One Woman’s Story of Finding Stability After Trauma and Struggle

*Serena is desperately hoping for a new beginning. She relocated to the Kansas City area a year ago while in the middle of a legal case. Serena had been trafficked in another state. Thankfully, she found her freedom, and those responsible were being put on trial.  

But Serena now deals with severe mental health challenges including agoraphobia (fear/avoidance of open and public places), post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, dissociative identity disorder, and ADHD.  She applied for, and was ultimately granted disability benefits. But in the waiting period, she was barely getting by. 

“I couldn’t get through a day of work,” Serena said. “A lot of people don’t truly understand depression. They say just, ‘Be happy.’ You can’t just be happy. It’s a lot to process.” 

Serena had gotten about $500 behind on utility bills and didn’t know how she was going to ever get caught up. But a family member thought to call 211, and a caring Community Resource Navigator directed them to United Way of Greater Kansas City’s Critical Medical Needs Program. It’s a multi-year, multi-million dollar partnership made possible by utility providers Evergy and Spire, and provides utility relief to individuals faced with serious health challenges that could be worsened without power.  

“I was very thankful for the way you guys were able to help me,” Serena said. “I wasn’t expecting you to be able to cover the full amount I owed, but you did and I couldn’t be more grateful. It’s such a sense of relief.” 

Serena is grateful for the generosity of community donors who pledge support to make initiatives like the Critical Medical Needs Program possible. To date, the program has provided more than $315,000 in assistance to 490 clients. 

“I’m very grateful. Hopefully one day, I can donate to help others out,” said Serena. 

*Name has been changed to protect the client’s privacy.