Renewed Hope

Zoe* came to The Salvation Army Social Service Center after serving 11 years in prison.  Trying to cope with mental health and addiction issues she began working with an outside organization who assisted her with medications and counseling.  After several weeks Zoe began to feel stronger and started seeking employment with several businesses.  After two interviews she was hired as a waitress for a catering company, a job which she really enjoyed.  The company increased her hours and she was able to find housing within her budget.  Two weeks after moving out of the shelter she found herself in the hospital for observation.  Zoe had stopped taking her medication because she did not like the way it made her feel.  Luckily, this was only a minor setback for Zoe.  Her doctor and counselor adjusted the medication accordingly and she was able to continue working.  She is still in contact with her case manager at The Social Service Center for continued support.

*Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the client.

Multiple Challenges

Evelyn* came to The Salvation Army to escape from her abusive boyfriend with three of her four children.  He had been stalking her, ravaged her home and cut off her phone.  Once in the shelter, she immediately got a protective order.  However, he ignored it and showed up at the shelter, her church and her children’s daycare.  He also got a protective order against her.  He continued to violate his protective order until their court date despite her numerous calls to the police.

At court the judge awarded him visitation rights until the next court date when the protective order could be verified.  Despite Evelyn having many witnesses to abusive behavior, he was still allowed to harass and stalk her.

During the ordeal Evelyn managed to find a new home and pay off some bills, all while continuing to go to school and work. 

With a new strategy behind her, her CPS manager and lawyer went to court with her for the second time.  Finally, a judge listened to Evelyn.  He was only to have supervised visits with his children and the protective order he held against her was dropped.  Her protective order against him was upheld and will be in place for the next two years.  If he harasses or harms her or the children he will go to jail. 

Through some help and a place to fall back on at The Salvation Army, some networking of social service agencies and her will power to care for her children, Evelyn has made a safe and stable environment for her and her family.

Evelyn is going to school full time to be a physical therapist while working full time as a nurse’s aid, and is a tireless mother of four.

*Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the client.