19 Aug James’ Story
James, who has been a client of Catholic Charities for since 2024 admitted that he had not had his eyes checked in over five years.
For James, a pair of eyeglasses could help him see more than the words on a page. They could help him see a path toward a future he once thought might be out of reach.
“I dropped out in the 12th grade, but it’s not too late for me. I’m trying to get my GED.”
James wants to continue his education and is already taking steps toward a more stable future through Catholic Charities’ workforce program. He hopes to find part-time employment once his vision improves and believes that having the eyeglasses he needs will help him achieve that goal.
That’s why Hope Heights and the partnership between Southern College of Optometry and Catholic Charities of West Tennessee is so important.
Before securing the partnership with Southern College, Catholic Charities staff identified vision care as the highest client healthcare need with nearly 90% of survey takers sharing that they struggled with vision and have not been able to get their eyes checked in years or at all.
Through this partnership, individuals experiencing homelessness can receive comprehensive eye exams at Hope Heights, along with prescription eyeglasses at no cost to them.
For someone like James, access to vision could help him read his GED materials, and gain employment.
James also revealed that he is an avid reader, who enjoys mysteries and thrillers by authors like John Grisham and James Patterson.
While waiting for his appointment, James reached into his backpack and pulled out two well-loved novels.
For James, Hope Heights and our partners Southern College of Optometry are paving the way for a path that includes his GED, a new job and hopefully a new book.
His journey is a reminder that it is never too late to begin again.
“It’s not too late for me.”
At Hope Heights, bringing organizations and community partners together means people like James can access multiple services in one place and receive support as they move from a state of crisis toward stability.
And with the right support, James is beginning to see just how much is possible.
*Identities have been changed for privacy. This is a true story that represents a client of Catholic Charities of West TN.
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