Fresh Start

Cindy,* a 38 year old single African American mother of two, came into the shelter after fleeing a domestic violence situation.  When she came in to the DV Unit she was not working, but enrolled in school, and determined to follow through with her goals.  Cindy was given clothing for her children, resources, referrals, began going to the YMCA twice a week and participated in Life Skills classes.  Cindy was able to get accepted into school and began studying to become an LPN.  She also started receiving counseling.  She was accepted into a transitional housing program and able to move out of the shelter and enroll in our Continuing Support Program.  Cindy keeps in contact and meets with her case manager once a month.  Cindy has committed to attending counseling once a week, enrolling in parenting classes, and maintaining a budger.  She will receive assitance with rent, gas, food and other household items.

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

Preparing for the Real World

“The day I came to The Salvation Army Social Service Center I had no idea what kind of help they would offer me.  People that I had me at another shelter always talked about The Salvation Army.

When I entered the shelter I already had set goals for what I wanted to accomplish in my time there.  Little did I know there was much more in place for me.  I was so surprised how many programs they offered to fit a person’s needs; for example, Life Skills, Life Paths, Bible Study, etc.  My stay taught me a lot about myself, people, patience, and becoming a stronger person. 

They prepared me to get back into the real world and maintain and budget for my own household.  My case manager and the other staff members at The Salvation Army gave me a chance to give myself a second chance and I thank them all!  Once I have now left the shelter but am a part of the Continuing Support Program and I keep in regular contact with my case manager.

Thank you!”

A Very Happy Valentine’s Day

Last night women and children at the Social Service Center enjoyed a Valentine’s Day party thrown by Response Church.  Volunteers served snacks and cake, played video games, made crafts and played board games with the residents.

Nation’s Giving Tree helped out with the party and brought party bags to distribute to all of the children in the shelter.

Thanks to everyone who helped out with the party!

Safe from Despair

Layla*, a 23 year old single mother came to the Social Service Center after leaving her abusive family at the end of October.  She brought her two young sons with her and was six months pregnant.  She had no job and no place to turn.  Upon her arrival at the shelter she was determined to find a job and safe housing for her family. 

Layla was provided childcare, bus tickets, clothing and she regularly participated in Life Skills Classes.  Within a few weeks, she found a job at a nursing home as a CNA and began working third shift, enabling her to spend time with her kids. 

She moved out of the shelter at the end of December and began participating in our Continuing Support Program.  Layla is in regular contact with her case manager and continues to receive assistance with her rent, food and other household items. 

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

Mother’s Day Flower Project coming to the SSC

Once again Jewish Women International will provide our mothers in shelter with a bouquet of flowers this Mother’s Day.  The Mother’s Day Flower Project is a wonderful project that combines social justice, education and Mother’s Day.  Beyond lifting the spirits of women in the shelters, the project also gives donors an opportunity to raise awareness about domestic abuse.  Proceeds from the project go toward delivering bouquets of flowers to 150 battered women’s shelters throughout the United States on Mother’s Day in addition to JWI initiatives that work every day to educate communities, empower women and break the cycle of abuse. 

If you are interested in donating to the Mother’s Day Flower Project click here to see how.

Escape From Domestic Violence

On December, 29 2008 Shelly* came into shelter at the Salvation Army Social Service Center.  After her intake, staff recognized that she is a resident who was fleeing a domestic violence situation, but at the time there was no space available in our Domestic Violence Unit (DV) Unit.  She met with her case manager and began her initial assessment.

Shelly is a single mother of two school aged children.  Her abuser was her boyfriend of 8 months.  At one time he served time in jail for physically abusing Shelly.  When he was released her talked her into taking him back.  After a short time the physical abuse started again.  At this time, her children were spending Christmas break with their father.  Shelly was able to flee and came to the SSC. 

During her initial assessment, Shelly’s case manager learned that this was the first time Shelly had faced a domestic violence situation.  Her self confidence was very low, she seemed depressed and scared.  She was able to move to the DV Unit a couple of days later and arranged for her kids to join her at the Center.  During her stay here she enrolled in the HIP (Homeless Initiative Program) and was accepted, began going to exercise at the YMCA two days a week (offered to the residents with no charge), began therapy, and secured both a job and an apartment.  Shelly left the shelter Saturday.  She has enrolled in the Continuing Support Program at the SSC and will continue to meet with her case manager and receive counseling and basic needs assistance. 

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