NHCO Helps Woman Forge New Life

Marlene is deaf and living on her own for the first time in her life. Last January, she and her husband of 25 years divorced, leaving the 58-year-old alone and struggling. She turned to NHCO for help.

"She said she was hungry, had no food, and was just in distress, and it broke my heart," said Cathy Pschirer, who works at our North Boroughs office. She gave Marlene NHCO's food pantry schedule, gathered food and store gift cards to tide her over, and drove her home.

Marlene enrolled in NHCO's Pathways Program, an individualized approach that helps individuals reach their goals at their own pace. She's working with North Boroughs Service Coordinator Mick Karolac, who sees himself as her emotional support cheerleader. They mostly communicate through lip reading, with occasional help from the written word.

She stocks shelves at a grocery store, but the pay does not cover her bills. Mick and a partner organization are helping her apply for higher paying jobs. She's hoping to get a full-time job sorting mail at the post office where she worked in the 1980s, a position she enjoyed because it kept her moving.

During their weekly meetings, Mick helps Marlene gain the confidence and skills to achieve her goals. He helped her with an application for affordable housing, and they are working on a budget so she can live comfortably.

"Everybody working here helped me boost up my self esteem," she said. "I've gotten stronger because of people here."

When asked what she thinks of Mick, she crossed her arms over her chest - sign language for love.

Learn more about NHCO’s Pathways Program at NHCO.org/pathways