Taking Responsibility

Clarissa* came to the Social Service Center after losing her apartment and her job due to spending some time incarcerated. She came in with her four children and is no stranger to the shelter – she has been numerous times before due to domestic violence. After a couple weeks of meeting with her case manager and going to court, Clarissa decided it was time to make some changes for herself and her children.

She began attending church and Bible study. The charges against her were dropped and she was able to get her job back. Her outlook on life was different and she explained to her case manager that for the first time in her life she realized that she was responsible for her four children. No one else was going to take care of them.

Clarissa recently moved into her own apartment and continues to work full time. She meets with her case manager regularly and participates in the Continuing Support Program.

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

Long-Term Support

Mindy* came into shelter several years ago to escape a domestic violence situation.  After going through an outpatient drug treatment program, Mindy found employment as a teaching assistant and went back to school to work on her degree in education.  Mindy completed her degree last year and now is working full time in a day care teaching pre-school.

Mindy received joint custody of her children after following the direction of the courts and working with Family Services.  She continues to work daily towards goals and positive influences for herself and her children.  She is part of our Continuing Support Program and still speaks with her case manager weekly.

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

Looking On to a Happy Future

“My name is Megan and I am a 40 year old single who is disabled.  I grew up in a family where I was subjected to physical, sexual and emotional abuse.  My father was a very violence alcoholic who eventually shot and killed my mother in 1996.  The death was ruled an accident and he lived until 2004.  He began stalking me after the shooting. 

I accepted abuse in relationships, including my ex-fiance.  I got into some legal trouble with my ex and served time in prison.

I have always had many medical problems and was found totally disabled in 2001.  Having no family and seperated from any friends by my ex, I have dealt with homelessness.

I am homeless today because my disability checks were suspended.  My ex found me at the first shelter I was at and began threatening me.  Then the Salvation Army Social Service Center took me in under Domestic Violence.  I am working on replacing my ID so that I can get a new apartment and begin life again.

I have realized through the Domestic Violence classes here at the Salvation Army that I can stop the cycle of abuse.  It has showed me that what happened in the past was not my fault and that even though I will always have to deal with my disabilities, I can still have a happy future.”

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

Project Linus Donates Handmade Blankets to SSC

Once again this year Project Linus has donated four bags of handmade blankets to our clients in shelter at the Social Service Center. Project Linus is a 100% volunteer nonprofit national organization with a mission to provide a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets.

Thank you Project Linus for helping us help our clients!