The difference a day makes:
Joseph's Home
Disclaimer: In compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, all stories about specific individuals are told with their express written informed consent.
As a kid growing up in Oakwood Village, Michael learned many aspects of the construction trade from his father, a talented craftsman and bricklayer. Over the years, Michael married, had children, and moved to Colorado where he worked for 14 years in the construction industry. While he was building houses and commercial buildings, he was developing a growing interest in another field entirely – cooking.
That interest grew, and Michael changed careers for a while, working in the kitchens of some Colorado casinos. As often happens, life situations change. Michael divorced, and with family ties from Cleveland calling to him, he returned home, where he reunited with his family.
On a September day last year, Michael went to work as usual. He was back in the construction business, and a roofing job was the order of the day. But this day was anything but typical. He fell two stories and was rushed to the hospital. Along with injuries from the fall, Michael was diagnosed with stage four renal failure.
Just like that, health problems took over Michael’s life. Hospitalized for almost two weeks , he now required dialysis three days a week – a process which left him incredibly weak, and unable to work. With the loss of his income, he also lost his home. When the time came for him to be discharged from the hospital, he was still in need of care, and had nowhere to go.
A place to call home
Michael called 211, the social services hotline sponsored by United Way, and was referred to
Joseph’s Home, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System.
“At Joseph’s Home, we fight every day, one man at a time, to create the opportunities that change an individual’s course in life,” said Georgette Jackson, Executive Director at Joseph's Home. “We see the whole man. We see his spirit, his heart, his character and his passion to be renewed.”
Since its inception, a significant portion of the funding for Joseph’s
Home has come from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. However,
Joseph’s Home also relies on foundations for additional funding to help
offset operating costs.
“In 2009, everyone – individuals, businesses, non-profits, foundations – faced incredible challenges due to the economic crisis,” said Jackson (shown above right with Michael). “We are truly thankful that the Saint Luke’s Foundation views Joseph’s Home as a viable entity worthy of receiving continued support.”
Recovery leads to discovery
When he first arrived at Joseph's Home, Michael met with the staff nurse to develop a medical care plan for his stay. In an effort to build self-esteem and efficacy, residents are encouraged to take an active role in the management of their own health care. Because emphasis is placed on their totality of being, staff members also work with the residents to set and accomplish personal, educational and financial goals, all designed to help them heal and achieve independence.
Residents participate in ongoing recovery programs and educational activities
designed to develop life skills and foster self-esteem. Programs such
as the recently formed Joseph’s Home book club and art program are designed
and developed to provide the men with 
a constructive alternative outlet
for expressing themselves.
“My daughter often asked where she got her artistic talent,” said Michael. “When I got here, I finally discovered the answer. From day one, I was drawn to the art program. I did my first painting, and the instructor could not believe I had no previous experience. From that point on, I spent much of my time painting, often finishing two pieces a day.”
Crawling before you walk
On a warm spring day, after living at Joseph’s Home for about six months, the social worker told Michael he had something to show him. They took a ride out to the old Euclid Beach area, and Michael got his first look at what would become his new home – a spacious one-bedroom apartment.
“When I first got to Joseph’s Home, I was crawling down the steps. By the time I left, I was running up them,” said Michael.
While he’s now settling into his own apartment, Michael knows that he will always be welcome at Joseph’s Home. He’s already planning to come back to prepare dinner for the residents, he continues to participate in the art program, and stops in to visit when he’s in the area for dialysis treatments.
