“I am so thankful I can get all my needed care at John XXIII,” said Edwin, a chronically homeless 61-year-old who struggles with mental illness and diabetes. Edwin finally secured housing, but he lacked medical care.
For the last 50 years, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County has served low-income seniors at the historic John XXIII Multi-Service Center in downtown San Jose. More than 1,700 seniors use the facility every year. Some of the services include free or low-cost daily hot or boxed lunches; community and ethnic events; citizenship classes and a variety of wellness activities such as exercise, dancing, tai chi, recreation and meditation.
The Center recently added a valuable component – the integration of behavioral (mental) and physical health services. The physician-managed clinic follows a leading-edge model that breaks down traditional silos between professionals who provide physical, mental health and social services. This holistic and wrap-around approach is a proven method that begins the moment people walk in the door – and results in better health that helps patients live longer, with more dignity and independence.
Today, the health care providers at John XXIII Integrated Health Care Center are working closely together to not only keep Edwin healthy, but well and stable enough to remain in his home.
To help feed, heal and create a healthy pathway of Hope and Opportunity for people like Edwin, please click here: