Getting By With A Little Help From Her Friends

Mona Lisa Woodfox was born on the Fourth of July, and her home is decorated in red, white and blue. A longtime employee of Lakeside Pets, Woodfox loves her job, friends, church, bowling and entertaining. Like many New Orleanians, she lost all to Katrina and has worked to rebuild her life.

This fulfilling life is far from typical. Woodfox has mental disabilities and used to live in a group home. But for 14 years, with the help of Volunteers of America’s Supported Living Program, Woodfox has lived in her own apartment and worked at her own job, with help from her staff.

For 20 years Woodfox has worked at the pet shop in Lakeside Mall, and owners Jon and Lindy Silverman sing her praises. “Mona is a terrific person with a great work ethic. She has a wonderful smile and makes everyone else smile. Mona is the nicest person on the face of the earth.”

Woodfox’s job is only one aspect of her life. For 25 years, she bowled Thursdays at Rock & Bowl. Post-Katrina, she found a new league in Harahan. She also attends church, and enjoys games on her laptop. Woodfox has great resolve. If she doesn't understand a computer function or if something needs to be repaired, she will take time to figure things out. She has learned to burn her own CDs.

Woodfox cherishes friendships and family, always sending cards or gifts for holidays and birthdays. She recently returned from Atlanta where she visited her former social worker, another longtime friend.

After the storm, Woodfox’s apartment flooded and she lost her belongings. But soon, Volunteers of America worked with her to find a new apartment in Metairie, where she settled in, returned to her job and started over with determination.

When Woodfox was born, she weighed less than two pounds, and doctors did not expect her to live, much less walk and talk. She defied predictions. The philosophy of Supported Living is that persons with disabilities do best when they can live independently and manage their own lives--with appropriate support. Woodfox shows how beautifully this philosophy takes shape in an individual life.

How You Can Help
Persons in Supported Living work hard and enjoy leisure, just like everyone else. Because of their special needs, they can use extra help. If you or your group would like to share a hobby or recreational activities with one of these persons with disabilities, let us know. Financial gifts are welcome, too. Call (504)482-2130 or email us to learn more.