Saving Joey (and his beloved cats)
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The story below will help you to become acquainted with Joey, a 22-year old boy who finds himself homeless in Atlanta because the emotional pain and threats of bodily harm he endured at his parents' home in rural Georgia were more than he could bear.
Joey urgently needs funds so that he will be able to obtain low-cost dental care for his serious toothache and cavities. His parents never took him for preventive dental or medical care, so he hasn't been to a dentist in over a decade. The pain from multiple cavities is getting more severe. With even minimal funds, Joey could make an appointment for dental care at one of several offices serving lower-income neighborhoods. They often have reduced rates for people who have no dental insurance.
Joey is also looking for longer-term (perhaps 1 year) foster care for his three cats and help paying vet bills for much-needed care. Thanks to donations to this fund, Joey's orange cat Matthew saw a veterinarian this week who treated the severe bladder infection, which had shown up as blood in Matthew's urine. Now on antibiotics, that urgent need has been helped. Now Joey's cat Justin and his 3-month old kitten MeiWei need to be seen. A Feline Veterinary Clinic in Johns Creek, GA is offering Joey a reduced rate, but treatment is still costly.
The most serious need, really, is to help Joey find housing -- a room in someone's home or apartment -- on the Atlanta rail or bus lines so that he can go to work. Downtown shelters have been full, the halfway house he tried infested his clothing with bedbugs or chiggers, and all other United Way-recommended housing options have been exhausted.
Joey's Story:
In mid July 2019, I met Joey, a young man who had recently joined our Facebook group - the Crazy Cat Ladies (CCL) of Athens and Beyond. He came to us pleading for help as he tried to find a foster home for his three beloved cats, Justin, Matthew, and MeiWei (a baby kitten).
Joey shared with us that he needed to leave his family's home in middle Georgia because his adoptive parents were no longer able nor willing to care for him; his mother was ill and has since attempted suicide, the father makes very low wages; and Joey's adopted brother had let Joey know that he would kill Joey's kittens, even threatening to video his brutality so that Joey would suffer all the more. Things were getting worse by the day -- so Joey felt he had no choice but to leave, for safety and for any hope of a future.
Joey openly shared that he has a form of Autism known as Aspergers. Fiercely independent, this young man seemed to be an intelligent boy whose mind sometimes underestimates dangers, whose trusting heart often relies on people who are not worthy of his faith in them, and whose compassionate soul simply desires to live a life of meaning and purpose. Joey is the only one of his adopted mother's children who ever graduated from high school. He was active in the Math Club and Chess Club, and he is proud to have succeeded in school, in spite of the bullying he endured. He doesn't smoke, nor drink, nor use drugs. He is a young man who wants to live a good life.
As several of us read Joey’s urgent posts to our Facebook group, we captured a glimpse of a young man whose cats may have needed rescuing, but someone needed to rescue Joey himself. Who was going to save Joey?
Out of utter desperation, Joey told us about his plans to leave home and start walking toward Atlanta. Without a car, without money, without local friends or a place to stay, Joey was determined to begin a new life. Several of us in the Cat Lady group were worried sick. Our mothering instincts wanted to protect him, knowing that on one hot July day, out there somewhere in rural Georgia, was a boy making his way all alone toward the big city where untold dangers awaited him. Since that day, we have watched as miracles have happened in his life. I’ll let Joey tell you what happened next.
It was Friday, July 19, 2019
“Hi, my name is Joey.
"A little about me:
I am 22 years old. I have Aspergers, a form of Autism. I love animals. I taught myself several languages, including Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and sign language. People describe me as having the innocence of a child and the wisdom of an old man. I'm independent and it is hard for me to ask for help because sometimes I was punished when I asked anyone for assistance or accepted a favor, even favors from parents of my best friends. So it’s hard for me to share this with you now.
“On July 19th, I took a huge step in my life. I realized that I had to leave my home and start out on my own. It's a long way to Atlanta from my parent's house in rural Georgia, but I didn't think about that. All I knew is that when you aren't able to drive, and you live in a remote rural area, there isn't much opportunity to do things with your life. In the city, there is public transportation and so many things are possible. So I started walking to Atlanta. Maybe my life would be better there. It couldn't get any worse.
“An older couple saw me walking along the road. They had passed me twice and in a little while when I walked past their house, I asked them how many miles it was to the main road. They were nice, so I thanked them and kept walking. In a few minutes, they pulled up behind me and said they would take me at least as far as the main road. It helped a lot, but then I was a long way from anything familiar. I texted an old friend who sometimes went to Atlanta, and I asked if he could take me to the city that night. He said yes, that he would come by and pick me up, but I explained that I wasn’t home. He was surprised, but came to the place I described.
