amy was able to assist me with SNAP and Medicaid that could change so much with the help my husband needs.”
The family continues to face immense challenges with John’s brain injury, but their burden has been relieved a bit by securing this financial help.
