Catholic Charities AIDS Services has been working with one client for 2 months. It has been a difficult road for him to access needed services, as he is a registered sex offender. Although he has complied with all the requirement of attending substance abuse treatment and all scheduled appointments with his worker, his status as an offender has kept him from receiving shelter from county. This client is also further restricted from accessing many housing programs and, despite his efforts along with the support and advocacy offered from his case management team, is currently homeless.

Since the beginning of his interaction with our program, the client has done his best to follow through on his responsibilities. He has become disheartened at times, missing some required appointments, which means he often has to start from the very beginning again. Although his current situation is not ideal, this client has regularly engaged with the case management team; he maintains open communication and has not given up.

What we’ve found to be just as important as advocating for the client is reminding him that he is not alone. When we assist our clients in achieving their goals it’s an amazing accomplishment, but there’s something to be said for inspiring hope in someone when all else seems lost. This client, despite all obstacles thrown at him, has not given up; with continued support from his case management team and the inner strength he possesses on his own, there is every reason to believe that his story will one day be one of success.