Kevin* just wanted someone to listen to him; someone to care about his life story. That is exactly what Peace River Center’s SOAR Program Specialist, A’Lyse Miranda did.

As someone who had a lifetime of hardships and trauma through incarceration and untreated schizophrenia, Kevin was weary of others helping him. A’Lyse listened, cared for, and built trust with him. This enabled her to assist him in securing much-needed SSI income.

Peace River Center offers Care Coordination for those needing assistance navigating the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability Determination Services (DDS) process. Care Coordinators work alongside clients to explore community-based resources for housing, food, transportation, and more, in addition to therapy, substance use treatment, and psychiatry professionals.

Kevin initiated his application for SSI before A’Lyse met him back in 2022; however, when he started working with SOAR, his case was in the initial processing phase. Through open communication with Kevin, A’Lyse helped expedite the process. She provided the necessary information – including SSA forms, medical records, and a lengthy medical summary report, to help SSA and DDS make their decisions.

With the help of his PRC Care Coordinator, Kevin is actively looking for a new place to live that offers him more peace and stability but is also within his means. Thanks to his SSI earnings there is one less barrier to overcome.

“Without the SOAR program, I don’t think anyone would have taken a chance on me; I am so grateful PRC and A’Lyse did.”

*Name changed for confidentiality