In June of 2007, Anne W.’s 13-year-old son, Michael, was severely injured in a car accident. Doctors offered him a zero chance of survival. But Michael bravely defied the odds, undergoing numerous surgeries at a total of seven hospitals in the course of a year. At the last hospitalization, staff insisted that the only possible solution was to release Michael to a nursing home or residential treatment.

Anne, a mother of two other children, ages 19 and 23, and a well-regarded professional photographer, put aside her career to become Michael’s full-time caregiver and spokesperson. She knew Michael was talking and fully aware, and she began networking to find other options. She firmly believed that what he needed was to be home with his family.

Three possible homes fell through before she located a handicap-accessible house to rent in Ossining through her Section 8 voucher, a unit not only handicap accessible but big enough for the whole family. However, the voucher didn’t cover the security deposit. Then she was directed to The Bridge Fund of Westchester.

The Bridge Fund was able to quickly provide a loan for the security deposit and the family moved in on December 23, 2008.

By providing a small amount of financial assistance at a critical time, The Bridge Fund of Westchester was able to facilitate the family’s move to an appropriate home and keep the youngest child out of an institution.

Anne is extremely grateful for the difference The Bridge Fund made in her life, for the kindness and professionalism, and the speed at which everything was accomplished.