DES Client Feature: A Helping Hand in Time of Need

Food, clothing and shelter: our basic needs. When 48-year-old Todd Mills lost his job, taking care of his basic needs was a challenge. That's when the Department of Economic Security stepped in and helped lift him out of crisis. 

In 2003, Mills relocated from California to Arizona in search of career opportunities. Employed shortly after and adjusting to what he called "a slower paced life," Mills never anticipated what would be one of his biggest challenges: losing his job as a result of the recession. Unemployed and unsure what to do next, Mills began the process of finding the help he needed; a process that would prove more difficult than expected.

The first set of resources he tried catered to families. "As a single male with no dependents, many places were sympathetic but unable to help me," said Mills.

A friend referred Mills to the Sunnyslope Family Services Center, one of three family services centers available through the City of Phoenix Human Services Department. There, he met caseworker Pam Ball. She took time to assure him that everything would be alright.

"Pam was amazing," said Mills. "She served as my advocate [with the various agencies]."

Ball was very familiar with cases like Mills and knew DES had several programs that could help him get back on his feet, primarily food, medical insurance and rental and utility assistance. His immediate need was food. Ball helped Mills apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and also health insurance via the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).

Sadly, Mills was also on the verge of being evicted, so Ball assisted in securing emergency funding to help pay his rent. For his utility bills, Ball guided Mills through the process of applying for funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), another program administered by DES. His application was approved and that money prevented his utilities from being disconnected.

Ball acknowledges the role of DES, but she was quick to praise Mills for being an "excellent" client. "He was proactive and had documents he needed to start processing his case," said Ball. 

She was so impressed with Mills' proactive nature she went a step further by calling upon some of her own contacts to assist in getting him back on his feet. Through those efforts, Mills was able to get a computer and a gas card.

Full time employment was elusive for Mills. After he found a job, he soon found himself unemployed a second time. Again, Ball was there in his time of need.

"I assured him he was going to be ok, and we developed a plan of action," said Ball.

Mills was determined to bounce back and return to work.  

"I was submitting over 50 resumes a week," said Mills. "Pam was great. She provided me with job print outs and encouragement."

Mills determination resulted in him landing what he calls his "dream job."

"I love where I am," he said. "It is a great organization and they [leadership] take good care of us [employees]."

Reflecting on his journey, Todd Mills realizes how quickly life can change.

"This experience has taught me to have a greater appreciation for everything I have," added Mills. "Pam would tell me to hang in there and not go give up," Mills said. "She was there in my time of need."

For more information about DES programs and services, please visit the DES services page.

If you've received assistance through services provided by DES and would like to share your story, please email us at [email protected].

By Vance Phillips