Feeling completely cared for can lead to renewed strength — and rebirth. 

This has proven to be true at Joseph & Mary’s Home. Men and women rest their minds, heal their bodies and revitalize their spirits here. After years of experiencing homelessness and facing medical hardships, peace fills the hearts of residents.

The opportunity to recover with dignity and be restored to good health is because of you, our supporters. You are a beacon of light — a light that helps revive residents’ sense of hope and guides them on the path toward their new beginnings.

CJ is one resident whose life was transformed after her time as a Joseph & Mary’s Home resident. A woman with a nurturing spirit, CJ raised her children and worked in schools as a family and community liaison. In more recent years, she ran her own non-profit organization providing household goods and clothing to those in need. She also held down a job at a church and did grant writing on the side.

CJ’s precarious health ailments led to all her work going away in the blink of an eye.

Rheumatoid arthritis ultimately caused her to have spinal stenosis and calcification of the heart. With pressure on her nerves, she lost feeling in her legs and feet. Her heart raced rapidly constantly and required frequent medical intervention.

Facing medical challenges that limited her mobility and endurance, CJ lost her jobs and soon lost her apartment. For months she floated between the women’s shelter and friends’ houses. Then came more serious news: CJ needed quadruple bypass surgery.

The surgery was successful. However, following rehab at a nursing home, CJ had nowhere to go. Her recovery process was ongoing, and she needed a stable and clean place to stay.

A social worker connected CJ to Joseph & Mary’s Home.

“When I arrived, a staff member was at the door waiting to welcome me,” said CJ. “I quickly recognized that I was not alone; they were going to do everything they could to help me.”

CJ spent the first few weeks letting her sternum heal from surgery. Over time, she completed puzzles with fellow residents and assisted with their laundry, went to doctor’s appointments, determined how to secure permanent housing and applied for disability.

Most importantly, she learned not to panic about being still.

“I used to work sun-up to sun-down. Here I figured out how not to be panicked, how to breathe,” said CJ. “I didn’t worry about anything here. I was able to relax. I knew there was always going to be a roof over my head.

“It was the first time in a long time something wasn’t looming.”

After spending several months at Joseph & Mary’s Home healing from her heart surgery and determining her next steps, CJ recently celebrated a significant milestone: moving into her own apartment.

This will be the first time she is truly on her own. She looks forward to taking short walks outside this summer in her new neighborhood.

“I have nothing but gratitude for Joseph & Mary’s Home,” said CJ. “My needs were met here. Not just my physical care, but also affection, advocacy and encouragement from a whole team of people who did their very best to make sure I landed on my feet.

“For the first time in my life, I felt completely cared for; it felt like being hugged. I know now to not let anyone mess with me… including myself.”

CJ is heading in the right direction because she was empowered to take control of her next chapter while at Joseph & Mary’s Home. The staff made her feel loved, respected and whole once again.

You have the opportunity now to give others, like CJ, the chance to access proven resources that allow them to regain physical and emotional strength.

Please considering making a gift this Spring to extend your support to the only medical respite care in Northeast Ohio.

Thank you for recognizing how healing requires nourishment, rest and a sense of security. Know that because of your gift, Joseph & Mary’s Home can continue to offer holistic care to neighbors in need of a safe and welcoming environment that helps them heal with dignity and take the next steps toward greater stability.

Please consider donating to help us sustain our mission. You can give online at www.jmhome.org/donate/donate-today; mail in a check to 2302 Community College Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115; or explore tax-smart giving options at www.jmhome.org/donate.