Formerly Minnesota International Health Volunteers

Improving the health of women, children and their communities around the world.

Shamso, a 54-year-old Somali woman, spent her days on the couch in her apartment at Riverside Plaza. Parkinson’s disease made it difficult for her to walk or speak and caused her to shake constantly. She had no health insurance, no transportation, and no money for groceries.

Shamso’s relatives did what they could for her, but their resources were limited and they struggled with the complexities of the health care system. They frequently resorted to bringing her to urgent care because she was in pain.

Fosiyo (pictured) was there to help. A community health worker with WellShare, Fosiyo met Shamso while reaching out to the residents at Riverside Plaza.

After dozens of phone calls to county social workers, Aging and Disability Services, and other entities, Fosiyo discovered that an open case in a different state had been blocking Shamso’s ability to receive assistance in Minnesota.

Fosiyo cleared up the confusion. Shamso now has assistance for food and has seen a doctor to get back on medication for Parkinson’s. She has an application under review to receive care in her home.

Fosiyo applauds Shamso’s family for their support: “They did a lot of fighting.” But energy only goes so far in navigating the rules and regulations of a complex public health system.

“I opened the door for them so she can get the right health care,” said Fosiyo.

Shamso feels and looks much healthier these days, thanks to WellShare’s Elders Connection Project, funded by a City of Minneapolis Community Development Block Grant.