“Once in Atlanta, I knew I had no place to stay. My first thought was how would I survive? Where could I find shelter?
My friend had left me at a gay bar in the city, but I don't drink, so I just talked to folks and met someone nice in an online chat room, someone who said he didn’t live very far from my location, so why didn’t I come over to his apartment for a while. I went over and met him. When he realized I had no place to stay, he said I could stay there. Then I asked if he could help me get some clothes and food, and he was kind enough to do that. I realize that I can’t sleep on his sofa forever, but maybe just until I can figure out what to do next.
“It's hard to ask for help, but I have to find a way to take care of myself right now. My family isn't there for me.
“What I need or want right now:
1. My three cats need to see a veterinarian. One of the three is just a baby kitten, and she needs to be dewormed and spayed. My one cat has blood in his pee, so I'm worried about him. Through a friend on Facebook, I found a person who agreed to take my three cats for a little while, so at least they aren’t at my parent’s house. But I promised to pay for their food and litter, but I don’t know how I’m going to pay for all of it. The cats haven’t seen a vet and this friend is running out of cat food. She wants me to provide the food and litter. [UPDATE: in early September, we moved the cats to Milton, Georgia - to an unheated barn. We are still looking for someone who might share their home or a room with these sweet cats, where they will be safe and warm come winter]
2. I have a problem tooth, so I really need to see a dentist. It really hurts and makes it hard to sleep. Everything costs so much more than I can afford. I have no money, but I have applied for jobs at Publix and several places in Atlanta, so I'm waiting to see whether someone will give me a chance. [UPDATE: Joey is working as a language translator for Six Flags over Georgia amusement park. His boss has given him extra hours so that he can earn as much money as possible. Regarding the dental needs, on September 9th Joey had a dental evaluation with a sweet Korean dentist in Norcross, Georgia. The X-rays and evaluation revealed many serious and urgent dental priorities. The estimate (without oral surgery or root canal) was nearly $3,000.]
3. I need a place to stay and I really hope to live where I could keep my three cats with me. I need to be close to the Marta bus and train system, as that is my only way around. [see Barb’s notes below]
4. I need a person who could help me get started with a really good job. I understand computers and could easily get into programming. I learn very quickly when I'm motivated. That's the Aspergers - my brain learns quickly. I've taught myself several languages and I'm working on learning even more of them. I would enjoy studying linguistics since languages come so easily for me. I'd love to have an acting career, with small roles at first, but that would be nice. I’d love to learn how to train dogs, especially black dogs who are often overlooked in shelters. I have a heart for pit bulls and wish there were a way to stop the cruelty and find them homes. I love my cats and enjoy people who love animals.
5. I would like to be able to pay for cell phone service so that I can talk to friends and use the internet. [UPDATE: friends purchased a mobile phone for Joey, but he needs help paying for the monthly purchase/insurance/and service plan that costs $105/month]
6. I wish I could meet open-minded people to be friends and to hang out with me.
“My dreams:
I want to learn more languages and one day travel. People are surprised that I speak and write so proficiently in Mandarin, and that I can speak fluent Spanish, but languages come easily to me. I taught myself and enjoy talking to people in the language they can understand.
“I want to be a good person, to live a good life. I think that it's all about what's in your mind and in your heart. I have struggles, but everyone has something they deal with. Some struggles are obvious, others people keep to themselves. But we are here on this earth for such a short time, really. We need to help one another and get along. People don't always understand when they learn that I have Aspergers. They too often judge and assume things about me. But everyone is different. Everyone is unique.
“I observe and don't always need to talk. But my quiet spirit is taking in everything around me. Now all I need is a chance to use all that I've learned. I'm independent and caring, and I want to make a difference.”
Barb's follow-up note: please keep current by reviewing the campaign's many UPDATES as well... the family is in crisis.
Today, Joey urgently needs dental care for a toothache that keeps him awake at night, but dental care is expensive and the low-income dental clinics serving the homeless are completely inundated with requests. He is on a waiting list, but we can only hope. He admitted that his parents could never afford to take him to the dentist, so he hasn't received dental care since he was about 12 years old.
