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.