Meet the Ali Family

Farah and her husband, Yousef had just welcomed their third child into their family at a local hospital. Farah was referred to Health Net of West Michigan and assigned an early childhood case manager.

In an initial phone call, Yousef shared that he was feeling a lot of financial stress and was unsure how he would be able to provide food, diapers, and formula while his wife recovered. Yousef explained that he would take the Family and Medical Leave Act time after the birth. He also shared that his family was in the month of Ramadan and food would not be needed right now but wanted to find a long-term solution for food and other basic needs. In the meantime, their case manager dropped off diapers, clothing, a pack and play, and a list of food pantries for the family to consider. 

Their case manager continued to navigate for the Ali family with the Kent County Health Department’s Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP); a service Farah was already connected with during pregnancy.  Working together, their case manager and the MIHP social worker aligned additional supports for the Ali family. They were able to secure food assistance for three months. The case manager also scheduled Farah with Pregnancy Resource Center for support with diapers, wipes, clothing, and toys and the two kept in touch as they navigated services for the family.

After a month of collaborating and communicating, Yousef shared that he felt more at peace about the circumstances for his family and is thankful that they sustained help and support within the community.