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Many step up to aid woman
Several agencies and organizations have stepped forward in response to Rita Sablan’s plea for help.
Last week, the 42-year-old woman with disability told Saipan Tribune that she has long been asking for help from multiple government and private agencies but with no luck.
On Monday, in a follow-up visit, Saipan Tribune learned that the Saipan Mayor’s Office, the Division of Youth Services, the Salvation Army NMI Chapter, Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc., and a representative from the Governor’s Office have visited her three days after her story came out.
The path leading toward Sablan’s home has been paved with coral by the mayor’s office to ensure her safety when her husband, Jack Cepeda, pushes her wheelchair toward their home.
Sablan said they were also provided a water tank, courtesy of the mayor’s office, since her home has been without water and power for years.
Sablan told Saipan Tribune that the Salvation Army and DYS had visited her over the weekend and brought food and a few necessities.
She said volunteers from the Salvation Army would also be coming by to deliver food to Sablan and her husband.
NMPASI also came out to visit Sablan and her husband last week to see if they could assist her in any way.
When Sablan and Cepeda were informed that NMHC is still awaiting evidence that proves Sablan was hospitalized when an eligibility notice was sent to her, Cepeda countered that he personally delivered Sablan’s medical documents to NMHC by foot in July this year when they first requested for evidence that she had been hospitalized.
“We gave them all the evidence they asked for. I don’t know what else they want,” said Sablan.
