By Sarah Bey
Deandre Crawford enjoys sitting on her sofa and watching her children play in their living room. The family cherishes their apartment in Humble, Texas, where they find peace, comfort and respite. Life was not always like this.
“We used to sleep on an air mattress,” Crawford said. “I put our small television on top of a basket and we had two blankets. We did not have any furniture and were struggling.”
The single mother worked different jobs from time to time to provide for her daughter Braelyn, 5, and son, Kenzo, 2. Braelyn has epilepsy and hydrocephalus – two serious conditions that affect the brain. Epilepsy causes recurrent seizures, while hydrocephalus results in increased pressure from an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid. Braelyn has undergone several brain surgeries in her young life.
“It was difficult keeping a job because I had to be on standby all of the time for my daughter,” Crawford said. “I knew I had to keep going to provide for my children. As long as they had what they needed, even if it meant I went without food, that was what mattered to me.”
Crawford knew she needed more help. She contacted MCH Family Outreach in Houston and enrolled in case management services in January.
“Our lives immediately changed when we met Sharon Sepulveda, our case manager,” Crawford said. “She did not bat an eye during our first in-home visits. I laid down a towel for Sharon, so she wouldn’t have to sit on the bare floor. She was so determined to help us and she didn’t mind.
“Sharon was a breath of fresh air. She advocated for us and provided me with resources since we don’t really have anyone else to look to for help. MCH has blessed my family tremendously.”
The Riverside Project furnished the Crawford’s home.
“They went from sleeping on the floor and not having a chair to sit on to having a functional home,” Sepulveda said. “The family is making a home of their own that they are proud to call ‘home.’”
“My children have beds to sleep on now,” Crawford said. “Because of MCH, my children and I look forward to eating dinner every night at our dining table. I cannot tell you the last time we did that before we received help.”
Sepulveda also connected Crawford with local food banks and employment resources – including a program through the Wesley Community Center, where she will receive a medical assistant certificate at no cost.
“I cannot believe I get to further my passion as I work toward becoming a certified nursing assistant,” Crawford said. “I am so proud of the steps I have taken to move our lives forward, with Sharon’s help.”
“Ms. Crawford is making progress toward self-sufficiency despite all of the hardships,” Sepulveda said. “She is a strong, resilient woman who works hard and truly appreciates the resources shared with her. I can tell Ms. Crawford feels more empowered. I can see the fruit of our work together.”
Sepulveda also assisted Crawford in applying for a grant that could potentially offer more support for Braelyn’s medical expenses. The family is currently waiting for a response.
“I encourage anyone in need to reach out to MCH,” Crawford said. “The staff will make a way for you and help however they can without judgment. I don’t feel alone anymore because of MCH. They answered my prayers and my children have joy.
“I am so grateful that in such a short amount of time, our lives completely turned around. I am at peace knowing that God has us.”
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