The French Connection

i. [Fake] Names, Family Composition, Language

Ava K. Family of 3. From Mali. Language of communication with volunteer: French

ii. Case Concerns/Presenting Issues

* Needed someone to accompany her to NYCHA (New York City Housing Agency) to help her speak with the case worker in charge of her public housing application, whom she had had trouble communicating with in the past.
* Job training/ Placement

iii. Medical Info

1. What brings them to the clinic?

medical checkup for her newborn child

2. How does their present living/family situation affecting their health?

family lives in a basement 1 bedroom apartment, had to move temporarily to her brother in law's after the child's birth because of sanitation issues, but have now moved back in because they do not want to burden her brother any longer.

iv. Social/Work history

Does not have a valid visa (overstayed her tourist visa). Has applied for a working permit, will have a hearing in mid-December. Until then, is barred from many job-training programs and job offers.

vi. Story

I accompanied my client to NYCHA, where we lined up for two and a half hours before being called. Despite the fact that my client had brought all the various documents she was asked to bring, the case worker was still unwilling to approve her application, allegating that a document was still missing. After a frustrating discussion with the case worker, I asked to speak with the supervisor, who declared that all was in order, and told the case worker the application. My client is currently waiting for an answer on whether or not her request for public housing has been granted.

My client has also enrolled in a free home attendant training program, which will be starting in January. This program takes place in the afternoon, which allows her to continue attending her morning ESL classes.

v. Action Plan

Continue calling the client regularly to see progress on her housing application. Call her in January to remind her of the start of the home attendant training program. In the meanwhile, look for temporary, part-time jobs for my client (client is undocumented)

--Anna Law, BC '10