Second Start

Susie* came into shelter seeking safety after fleeing from a violent relationship.  This was not her first experience being in a violent relationship.  She had been married for 16 years to her husband before finally escaping.  She had never lived on her own before and coincidentally was scared and depressed when she arrived.  She wasn’t able to talk without crying.  Although she had worked several jobs before, she had always depended on a man to take care of her.  Before coming to The Salvation Army she had started school.  She felt good about this one area of her life and was determined not to let circumstances get in the way.  She will graduate in December of 2011. 

Susie is also a recovering alcoholic.  She has been sober for a little over a year and goes to NA meetings each Tuesday.  She took advantage of every opportunity that the shelter had.  She attended the domestic violence support group, life skills classes and anything else available to her.

After being at the shelter for a little over a month, Susie found a part time job as a waitress.  She worked as many hours as they gave her at the restaurant.

In January, Susie found an apartment and moved in with the help of The Salvation Army.  She is continuing to work with the shelter and still meets with her case manager weekly.  She is continuing to go to work and school.  She is getting used to being alone and on her own.  It is so very obvious to that her self esteem has risen tremendously since the first day she walked into the shelter.

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