When Anna first walked into the Health Hub at The School at Marygrove, her request seemed simple—she needed a vision referral for her two young children, both elementary students in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). But as Health Hub Navigator LaTonya Owens engaged her in conversation, a much deeper story unfolded.
Anna had been carrying an incredible weight, silently shouldering challenges that would overwhelm anyone. Homelessness had displaced her family after financial hardships mounted, leaving her scrambling to provide basic needs. Along with her two young children, she was raising her nephew with special needs, whom she adopted after his mother passed away from COVID. Her 18-year-old daughter, who had recently returned home and was expecting a baby, needed prenatal care. On top of it all, Anna herself was managing dental, vision, and mental health challenges that she had been forced to set aside to prioritize her family.
“Everything was weighing heavy on my heart,” Anna shared. “I was trying to hold it all together, but it was so overwhelming.”
As she recounted her struggles, she broke down in tears. Owens gently reassured her, “It’s okay. You can let it out here. This is a safe space.” That moment was a turning point. In a world where Anna often felt invisible, she finally felt seen.
Owens quickly sprang into action. Through the Health Hub, Anna and her family received:
- Dental, vision, and prenatal care referrals to address their immediate health needs.
- A connection to McKinney-Vento homelessness services, which provided clothing, food, shoes, and gas cards on the spot to ease their financial burden.
- Emotional support and guidance, helping Anna regain a sense of stability and control.
“Receiving the help we needed so quickly, from a team that didn’t judge us, took such a weight off my shoulders,” Anna shared. “Places like DPSCD Health Hubs are so critical and needed in our community. They made a life-changing difference for me and my family.”
Anna’s story is not unique. It’s a reflection of the immense challenges faced by many families across the district.