For Ozie, it’s all about his family, and three special family members who all received services from Disability Advocates of Kent County. Ozie first met his great uncle Ollie when he was 14 months old. Ollie helped Ozie’s father buy a car so he could move his young family to Cleveland after returning from the Korean conflict. Ozie returned to Grand Rapids in 1981.

Around 2000, when Ollie was 90 Ozie began to help with his care, as Ollie lost his ability to drive. In 2007, two major events presented the family with new challenges. In April, Ollie’s daughter Norma Jean, who had received services from Disability Advocates passed away. Shortly after this loss, in May, Ollie fell and broke his hip. Ozie had to find resources for help and came back to Disability Advocates.

After breaking his hip, Ollie now 97, required more in home care, plus he was unable to use the bathtub in his home. DAKC connected the family with resources to provide the in home care that Ollie required, and connected him with Home Repair Services which renovated Ollie’s bathroom with a new shower that he could use.

Norma Jean’s son Brian, Ollie’s grandson was also facing financial issues. He had a small income from his job at Pietro’s, but with his own disability was unable to provide for his own financial requirements. Disability Advocates helped Brian connect with Social Security benefits to provide the boost he needed to provide for himself.

For Ozie, it’s all about his family. Disability Advocates of Kent County had the resources to help his family, and we are ready to help many more families and individuals with disabilities.