Joey needs to find a safe place to stay, preferably a place where the cats could be with him, and something close to the Atlanta, as he has mastered the public transportation system. The man who was kind enough to allow Joey to stay on his sofa asked him to leave in mid August. For the next two weeks Joey found a halfway house, but after one night he was infested with bedbugs and chiggers. We called United Way and Joey visited a transitional home, but it was not acceptable and was too far from Six Flags. Out of desperation when downtown homeless shelters were full, Joey slept in abandoned buildings downtown. Then on September 4th he was robbed at gunpoint and lost his new phone. Trying to stay each night with a different "hook up" he met online, he found himself in dangerous situations and had to flee on man's apartment, though he had hoped merely for a sofa, some food, and much-needed sleep. Joey really needs to find a room in someone's home or a few roommates to share an apartment, though he isn't able to help with the rent just now. UPDATE: On September 6th, Joey’s first encounter, the gentleman who let Joey sleep on his couch for several weeks, heard that Joey had been robbed and was desperate for a safe place to stay, so he has allowed Joey to return temporarily. We are all grateful, but a longer-term housing arrangement is still needed.
In mid August he began working at Six Flags Over Georgia theme park -- employed as a translator with the many Chinese-speaking and Spanish-speaking employees. It is not a long-term position, but he is grateful for a start.
Joey needs help fostering and caring for the three cats he claims saved his life when he once contemplated suicide. Though the cats are temporarily in a rescue barn, it would be wonderful if they could be together in a foster home until Joey could find housing that would allow him to have his cats with him. One cat has received veterinary care, but two others are still waiting for their turn. When we have more funds, we can proceed with getting all of the cats seen.
Family UPDATE: On August 12th, Joey's mom tried to commit suicide by overdosing on high blood pressure pills. She was life-flighted into Atlanta and remained on total life support for 5 days. Thankfully, she woke from her coma and gradually improved. After three weeks in Piedmont Hospital, in early September she was moved to a rehabilitation center in Columbus, Georgia. Joey's dad visited his wife each day, driving up to the city after work each night. Sadly, he and Joey did not communicate even though they were together as they sat watch with a woman who had given up the will to live. It is a family in crisis.
A few of us have created a Facebook group just for Joey — it’s called "Joey’s Cats." There we are trying to gather loving people who will fill the role of virtual friends and parents to this young man, to be the circle of support, the family he needs right now.
Please join us in “Saving Joey (and his cats)” — we thank you. Joey thanks you.
Barb Latham
a friend
Joey urgently needs funds so that he will be able to obtain low-cost dental care for his serious toothache and cavities. His parents never took him for preventive dental or medical care, so he hasn't been to a dentist in over a decade. The pain from multiple cavities is getting more severe. With even minimal funds, Joey could make an appointment for dental care at one of several offices serving lower-income neighborhoods. They often have reduced rates for people who have no dental insurance.
Joey is also looking for longer-term (perhaps 1 year) foster care for his three cats and help paying vet bills for much-needed care. Thanks to donations to this fund, Joey's orange cat Matthew saw a veterinarian this week who treated the severe bladder infection, which had shown up as blood in Matthew's urine. Now on antibiotics, that urgent need has been helped. Now Joey's cat Justin and his 3-month old kitten MeiWei need to be seen. A Feline Veterinary Clinic in Johns Creek, GA is offering Joey a reduced rate, but treatment is still costly.
The most serious need, really, is to help Joey find housing -- a room in someone's home or apartment -- on the Atlanta rail or bus lines so that he can go to work. Downtown shelters have been full, the halfway house he tried infested his clothing with bedbugs or chiggers, and all other United Way-recommended housing options have been exhausted.
Joey's Story:
In mid July 2019, I met Joey, a young man who had recently joined our Facebook group - the Crazy Cat Ladies (CCL) of Athens and Beyond. He came to us pleading for help as he tried to find a foster home for his three beloved cats, Justin, Matthew, and MeiWei (a baby kitten).
Joey shared with us that he needed to leave his family's home in middle Georgia because his adoptive parents were no longer able nor willing to care for him; his mother was ill and has since attempted suicide, the father makes very low wages; and Joey's adopted brother had let Joey know that he would kill Joey's kittens, even threatening to video his brutality so that Joey would suffer all the more. Things were getting worse by the day -- so Joey felt he had no choice but to leave, for safety and for any hope of a future.
