CalAIM Member Success Stories
Stories of resilience & success.
The following are true accounts of CalAIM member experiences, compiled by EA staff through interviews with their clients.
Member Story #1
John* was at a crossroads when he first connected with our program. Living with family and entangled in a challenging court case, he faced numerous obstacles that seemed insurmountable.
The legal proceedings not only drained him emotionally but also led to the devastating loss of his job for three long years. During this period, John struggled to support himself financially while also navigating the difficulties of a divorce.
Despite these setbacks, John remained determined to regain his independence and stability. With the support of his Lead Care Manager, he set clear goals: to secure employment, apply for SSDI, and find a place to call home.
The turning point came when his court case was dismissed. John was awarded his job back at Clovis Unified, along with three years' worth of back pay. This victory was more than just a financial relief; it was a symbol of the resilience he had shown throughout his journey.
With his employment reinstated, John focused on his next goal—finding a place to live. His determination and hard work paid off once again when he secured a rental home, moving in on September 5, 2024. This new chapter marked a significant milestone in his path toward rebuilding his life.
Now, John is not only settling into his new home but is also keen to develop his tenancy skills and sustain his housing. He expresses immense gratitude to his LCM, acknowledging her unwavering support and guidance as a crucial factor in his success. She was a constant source of encouragement, helping him stay focused on his goals even during the toughest times.
John's success story is an example of perseverance and the impact of compassionate support. He is eager to continue setting new goals and working toward a brighter future, grateful for the positive changes that have transformed his life.
The member feels he has been blessed to have the LCM in his life, always assisting him with his needs. He is grateful she had a positive impact on him and kept him always working on his goals. The member is eager to continue working on creating new goals to help him sustain his housing.
*Name changed for privacy.
Member Story #2
After experiencing homelessness following a separation from her spouse, one of our members joined the program seeking a fresh start. With three children in her care, limited financial support through general cash aid, and no additional income, she faced urgent challenges in securing safe and stable housing.
With the assistance of her Lead Care Manager, the Member received guidance on low-income housing and Section 8 programs, help with applications, and ongoing encouragement.
In October, she was approved for a housing voucher! She’s now preparing to secure a rental unit and furnish her new home, with continued support from her LCM every step of the way.
“I had started to lose hope, but receiving my housing approval came just in time. I’m so grateful for the support and resources I’ve received. Now I feel encouraged and excited to move forward.”
Member Story #3
For six months, one of our Cal AIM members and her two children faced the challenges of homelessness, living in a shelter and struggling to find stability. Despite the difficulties, she remained determined to get her life back on track.
Her goals were clear: she wanted to secure employment, find stable housing, and ensure her children could switch schools, an aspiration that felt nearly impossible while they were living in the shelter.
With extensive support from her Lead Care Manager, Jolyn, she began to take significant steps toward achieving her goals. Together, they worked on job applications and explored housing options. Her resilience and commitment shone through as she actively pursued opportunities.
After months of hard work, her and her children celebrated a major milestone: they moved into a cozy apartment, leaving the shelter behind. The transition brought stability to their lives. Her children were also enrolled in a good school, where they began to thrive academically and socially. The joy of watching her kids read more and engage with their studies filled her with pride and hope for the future.
Throughout this journey, she often expressed gratitude to her LCM for the assistance and encouragement. With the support she received, she not only achieved her goals but also created a nurturing environment for her children to flourish.
Today, she and her family are building a brighter future, one step at a time.
*Name omitted for privacy.
Member Story #4
The Member’s primary goal was to safely escape a domestic violence situation and create a stable, secure environment for herself and her children.
During this difficult time, the LCM provided compassionate support through housing navigation, assisted the Member with completing housing applications and deposit paperwork, and coordinated the approval of housing funds.
Once the funds were approved, the LCM promptly delivered the security deposit, helping the Member and her children move into their new home later that same week.
As a result of these efforts, the Member and her children were able to transition from an unsafe situation into a safe, stable home where they could begin rebuilding their lives with peace of mind and renewed hope for the future.
“I appreciate all your help with this matter and really caring about the safety/wellbeing of my children and I.”
Member Story #5
The member enrolled in the program seeking safe, stable housing for herself and her children after living in an unsafe environment that was negatively affecting her family.
Her LCM assisted with locating housing, completing applications, and securing deposit and furniture assistance through her Managed Care Plan. As a result, the family was approved for a single-family home in their desired area, received move-in and furniture assistance, and was connected to Housing Tenancy and Sustaining services along with additional resources for the children.
After several months of successfully maintaining stable housing, the member chose to graduate from the program, sharing that she wanted to open services to others in need.
She expressed gratitude for the support she received, stating, "We truly feel blessed."