Thanks to the support of many caring individuals,
Kenneth Giwer's prospects have improved.

At age 56 and contending with developmental disabilities, Kenneth Giwer teetered on the verge of homelessness as 2009 started. His 93-year-old mother had died in November, leaving him alone in their Westwood apartment of 26 years.  

“It was a little rough for awhile,” says Giwer, whose name is pronounced “giver.” 

In January, Adult Protective Services worker Dan McCall (from the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services) responded to a call from a woman trying to connect Giwer with Hamilton County Mental Retardation and Developmental Disability (MRDD). 

“She now finds out that (Giwer) is out of money, cannot pay January rent and has little or no money for food and only enough food for a few days,” states the referral to McCall. MRDD was waiting on school and hospital records to verify the developmental disability, the report said. 

Taking care of immediate needs
Now-retired Adult Protective Section Chief Tom Welch had taken a Kroger gift card to Giver and opened a case for further assistance from Hamilton County JFS. He suggested that McCall speak with Jackie Jordan, who was familiar with Giwer. 

After touching base with Jordan, Dan McCall worked closely with SSI Case Management case manager Brenda Eakins to start an application for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which was approved in late June. County Medical Services technician Debbi Copher and Family and Adult Assistance team leader Sandy Loring to get Giwer’s state Medicaid and Disability Financial Assistance approved. Eligibility technician Bob Alessandrini processed the case.

SSI Case Management and County Medical Services, units within Hamilton County JFS, help people through the complicated federal and state disability application processes. Family and Adult Services administers programs such as Medicaid, food assistance and cash assistance. 

End of a close-knit family brings trouble
Eakins said Giwer had lived with his parents all of his life. He had no work experience, other than volunteering one day a week at TriHealth’s administrative offices as a clerical helper for a number of years. He considered himself his parents’ caregiver. Giwer said he had been washing, cooking and cleaning since his mother broke her hip in 2003. His father, a police officer, died 11 years ago. 

“He was facing eviction and homelessness,” Eakins said. She noted that McCall found housing for Giwer in nearby South Fairmount, even though he had no income. McCall diligently followed up so that Giwer will have disability income to pay rent once the landlord begins collecting it. 

“If it had not been for Dan's effort and that of his colleagues, Mr.Giwer most likely would be homeless today,” said Tim Scott, a JFS team leader.

TriHealth associates offer vital support
Giwer received furniture and other donations from TriHealth staff, said McCall, before taking a TV antenna to the apartment because his client could only get one channel. He will be enrolled in TriHealth SeniorLink, which provides services to address medical, rehabilitative and social needs for people ages 55 or older. 

“The people at TriHealth have been really nice to me over the years,” said Giwer, pointing to a couch, dining room set and TV set. “And he (McCall) helped me get set up with the different departments. I hope things are turning around. I hope things turn out OK.”