Joey openly shared that he has a form of Autism known as Aspergers. Fiercely independent, this young man seemed to be an intelligent boy whose mind sometimes underestimates dangers, whose trusting heart often relies on people who are not worthy of his faith in them, and whose compassionate soul simply desires to live a life of meaning and purpose. Joey is the only one of his adopted mother's children who ever graduated from high school. He was active in the Math Club and Chess Club, and he is proud to have succeeded in school, in spite of the bullying he endured. He doesn't smoke, nor drink, nor use drugs. He is a young man who wants to live a good life.
As several of us read Joey’s urgent posts to our Facebook group, we captured a glimpse of a young man whose cats may have needed rescuing, but someone needed to rescue Joey himself. Who was going to save Joey?
Out of utter desperation, Joey told us about his plans to leave home and start walking toward Atlanta. Without a car, without money, without local friends or a place to stay, Joey was determined to begin a new life. Several of us in the Cat Lady group were worried sick. Our mothering instincts wanted to protect him, knowing that on one hot July day, out there somewhere in rural Georgia, was a boy making his way all alone toward the big city where untold dangers awaited him. Since that day, we have watched as miracles have happened in his life. I’ll let Joey tell you what happened next.
It was Friday, July 19, 2019
“Hi, my name is Joey.
"A little about me:
I am 22 years old. I have Aspergers, a form of Autism. I love animals. I taught myself several languages, including Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and sign language. People describe me as having the innocence of a child and the wisdom of an old man. I'm independent and it is hard for me to ask for help because sometimes I was punished when I asked anyone for assistance or accepted a favor, even favors from parents of my best friends. So it’s hard for me to share this with you now.
“On July 19th, I took a huge step in my life. I realized that I had to leave my home and start out on my own. It's a long way to Atlanta from my parent's house in rural Georgia, but I didn't think about that. All I knew is that when you aren't able to drive, and you live in a remote rural area, there isn't much opportunity to do things with your life. In the city, there is public transportation and so many things are possible. So I started walking to Atlanta. Maybe my life would be better there. It couldn't get any worse.
“An older couple saw me walking along the road. They had passed me twice and in a little while when I walked past their house, I asked them how many miles it was to the main road. They were nice, so I thanked them and kept walking. In a few minutes, they pulled up behind me and said they would take me at least as far as the main road. It helped a lot, but then I was a long way from anything familiar. I texted an old friend who sometimes went to Atlanta, and I asked if he could take me to the city that night. He said yes, that he would come by and pick me up, but I explained that I wasn’t home. He was surprised, but came to the place I described.
“Once in Atlanta, I knew I had no place to stay. My first thought was how would I survive? Where could I find shelter?
My friend had left me at a gay bar in the city, but I don't drink, so I just talked to folks and met someone nice in an online chat room, someone who said he didn’t live very far from my location, so why didn’t I come over to his apartment for a while. I went over and met him. When he realized I had no place to stay, he said I could stay there. Then I asked if he could help me get some clothes and food, and he was kind enough to do that. I realize that I can’t sleep on his sofa forever, but maybe just until I can figure out what to do next.
“It's hard to ask for help, but I have to find a way to take care of myself right now. My family isn't there for me.
“What I need or want right now:
1. My three cats need to see a veterinarian. One of the three is just a baby kitten, and she needs to be dewormed and spayed. My one cat has blood in his pee, so I'm worried about him. Through a friend on Facebook, I found a person who agreed to take my three cats for a little while, so at least they aren’t at my parent’s house. But I promised to pay for their food and litter, but I don’t know how I’m going to pay for all of it. The cats haven’t seen a vet and this friend is running out of cat food. She wants me to provide the food and litter. [UPDATE: in early September, we moved the cats to Milton, Georgia - to an unheated barn. We are still looking for someone who might share their home or a room with these sweet cats, where they will be safe and warm come winter]
2. I have a problem tooth, so I really need to see a dentist. It really hurts and makes it hard to sleep. Everything costs so much more than I can afford. I have no money, but I have applied for jobs at Publix and several places in Atlanta, so I'm waiting to see whether someone will give me a chance. [UPDATE: Joey is working as a language translator for Six Flags over Georgia amusement park. His boss has given him extra hours so that he can earn as much money as possible. Regarding the dental needs, on September 9th Joey had a dental evaluation with a sweet Korean dentist in Norcross, Georgia. The X-rays and evaluation revealed many serious and urgent dental priorities. The estimate (without oral surgery or root canal) was nearly $3,000.]
