Katie (Parenting Matters Executive Director) reached out to Annie (We Care Manatee Inc. Executive Director) after having heard about the new Care Connection program at We Care Manatee. This program helps Manatee County residents connect with the care they need. Katie was looking for a small-sized wheelchair for a family enrolled in one of the Parenting Matters in-home parenting programs. Annie reached out to Sonia at the Community Paramedics and asked them to search their equipment closet to see if a wheelchair fitting the specifications might be available. The answer was YES and Annie quickly connected Katie to the organization and the wheelchair was picked up and given to the client.
The best part is that it was provided to the client at no cost!
While the wheelchair is only a temporary fix for the family, it has relieved a huge stressor for them as they work to navigate a more permanent solution for their special needs child. Without the wheelchair, the family was unable to transport their child anywhere, including to important meetings and appointments. Partnering with community organizations helps the Parenting Matters team lean into the incredible resources and talents available in our community, which works to address the unmet needs of our clients.
We Care Manatee serves Manatee County residents, aged 18+, that are uninsured and need access to medical care. Through a team of local volunteer specialty physicians, clients see physicians at no cost to them. We Care also covers up to $400 of prescriptions per month as prescribed by any of the We Care physicians. Additionally, when needed, they provide free Uber Health rides to related appointments.
Care Connection Manatee (https://careconnectionmanatee.org/) works to make We Care Manatee the gateway to care for everyone uninsured in Manatee County. For example, by connecting with their coalition partner, Manatee County, they know more about the equipment closet and have direct contact with a member of their paramedicine team. Knowing this information and having this contact resulted in the client’s needs being met ASAP.