An Emergency Hospitalization Led to a Long-Term Friendship

When Leah* was hospitalized with a severe respiratory infection in early April, the hospital called Together for Good (TFG) for care for her 4-month-old son, Michael*. Leah had moved from out of state and had no family to care for her son. A TFG case manager was able to quickly find a host family for Michael. When the case manager first met with Leah, she was grateful for the emergency help; however, she shared that she didn’t think she would want respite hostings in the future. 

After nearly a week in the hospital, Leah was released and reunited with Micahel. A few weeks went by without her case manager hearing anything. The staff figured this was one of those cases where we were able to help in an emergency, but would not become a regular resource for Leah. A few days ago, Leah called her case manager and asked if we could do another hosting for Michael! She shared that she was so blessed by Michael’s host mom, Danielle*, during the hosting and after. 

Danielle’s care for Michael and kindness towards Leah have helped establish the beginnings of a trusted friendship. It was the beginning of a relationship that made Leah interested in a respite hosting.

At TFG, we meet families where they are. Sometimes this leads to an immediate interest in our services, and sometimes this means that we help in the emergency and remain readily available for the future. But we know that the safe, loving relationships that you, as volunteers, provide – even during a short emergency hosting – make a lasting impact on families in need. It is for those relationships that families continue to call TFG. Thank you for your faithful service and generous support that make these relationships possible.

*Names are changed to protect privacy.