Our Amazing Client Nancy Rebuilds with NewBridge’s Support

When she tried to get up from her bed, Nancy felt a strong force pulling her down. She couldn’t fathom that the odd sensation was the start of a debilitating stroke — or that months later she would be homeless.

The January 2022 stroke at age 60 left Nancy with partial vision in her left eye and permanent balance problems. She had lost her job two weeks prior, and her savings were soon eaten up by medical bills. Eviction followed months of unpaid rent.

“I have a strong faith in God, but it has been tested,” she said with a shake of her head. Nancy has endured many struggles since the stroke, including the sudden death of her daughter and another medical crisis last August that nearly claimed her life.

NewBridge in Her Corner

Having NewBridge Services’ SueAnn Schierloh in her corner has been one of the bright spots in her life.

“If I didn’t have you on my side, I wouldn’t have anyone,” she said to SueAnn, her case manager with NewBridge SAIL (Senior Assistance for Independent Living). NewBridge SAIL connects Morris County residents age 60 and over with services in the community and provides case management and medical check-ins with a registered nurse.

SueAnn began working with Nancy soon after she was discharged from in-patient rehabilitation in 2022. SueAnn has helped her navigate the frustrating labyrinth of public assistance. Among the first things SueAnn did was to help Nancy enroll in Medicaid and seek funding for temporary housing. With few options available, Nancy lived in a motel for more than a year while they both searched for a permanent living arrangement.

SueAnn arranged for Meals on Wheels and connected Nancy with the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey, which helped her apply for federal disability insurance. She introduced Nancy to NewBridge@Home, a program providing homebound clients in-home mental health counseling at no charge.

Finally, Home Sweet Home

Nancy finally moved into a low-income apartment in Wharton last June through a housing lottery. SueAnn helped her secure rental assistance.

“SueAnn is the reason I continue on,” the 63-year-old said. Turning to SueAnn, she added, “I get things done only because of you.”

Before the stroke, Nancy managed Picatinny Arsenal contracts through a private firm, and had been working on her MBA. She wants to advocate for others who are displaced after a medical crisis.

Your donation to NewBridge Services helps lift people like Nancy out of despair. Every day, we stand beside our community’s most vulnerable members, providing compassionate, expert care. Please give generously at newbridge.org/donate.