Kathy’s is a story of resilience in the face of great adversity. It’s testament to one woman’s strength and the hope and support she found through SNAP.
“They are wonderful people. They are great to be around, and they are concerned about my health,” Kathy explained. “I wouldn’t be able to function without them.”
Originally from Louisiana, Kathy is a 79-year-old Marine veteran. She served at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and was a Marine at the time of President Kennedy’s assassination. Kathy waited in uniform alongside thousands of Americans to pay her respects to the fallen leader as he laid in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Today, she faces challenges as a wheelchair user. She’s also a caregiver for her daughter, Robin, who also relies on a wheelchair.
“I use my wheelchair continuously,” Kathy said. “I go everywhere in my wheelchair. I don’t go anywhere away from the house without it.”
She explained that she was having difficulty getting to her medical appointments. SNAP’s Neighbors on the Go program, launched in October 2021, provided a solution.
“In 2020, when we first moved up here, I had no idea how I was going to get to the doctor,” she recalled. “If I find someone who needs transportation I tell them to call SNAP.”
“SNAP has given me the gift of transportation,” Kathy explained. “Without their assistance, I would truly be lost.”
The service offers free rides to medical appointments for people with disabilities or seniors aged 65 and older. For Kathy, Neighbors on the Go is a lifeline. She has regular medical appointments at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center and coordinating them was challenging.
SNAP’s Neighbors on the Go is a shining example of how we can change each other’s lives, one ride at a time. The program relies on volunteers, who provide not only transportation but also companionship. Quite frequently Neighbors on the Go Program Manager Joe Lachnit is the volunteer behind the wheel when Kathy uses the service.
“Joe is so nice and so kind. Joe and I talk, which I like. I don’t like to sit back there and not say anything,” She shared. “I get along great with Joe. He’s such a wonderful guy.”
Kathy’s experience with SNAP’s Neighbors on the Go shows the incredible impact that hope can have. To find out more about this program or to see if you or someone you know qualifies get in touch with SNAP at 509-319-3050 or srth@snapwa.org.
