Healthy Learners highlights how it helps build healthier futures for families in latest newsletter

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Tags: Healthy Learners , Outreach

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Healthy Learners, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System, provides holistic services to empower children and families to access necessary healthcare, addressing the logistical and financial hurdles they face. The latest newsletter highlights success stories of helping families go from overwhelmed to empowered.

Below is a story about how Healthy Learners helped one child and his mother overcome multiple health challenges so he could go to school and adjust to his new community.

Read the full newsletter here.

Bridging the Gap

Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, especially for individuals facing language barriers and lacking a local support system.

After moving from Guatemala to Columbia, South Carolina, Maya was excited to settle into her new life with her young son, Juan, while preparing for the arrival of her second baby. However, navigating the healthcare system quickly became overwhelming. Without family support and facing a language barrier, Maya struggled to find the help her son desperately needed.

Juan was experiencing persistent ear infections, severe stomach pain, headaches, and a loss of appetite. His symptoms made it difficult for him to sleep, and his lack of weight gain added to Maya’s growing concerns. Both mother and son endured sleepless nights as Maya worried about his health, feeling unsure how to get him proper care.

It was then that Maya was connected with Yessenia from Healthy Learners, who spoke with her and coordinated medical visits for Juan. Being bilingual, Yessenia helped Maya understand the healthcare process, which gave her confidence in the care her son was receiving. Another significant obstacle for Maya was transportation—without a car, she had no way to take Juan to his appointments.

Thankfully, Healthy Learners arranged transportation, lifting yet another heavy burden from her shoulders.

With the support of Healthy Learners, Maya found the relief she needed. Juan’s health improved, allowing him to attend school and adjust to his new community without the barrier of illness. Both Maya and her son were finally able to rest, knowing they had the guidance and support to navigate these challenges.

"Many families face similar challenges—limited resources, language barriers, and uncertainty about where to seek help. It’s crucial to ensure they feel supported every step of the way," said Yesenia.