Overcoming Obstacles

Jane* first came to The Salvation Army Social Service Center 6 years ago after fighting a battle between addiction and sobriety for over 23 years.  Along with her addictions, Jane had been involved in numerous violent relationships and spent several nights in the hospital.  Two years ago her case manager from The Salvation Army referred her to an in-treatment drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility where she remained for several weeks.  After leaving the treatment program Jane successfully stayed sober for 2 years but unfortunately three weeks ago Jane came into shelter again after experiencing a relapse due to stress in her current relationship.  She is now attending an outpatient service program for drug and alcohol treatment, attending meetings, and is working full time.  Jane has already taken the first step to remaining safe and clean by coming into shelter.  She plans to maintain continuous contact with her case manager once she exits the facility.

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

From Broken to Blooming!

Once again this week’s success story is a client testimony about how The Salvation Army Social Service Center has helped her turn her life around…

“I first came to the S.A. because of domestic violence.  I remember feeling confused, my self-esteem and confidence ebbing away and I just felt totally lost about my marriage.  Everything felt wrong, but I didn’t know why.  All I did know was that I was afraid of my husband’s violent, verbal episodes; which later turned physical.  I was at the The Salvation Army only a short time when my husband left me a message to call him, and I did because I loved him.  When I flew back to him, thinking he would have changed, I remember reflecting back on that safe feeling and unconditional kindness I had received at the shelter.

There was one incident in particular that stuck with me and was the reason I retuned almost five years later.  I met an officer and his wife while I was doing laundry at The Salvation Army.  He asked me if I was ok, if I needed anything, and if I was being treated well.  I was feeling so much shame about being an imposition and being there in the first place that I could not meet his gaze.  His soothing, soft spoken voice finally convinced me to look at him.  I will never forget his eyes.  They had a compassionate softness in them that I have never seen before.  Never.  He continued talking to me and I couldn’t help but begin to answer him, assuring him I was being more than cared for.  I’m not sure I even had the presence of mind to thank him as they left.  His eyes were the reason I took a great number of papers about domestic violence with me when I left the shelter.

When my husband would start his demeaning rants, I would start keeping mental notes until he was gone.  Then I would get those papers out and one by one as I checked and compared I had no excuses for him anymore.

I prayed and talked to God all the time about my marriage.  I’ve prayed and talked to God since I was 5, so thankfully I had that to count on when I was going through this ordeal. 

Domestic violence is not simple nor is it easy to understand but those papers I took with me from The Salvation Army saved my life!  That and the officer’s eyes.

I returned to the SA one year ago and my life; yes, I can say MY LIFE is blooming.  I am blooming because of the nourishment I receive emotionally, physically, mentally, and most of all spiritually.  I can mention God, Jesus Christ, and our Lord as often as I like here.  In fact, our Lord’s name is spoken here around every “nook and cranny,” as my mother would say.  The staff and the limitless hosts of self help programs available are phenomenal. 

One may come here broken; mentally, physically or both.  But if a person uses these services to learn and advance and lets the staff help and guide them, then each one of us will fly out of here a centered and blessed creature of God.”

What a wonderful testimony to what we are trying to do here at The Salvation Army Social Service Center!  Thank you to “SG” for taking the time to put her words on paper and share her experience with us!

Continuing Support

“M” came into the shelter after receiving a court order from CPS regarding child welfare.  She had recently had her two children returned to her after being taken away for a two week period.  M was ordered to take parenting and anger management classes and meet with a counselor weekly.  She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and placed on several types of medications.  Within several weeks M’s attitude changed and she was prepared to care for herself and her children.  She followed through with all of her classes and is now working towards receiving her GED.  One of her children is in Head Start and the other goes to day care part time during the week.

When M first moved out of the shelter we did not hear from her for several months.  After a crisis occurred with one of her children’s health she contacted her case manager for advice and assistance.  She remains in contact weekly to bi-weekly and is a participant in the Continuing Support Program.

A Testimony

For our success story this week an ex-client, “KR,” was kind enough to put her story down in her own words:

“The Salvation Army Social Service Center has been a blessing in every way.  My children and I relocated from Gary, Indiana last June.  I was broke and had no place to stay.  I was also leaving an abusive relationship and they provided us with a safe place to stay.  Not only did they assist us with shelter, they gave me guidance and resources to once again become self sufficient.  I resided in the shelter for two weeks.  Since leaving the shelter I have obtained a full time permanent job and have fully adjusted to life in Indianapolis.  The children have adjusted as well.  They recently even stated that they are happy about the move.  Thanks for everything!”

Rescued and Restored

“CS” came to the Social Service Center in June.  She was undergoing chemotherapy treatments at St. Vincent’s Hospital when her husband abandoned her in the parking lot after putting her belongings on her daughters’ lawn.  Knowing that CS had no where to go her social worker from St. Vincent’s called the Salvation Army.

While staying at the Center, CS finished up her chemotherapy treatments and started her radiation.  She is now finally cancer free!  She is pursuing a divorce from her husband, who has been mentally and financially abusive for years.  She now has a job, a car, and her own place to live. 

CS is still receiving support through our Continuing Support Program and plans to begin volunteering as an advocate for women with cancer.