3. I need a place to stay and I really hope to live where I could keep my three cats with me. I need to be close to the Marta bus and train system, as that is my only way around. [see Barb’s notes below]
4. I need a person who could help me get started with a really good job. I understand computers and could easily get into programming. I learn very quickly when I'm motivated. That's the Aspergers - my brain learns quickly. I've taught myself several languages and I'm working on learning even more of them. I would enjoy studying linguistics since languages come so easily for me. I'd love to have an acting career, with small roles at first, but that would be nice. I’d love to learn how to train dogs, especially black dogs who are often overlooked in shelters. I have a heart for pit bulls and wish there were a way to stop the cruelty and find them homes. I love my cats and enjoy people who love animals.
5. I would like to be able to pay for cell phone service so that I can talk to friends and use the internet. [UPDATE: friends purchased a mobile phone for Joey, but he needs help paying for the monthly purchase/insurance/and service plan that costs $105/month]
6. I wish I could meet open-minded people to be friends and to hang out with me.
“My dreams:
I want to learn more languages and one day travel. People are surprised that I speak and write so proficiently in Mandarin, and that I can speak fluent Spanish, but languages come easily to me. I taught myself and enjoy talking to people in the language they can understand.
“I want to be a good person, to live a good life. I think that it's all about what's in your mind and in your heart. I have struggles, but everyone has something they deal with. Some struggles are obvious, others people keep to themselves. But we are here on this earth for such a short time, really. We need to help one another and get along. People don't always understand when they learn that I have Aspergers. They too often judge and assume things about me. But everyone is different. Everyone is unique.
“I observe and don't always need to talk. But my quiet spirit is taking in everything around me. Now all I need is a chance to use all that I've learned. I'm independent and caring, and I want to make a difference.”
Barb's follow-up note: please keep current by reviewing the campaign's many UPDATES as well... the family is in crisis.
Today, Joey urgently needs dental care for a toothache that keeps him awake at night, but dental care is expensive and the low-income dental clinics serving the homeless are completely inundated with requests. He is on a waiting list, but we can only hope. He admitted that his parents could never afford to take him to the dentist, so he hasn't received dental care since he was about 12 years old.
Joey needs to find a safe place to stay, preferably a place where the cats could be with him, and something close to the Atlanta, as he has mastered the public transportation system. The man who was kind enough to allow Joey to stay on his sofa asked him to leave in mid August. For the next two weeks Joey found a halfway house, but after one night he was infested with bedbugs and chiggers. We called United Way and Joey visited a transitional home, but it was not acceptable and was too far from Six Flags. Out of desperation when downtown homeless shelters were full, Joey slept in abandoned buildings downtown. Then on September 4th he was robbed at gunpoint and lost his new phone. Trying to stay each night with a different "hook up" he met online, he found himself in dangerous situations and had to flee on man's apartment, though he had hoped merely for a sofa, some food, and much-needed sleep. Joey really needs to find a room in someone's home or a few roommates to share an apartment, though he isn't able to help with the rent just now. UPDATE: On September 6th, Joey’s first encounter, the gentleman who let Joey sleep on his couch for several weeks, heard that Joey had been robbed and was desperate for a safe place to stay, so he has allowed Joey to return temporarily. We are all grateful, but a longer-term housing arrangement is still needed.
In mid August he began working at Six Flags Over Georgia theme park -- employed as a translator with the many Chinese-speaking and Spanish-speaking employees. It is not a long-term position, but he is grateful for a start.
Joey needs help fostering and caring for the three cats he claims saved his life when he once contemplated suicide. Though the cats are temporarily in a rescue barn, it would be wonderful if they could be together in a foster home until Joey could find housing that would allow him to have his cats with him. One cat has received veterinary care, but two others are still waiting for their turn. When we have more funds, we can proceed with getting all of the cats seen.
Family UPDATE: On August 12th, Joey's mom tried to commit suicide by overdosing on high blood pressure pills. She was life-flighted into Atlanta and remained on total life support for 5 days. Thankfully, she woke from her coma and gradually improved. After three weeks in Piedmont Hospital, in early September she was moved to a rehabilitation center in Columbus, Georgia. Joey's dad visited his wife each day, driving up to the city after work each night. Sadly, he and Joey did not communicate even though they were together as they sat watch with a woman who had given up the will to live. It is a family in crisis.
A few of us have created a Facebook group just for Joey — it’s called "Joey’s Cats." There we are trying to gather loving people who will fill the role of virtual friends and parents to this young man, to be the circle of support, the family he needs right now.
Please join us in “Saving Joey (and his cats)” — we thank you. Joey thanks you.
Barb Latham
a friend
Organizer
Barbara Duvekot Latham
Organizer
Atlanta, GA
