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United Way of
Washtenaw County

Success Stories

Packard Health

Packard Health is new to the United Way. We contacted United Way after we read the Ann Arbor News story about the new priorities and the Access to Health Care work group.

The work group members were very welcoming. Even though we had collaborated loosely for many years, our relationships were quickly strengthened by our work together. Doris Allen, from Community Dental Center, got to know Packard Health well enough to pick up the phone when she saw a patient who needed health care. She sent him right over. This was a young man and a father who, in his own words, was "struggling to live." At Packard Health, he saw the doctor and then met with the Patient Advocate. She helped him apply for Washtenaw Health Plan membership. The man who was clearly depressed initially, called to say "thanks."

With support from the United Way, our Patient Advocacy services will increase from half-time to full time and extend to Hope Clinic this fall. We are excited to see how adding patient advocacy can help our patients and our providers - Hope Clinic and Packard Health -to stretch our community resources as far as possible. Kim Kratz, Executive Director

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FOCUS AREA PERRY NURSERY SCHOOL OF ANN ARBOR

"He's a blessing." One father's story of triumph

"He is a blessing."
That's how Donald Reaves describes DJ, his five year old son . DJ spends his days at Perry Nursery School of Ann Arbor drawing and playing outside, while learning math and reading. He knows his dad will drop him off and pick him up every day, and that he is loved.

Unfortunately, this is not how Donald spent his childhood years. Donald grew up with addicted parents, and was put into foster care at age nine. As a result, Donald moved a lot, and had to create his own family in order to get the love and nurturing he deserved as a growing boy. When Donald turned 18 years old, he learned he was going to be a father. "It changed my life,"he said. "I knew I had to get it together and be the dad I never had." Donald's father passed away when he was 13 years old. When DJ was born, Donald made a promise to his young son. That promise? "I will NEVER not be in your life." Donald shares, "If that happened, I know it would hurt him, and kill me."

Today, Donald is a single parent and has full custody of DJ. He shares, "There are days when it's overwhelming, but then I remember what life was like for me -I didn't have someone who actually cared for me, and I know I can't give up on him." Perry Nursery School has been the saving grace for Donald because he knows DJ is in good hands. "I need to work to support my son, and I've tried other daycare,"he says "but I know at Perry not only are they taking good care of DJ, he is also learning. Perry always works with me and respects me as a single dad -they really care about me and DJ -I couldn't ask for more."

Jonathan Miller for UM Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools (RAHS)

My name is Jonathan Miller. I am currently a college student exploring my options. Two years ago, my life was very different. At 385 lbs, I was quiet, I never thought about my weight, the risks or dangers of obesity. Nor did I see the potential risk to my health. I remember in one class I had to sit in the back of the room on a bench, because I couldn't fit in the desk. I was living in a cycle I did not know how to break.

Today, I am self confident and outgoing. So far, I have lost 137 lbs. I have more choices now. I can go to an event and not worry about fitting in the seats; I can buy clothes at more than one store. I have broken the cycle of obesity, but I did not do it alone.

Two years ago, when I was a senior at Stone High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I signed up for the nutrition group on a dare with a friend. The Nutrition and Physical Activity Program was offered by HealthPlace. HealthPlace is the school based health center. I remember being weighed before the group began and told that I weighed more than the scale could actually measure. The scale could only go up to 350 lbs. I was shocked, surprised and scared.

The program consisted of weekly group meetings and 2 exercise classes every week. There were a variety of exercise classes. From Pilates to yoga, kick boxing aerobics and belly dancing, we had many options to choose from. These were activities I had never thought I would try, and the next thing I knew, I was taking a yoga class! Having the class in the school made a big difference. Having more energy and using the endorphin rush from the exercise made me more productive and the day more enjoyable. As we all know, it's easy to do things when you feel good.

I am still practicing these main exercise and nutrition principles today. I continue to make small changes towards a healthier lifestyle. I am more loving to myself. I am not criticizing myself as often as I used to. When I make choices, I think about what will take me in a positive direction, instead of a negative one. I've learned I have the power to make good things happen. Thanks to HealthPlace I realized the amazing potential that was in me this entire time.