Continuing Support

“M” came into the shelter after receiving a court order from CPS regarding child welfare.  She had recently had her two children returned to her after being taken away for a two week period.  M was ordered to take parenting and anger management classes and meet with a counselor weekly.  She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and placed on several types of medications.  Within several weeks M’s attitude changed and she was prepared to care for herself and her children.  She followed through with all of her classes and is now working towards receiving her GED.  One of her children is in Head Start and the other goes to day care part time during the week.

When M first moved out of the shelter we did not hear from her for several months.  After a crisis occurred with one of her children’s health she contacted her case manager for advice and assistance.  She remains in contact weekly to bi-weekly and is a participant in the Continuing Support Program.

A Testimony

For our success story this week an ex-client, “KR,” was kind enough to put her story down in her own words:

“The Salvation Army Social Service Center has been a blessing in every way.  My children and I relocated from Gary, Indiana last June.  I was broke and had no place to stay.  I was also leaving an abusive relationship and they provided us with a safe place to stay.  Not only did they assist us with shelter, they gave me guidance and resources to once again become self sufficient.  I resided in the shelter for two weeks.  Since leaving the shelter I have obtained a full time permanent job and have fully adjusted to life in Indianapolis.  The children have adjusted as well.  They recently even stated that they are happy about the move.  Thanks for everything!”

Volunteer Offers Dance Class for Residents

For the last month and a half residents at The Social Service Center have been offered a new opportunity to better themselves and their children.  Volunteer Marla Olinger has started teaching staff, residents, and children how to dance – and have fun while doing it!  Marla’s goal is to bring dance into the shelter in order to offer the women a chance to have fun, feel good about themselves, and get exercise.  Dance class takes place every Wednesday afternoon from 3:30pm-4:30pm.

Marla is a part of Response Church, a new church plant in Downtown Indianapolis who has chosen The Social Service Center to be their place of service.  The Social Service Center and Response Church have planned numerous activities and service projects for this spring and summer so check back often for updates.  We are very excited about this partnership! 

Second Chance

“T” came into shelter after she had sustained self-sufficiency for four years following her first stay at The Salvation Army Social Service Center in 2003.  She relapsed with her addiction to alcohol, lost her job, and found herself in an abusive relationship.  T had kept in touch with her case manager from The Salvation Army while she was housed and had a job so she knew that she could come back to the Center for help.  While she was here for the second time she worked with a chemical dependency program and attended meetings daily.  When she was ready she then looked for employment and was able to secure a job within a week.  After two months she found a house that she could afford to rent.  T is still a part of the Continuing Support Program and continues to meet with her case manager regularly.  She is still employed full time and she has now been sober for 7 months!

Rescued and Restored

“CS” came to the Social Service Center in June.  She was undergoing chemotherapy treatments at St. Vincent’s Hospital when her husband abandoned her in the parking lot after putting her belongings on her daughters’ lawn.  Knowing that CS had no where to go her social worker from St. Vincent’s called the Salvation Army.

While staying at the Center, CS finished up her chemotherapy treatments and started her radiation.  She is now finally cancer free!  She is pursuing a divorce from her husband, who has been mentally and financially abusive for years.  She now has a job, a car, and her own place to live. 

CS is still receiving support through our Continuing Support Program and plans to begin volunteering as an advocate for women with cancer.