Special Access In Action

In December during the holidays, Mrs. V., a recent widow in her 80s living in the Harrison Neighborhood of Minneapolis learned to cut coupons for the first time to assist herself and her children and grandchildren.

Many in her family were recently laid off from their jobs during the financial crisis. Her husband passed away two months ago. He was a veteran of the Royal Lao Army who assisted the United States during the war.

Mrs. V. currently has very limited financial support in the form of SSI and public assistance. She was born in Luang Prabang and came to the US as a refugee almost 25 years ago. Mrs. V. is currently living by herself in subsidized public housing. She has no English skills and cannot drive. She deeply appreciates the support Special Access gives.

The Special Access staff of the the Lao Elders and Families program currently visits her and other Lao elders once a week to take her shopping for groceries and to meet other needs. Special Access staff also assist her in reading her mail and other documents she receives.

The Lao Elders and Families program can always use volunteers. Let us know if you're interested in helping!