Karen’s Story

“My name is Karen* and I have a beautiful, intelligent little three year old girl.  When I came to the shelter I was leaving a domestic violence relationship and a very depressing home environment.  I decided I had finally had enough of the abuse and that our home environment was no longer safe for myself or my daughter.  So, after formulating a plan to escape I talked with the staff at The Salvation Army.  They were very welcoming and I knew it was a place that would be safe and allow me to start over. 

The shelter was such a helpful place for my daughter and I.  We were in such a time of need and The Salvation Army was just the helping hand we needed.  We stayed at the shelter for a few months.  While living there I attended classes to prepare me for living on my own and to cope with the abuse we had experienced.  Finally, I took steps to get our lives back on track.  I decided to take CNA classes so I could build a career.  The Salvation Army helped give me information about getting back on my feet.  They also provided resources to places that would help pay for CNA classes – that was amazing!  I am thankful to have found people so helpful and caring. 

In closing, my stay at the Salvation Army was a life changing step in the right direction.  I now have an apartment of my own.  My daughter and I are in relief of all of the stress and very happy.  We appreciate all of the people at The Salvation Army and are thankful to have had the experience to be around so many loving people.”

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