The record heat in the summer of 2011 was tough on all Texans but paying sky-high electric bills was especially hard on people who are elderly or have disabilities and live on limited incomes.
"Some of our clients had $800 to $1,000 electric bills," says APS Investigator Sharon Hernandez (right). "When you are on a fixed income, it is tough keeping up. They went to other agencies for help but they were out of funds."
Glenda Scott (left) not only had trouble paying for utilities, groceries, and medication but she also had high medical bills due to a brain tumor, a recent surgery, and other problems. She didn't know where to turn until she was referred to Adult Protective Services.
"When I first got her as a client, she was doing okay but then she needed surgery and broke her arm," says Hernandez. "She couldn't do what she needed to do even with some help from her grandson." Hernandez arranged for Scott to get help with cooking, cleaning, and other home-making duties.
Scott is very thankful for Sharon Hernandez. A retired fraud investigator, Scott had worked with social workers in the past. "You need many employees like Sharon," says Scott. "She's not only a caseworker, she's a good person, a friend, and young woman you can rely on. APS is fortunate to have workers like her. She's not there just for a paycheck -- her heart is really in it. You can feel the warmth in her. Thank you, Sharon Hernandez. May God bless you in every area of your life."
After earning a bachelor's degree in psychology, Sharon worked with children for a year before joining APS four years ago. "I'm really glad I have a chance to work with this population. They have a different perspective on life. They've experienced so much that we haven't. I learn from all my clients and really enjoy it."
"She's not only a caseworker, she's a good person, a friend, and young woman you can rely on. APS is fortunate to have workers like her."