19 Aug China’s Story
“I have issues with my vision, and I know that I’ll need glasses so that I can work.”
For China, a young mother struggling with homelessness, having access to vision care meant being able to work, and provide for her son.
When we sat down with her, she shared that she was struggling to gain employment and provide for her son. One thing that hindered her job search was her was her poor vision and the cost barrier to improve it. Healthcare is expensive and can feel like a luxury
“I went to there [Southern College of Optometry] a year ago and they told me that to get new glasses it would be $200. I couldn’t afford it.”
Thankfully, the new partnership between Southern College of Optometry and Catholic Charities of West Tennessee came at the perfect time for China. Through Hope Heights she was able to receive free vision screening and a prescription for new glasses.
The partnership between Southern College and Catholic Charities of West TN was created after Catholic Charities staff surveyed clients to better understand their greatest needs and challenges on the streets. The results of the survey revealed the greatest healthcare need for clients was access to vision care.
Thanks to Hope Heights, we have space to receive partners like Southern College of Optometry to help make prescription glasses available at little to no cost.
Hope Heights was created to host our partners under one roof so the clients we serve, can access coordinated services in one place. China shared with us that the appointments with Southern College helped her realize that she was slightly color blind in her left eye. A discovery that was only made possible after a few tests and a referral from the staff at Southern College of Optometry. By connecting individuals with healthcare and other resources, the Hope Heights campus helps remove barriers that can make the journey from crisis to stability a difficult one.
With the opportunity to receive the eye care she needed, China told Catholic Charities staff that she will continue to pursue her goals of new job.
“There’s some goals that I thought would take me years that I’ve already achieved this year.”
She proudly displayed her newly earned driver’s license while waiting for her appointment, a milestone that represents just how far she has come.
China credits the accomplishment to the support of her Catholic Charities case manager.
“I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had never met her. I was doing it all on my own.”
Today, China is not simply receiving services—she is building momentum. She enjoys reading to her son and hopes to have more time to read once she gets her new glasses. Her faith has also become an important part of her journey, and she shared that she feels motivated to spend more time reading her Bible.
“I really do want to get more into the Word of God. I’ve been wanting to read my Bible more.”
China has dreams of owning her own business one day but for now is excited to sign up for a job in transportation and delivery work.
China’s story illustrates exactly why partnerships like this matter and why the expansion of Hope Heights is so important.
Vision care can affect employment, education, healthcare, safety, and overall quality of life. By providing an essential service at no cost, Hope Heights and the Southern College of Optometry removes a barrier that could have stopped her from reaching her goals.
At Hope Heights, organizations come together so people don’t have to navigate every challenge alone
With the help of Catholic Charities and her faith in Jesus Christ, China is striving toward a better future and now she has the support to see it more clearly.
*Identities have been changed for privacy. This is a true story based on a client of Catholic Charities of West TN.
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