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From Debbie Wyke

By Staff | Jun 24, 2009

When a person becomes unable to work, for whatever reason, whether it be due to illness, surgery, or loss of job. It could be short term or long term. There is this overwhelming feeling when you are unable to pay your bills and termination notices start coming in and you also find yourself unable to buy food for your family.

I found myself in this very situation. I had to have two surgeries in May and I did not know where to turn. Until a friend of mine told me about the DHHR. I didn’t even know what the letters stood for-Department of Health and Human Resources; their number is (304) 455-0920.

So I called and made an appointment. My case manager is Georgia Heimbroad and she helped me tremendously. I never knew there were so many programs to assist families in need:

(SNAP)-Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food stamp card

(LIEAP)-Low Income Energy Assistance Program, that helps on utilities

(WVCHIP and Medicaid)-this is health insurance.

These are three programs I was approved for with the help of Georgia.

There are many other programs available: Child Care Assistance, if you have children who need taken care of while you work. The Employment/Unemployment Services, if you lose your job and need help with funding. The WIC and FNP programs to assist in nutrition during pregnancy and for children under the age of five.

The Prevention and Emergency Services has the Domestic Violence Hotline which is 1-800-799-7233, the Family Planning number is 1-800-642-8522, and the Child Protective Services, 1-800-352-6513.

These are just a few of the services the DHHR offers. So in your time of need, don’t be embarrassed to reach out for help. Many people, like myself, do not know what is available to them.

Georgia also helped by directing me to other organizations that offer assistance, the Community Resources and their number is (304) 455-2701, the Catholic Charities, (304) 455-9740; and the Salvation Army, (304) 845-0510.

So this letter is written for two reason, one to inform families in need of organizations that are available to them, and two, to thank DHHR worker Georgia Heimbrod for her dedication to her job in helping others.

Debbie Wyke

Paden City