When Partners For Kids’ care coordinator, Nikki Houston, RN, stepped in to help a new family – they were starting over in every way. After migrating to Ohio, they spoke Haitian-Creole, lacked transportation, weren’t connected to local resources and had limited understanding of sickle cell disease.

She started with education, explaining the importance of consistent sickle cell appointments and lab work. The parents responded with commitment. Once they understood the “why,” they showed up.

In the early months, Nikki arranged all transportation services for the family. Over time, Mom began coordinating some rides on her own through friends, family or the Managed Care Plans (MCPs) scheduling – a sign of her growing confidence.

Even still, it was a challenge for the family to get to multiple appointments, so Nikki began conducting home visits to help ensure continuity of care. But the biggest challenge was still ahead.

Food insecurity quickly became a pressing issue.

Nikki helped the family locate Haitian-Creole SNAP application documents and worked tirelessly to secure benefits through Job and Family Services (JFS). The process wasn’t easy and took several months. Nikki spent hours on the phone on hold and had to help the family re-apply several times – all while communicating through an interpreter. Still, Nikki persisted.

Even after approval, barriers continued. The EBT card was delayed, misdirected or never arrived. Each time, Nikki called again. In the end, Nikki personally picked up the card, drove to the family’s home and sat with them to activate it together.

After months of advocacy, the family finally had access to food support.

Empowering Independence

Nikki understood that advocacy also means helping families navigate systems on their own.

To support pharmacy visits, she created a simple communication card Mom could use when refilling medications, which clearly identified they needed Haitian-Creole interpretation. This reduced confusion and ensured safe medication access.

She also helped Mom find a job, scheduled dental appointments for the children and continued to reinforce the importance of sickle cell follow-up care.

What began as a quiet, cautious relationship grew into one built on trust. Over time, the family became more open and communicative – knowing Nikki was in their corner.

The Outcome

Today, because of Nikki’s unwavering commitment:

• The child regularly attends sickle cell appointments and labs

• The family independently manages transportation

• SNAP benefits were successfully secured

• An EBT card is active and in use

• Pharmacy communication barriers were reduced

• Mom is employed

• Dental care is established
• A sibling is now being tested for sickle cell disease

This story is about more than a benefits card. It’s about perseverance in the face of barriers. Because of Nikki’s advocacy, this family is no longer navigating a new country alone. They have access to care, food, resources – and someone who never gave up.