Care Coordinator Helps Family Through Difficult Season

When a family was beset by sudden tragedy, Care Coordinator Brandi DiMatteo stepped up to provide the empathetic support they needed. Susan Lowery, who has two children with disabilities, encountered many personal and financial struggles after her husband passed away. Brandi went above and beyond to make sure she had access to empowering resources.

Before Brandi intervened, Susan’s family was at risk of having their refrigerator repossessed and their electricity turned off. They even faced potential eviction from their home. Brandi set up a meeting with the Arc GLOW, who generously helped the family cover overdue rent, pay off their refrigerator rental bill, and receive a stipend towards food.

Brandi also connected the family to food donations through Community Action and secured a new mattress, frame, and box spring for them. Additionally, Brandi was able to get more than $1,500 in overdue cable and energy payments waived for the family through direct advocacy.

Through it all, Brandi has also been an emotional support for Susan, providing an open ear throughout the week.

“We talk over the phone day to day,” says Susan. “If I have any questions or need any information, I ask her. Brandi’s helped me cope through this time. She’s really, really helped a lot.”

Brandi continues to ensure that Susan and her family are receiving all the benefits and entitlements they are qualified for. She has connected them to transportation assistance and to weekly Community Habilitation support, so they have regular on-site help.

“Brandi’s a really great Care Coordinator,” says Susan. “She’s the best I’ve ever worked with so far.”

The family is extremely grateful for all that Brandi has done for them, providing hope during a difficult time. Brandi is also grateful for the impact they have had on her own life.

“I can’t thank the family enough for reminding me why I am here,” says Brandi. “Susan has been nothing short of a saint through all of this. She and her children will always have a special place in my heart.”

Person Centered Services is grateful to employ dedicated Care Coordinators like Brandi who connect people to the care, support and opportunities that maximize their quality of life.