ORLANDO | Walande Casseus traveled to central Florida from Haiti two years ago seeking a safe haven, a new life and better opportunities. Though the challenges have been many, with the help of Catholic Charities of Central Florida, her hopes are still alive.

Casseus sought Catholic Charities’ help when she was pregnant with her daughter in 2023. Her pregnancy was in jeopardy due to health issues. Awilda Wilburn of Comprehensive Refugee Services helped Casseus get Medicaid and proper medical care. She also helped her find housing, though it was a process.

Then on April 16, 2024, while riding her bike home after buying formula for her baby, a stranger pushed her over. She broke her spine in two places, landed in a wheelchair and a back brace. Unable to work, she reached out to Catholic Charities for support once more.

“Without Awi lda, with my 10-month-old baby, I would be in a lot of distress,” Casseus said. “The mental pain I have would be much harder. Today, I am in a new place, and it is comfortable.”

Her family had nothing. An anonymous donor gave them beds and a crib calling them “gifts from the Divine Child.”

Today Casseus is still in physical therapy working on her balance and hoping to find work.

“I prefer to cultivate the idea that I’m going to be back on my feet and be okay — if not this month, then next month there will be improvement,” she said. “I have the necessities. I can manage to live on my own now.”

Wilburn is also counting her blessings for being able to assist Casseus.

“Working with this client has been an awakening,” she shared. “I saw the mercy of God that was transmitted through the people who helped, and the way everything came about in ‘God’s time.’ I thank God for allowing me to live this experience and I ask Him to continue blessing our program.”

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, December 18, 2024