Angel Reach

I was a client here for over a year. This program helped me in so many ways. I definitely made some mistakes throughout my journey there, but I always had mentors to nudge me in the right direction. I will forever be grateful for the time spent there and how that experience is the reason I’m able to be successful today.

I reached out to angel reach because I’m medically complex tube fed and I’m being threatened with eviction with my grandparents at 18 angel reach told me “we aren’t able to house those with certain mental or medical health conditions such as yours we aren’t a medical facility nor do we have medical staff on site” “also we don’t allow pets” referencing my mention of a service dog in training I responded by saying “I wanted to clarify that a service dog in training is not a pet it is a medical support animal and they are protected under the ADA and fair housing act, what medical or mental health conditions do I have that angel reach isn’t equipped to handle” (since it is discrimination to turn someone down due to purely the fact they have a medical or mental health condition I also mentioned I only have heart failure and I am happy to provide problem lists but not a full problem list and definitely not any mental health conditions although I do have a few mental diagnoses I didn’t mention) I went on to clarify tube feeding doesn’t require me to need nurses or a sterile environment ppl can touch my syringes the only infection risk I have is sinusitis because I have a nasal tube that comes from the physical presence of the tube and repeated insertions not improper cleanliness I said a lot more but it’s a lot to type here but anyway after I responded here the manger responded within 5-20 mins and said that she still didn’t think I was a good fit because of medical requirments I have and she said because of liability because angel reach wouldn’t accommodate my” support dog” ( this is what she called the service animal) because the duplexes are shared and they couldn’t guarantee nobody would touch my things due to different levels of independence with residents so they wouldn’t accommodate my request to ensure I wasn’t placed with someone that was at risk of substance abuse I wasn’t asking them to guarantee anything but I was asking them to provide reasonable accommodation as required by the ADA and fair housing act angel reach maybe good for others but be weary of you are medically complex they are discriminatory on multiple levels as I outlined and it’s not fair their name can be deceiving and extremely misleading

I stayed at Angel Reach for a few years, and while the transition was tough and there were challenges, I’m truly grateful for the support I received. The environment was strict at times, and adjusting to all the rules and daily chores wasn’t always easy. Still, the staff worked hard to provide guidance, and there were people who genuinely cared and helped me through difficult moments. Looking back, I can appreciate how much that time helped me, and I’m thankful for the opportunities and lessons I gained. I’m blessed to have had it during a critical time in my life.

So now I would like to clarify this post. I was frustrated because I only had 3 months to get my 2 grandsons that had been isolated, kept out of school for 6 years the boys were 14 and 17. They were stolen from me when they were 8 and 4 w CPS Patricia Davis a wonderful case worker, got back with me and told me that the paperwork was not valid the boys case wasn't closed but a man in police uniform told me I had no choice and presented very real looking papers at 11:50pm. Just minutes before her call. I looked for boys each time I found them they moved. 6 yrs when by the older boy contacted me through email .his only contact with outside world. I was tutoring both boys put them in school. And had to get Dr to evaluate mental state Boys didn't function well in crowds because of isolation. That being said Angel reach took care of my boys they helped with clothes, shoes, even Thanksgiving and Christmas. I don't think any other organization could have been as kind and caring. So I'm not the best at communicating and I bugged Anya who finally said" I'll call you" I took that to heart and didn't call her. I should have just brought boys from school to angel reach to get family photo. But I didn't. No other organization provides the services and compassion . I'll reapply next year because they are absolutely the best, love you all Ms.Maxine Ms Betty Our youngest grandchild sends hugs .

Angel Reach has been a Godsend in so many ways. Whether it’s just a friendly voice to check in to see how you’re doing and to make sure things are OK, to providing groceries and other household necessities/clothing - they also offer a wealth of information. Thank you to all the volunteers in those who work at Angel Reach, my family appreciates you and all that you do!