Trapped and Forgotten
Terrance was always on the move. As a fitness instructor, he taught everything from bootcamp to Pilates, working with kids during the day and training clients at night. But everything changed in an instant when he suffered a massive stroke. Suddenly, the active life he knew was replaced by hospital stays and rehabilitation. Terrance spent months in recovery, and when the pandemic hit, he found himself trapped in a nursing home, cut off from the outside world.
“I was like, I can’t do it from here. What’s the deal? I got to get out to go handle stuff, you know?”
Terrance’s rehabilitation had ended, but a bureaucratic glitch kept him stuck. Despite his determination to get back to his life, he needed help navigating the system.
A Helping Hand in a Time of Need
That’s when Terrance connected with Open Hands Legal Services through a friend. Nicole, our Legal Director, stepped in to help him find a way out of the nursing home. She reached out to the social worker on Terrance’s behalf and made sure his case got the attention it needed. Within a week, Terrance was finally released.
“It’s a God-sent, because when you’re used to doing everything yourself, and you can’t do it, it’s really strange. But [Nicole] knocks it out!”
But the challenges didn’t end there. Soon after, Terrance faced issues with his disability benefits, which had been wrongly denied. Nicole helped him submit the right documentation, ensuring he received what he was owed. The support from Open Hands made all the difference, allowing Terrance to focus on rebuilding his life.
Finding Hope in a New Reality
For Terrance, adjusting to life after his stroke wasn’t just about physical recovery—it was about finding a new path forward. With Nicole’s guidance, he navigated the complex systems that stood in his way. Her expertise and care gave him the confidence to tackle the next steps, knowing that he had someone in his corner.
“Open Hands gives hope to people who are in a situation where they feel there’s no one there that can help them. And it opens up a door where it lets you know that you’re not alone in your struggles.”
What started as a client-attorney relationship turned into a deeper connection, one where Terrance felt truly seen and supported. He knew that Open Hands wasn’t just there to provide legal help—they were there to walk alongside him through each challenge.
A New Chapter, Thanks to You
Terrance’s story is a testament to the power of community and the difference it makes when someone has a helping hand in their darkest moments. Through your support, Open Hands was able to be there for Terrance when he needed it most, helping him regain his independence and navigate life’s new challenges.
“I don’t know what I would have done without them. They were there when I needed them.”
Your support helps people like Terrance find hope when they need it most. When a simple glitch kept him trapped, Open Hands stepped in to help him regain his freedom. Donate today to ensure that more New Yorkers have a helping hand when life takes an unexpected turn.