Francine

Francine* came to The Salvation Army Shelter for Women and Children right before Christmas of 2009. She had lost her job in May and her apartment in June and had been living with her daughter. From the first time we met, I (her case manager) knew she would succeed because she is so motivated. She had been constantly putting in job applications and going on interviews for two and a half months without getting anywhere. However, Francine never gave up! She stayed involved in Dress for Success’ Women’s Group and consistently worked out at the YMCA, both partnering agencies of The Salvation Army.

In February she found a job at a daycare supervising infant care. Francine found an apartment in March and moved into her own apartment with rental assistance from The Salvation Army. She was enrolled in our Continuing Support Program and had been doing great.

Now she is doing even better than before! She was contacted for a new job for customer service in the insurance industry. She works with the State of Indiana answering questions about the variety of health insurance plans and now is a great resource for me when my clients have questions. I am so proud of her and look forward to working with her in the future. Francine is truly a success story!

*Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the clients

Harriett* has been struggling with depression for most of her life. When she came to The Salvation Army four years ago, she had left a domestic violence situation with her husband and had overcome a drug addiction. However even though she was past the violence and the drugs, she still struggled with her mental health. During her first stay at The Salvation Army, Harriett rarely left her room and did not take any actions to improve her own life.

Harriett recently came back to the shelter for a second time, and she made great progress! She started to take control of her depression, and has been working on her independence and self confidence. She no longer stayed in her room, but made efforts to look for a part time job while applying for SSD and participating in the Shelter Plus Care program. Harriett also sees a counselor twice a month, which she would have never done before.

We am so proud of Harriett and the progress she has made. Even though she was nervous about moving out on her own, she knew that was the step in the right direction and that The Salvation Army was there still to support her. She has been clean for over 20 years and now has much better coping skills. She is part of our Continuing Support Program and continues to meet with her case manager once a week.

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

Emergency Bed Space

After being referred by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Janeca* came to the Social Service Center Emergency Bed Space Program with her six children.  Her husband was in jail due to the violence perpetrated towards her and her children.

Janeca and her children were transferred into a traditional room at the Center two nights after coming into the Emergency Bed Space Program.  She met with her case manager and arranged transportation to get her kids to and from school.  She also got connected with a counselor for her and the children to go to.  After two days in the shelter she became frightened after seeing family members near the shelter.  Her case manager worked with another agency and was able to transfer her to another shelter.

Janeca is still in contact with her case manager for support services and is doing well.  Her husband is in jail on numerous charges.  She hopes to have an apartment within the next three weeks.

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

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.

Social Service Center Meets Increased Need in 2008

The statistics are in!  The Social Service Center served over 500 more women and children in 2008 than 2007.  In 2008, 1,785 (1,057 women and 728 children) seeked comfort, safety, support, and shelter at the Center.  Generally, about 80-85 percent of our clients are fleeing from domestic violence or have a history of family violence?

Click HERE to find out how you can help or contact Julia Sipes at (317) 224-1067 or julia_sipes@usc.salvationarmy.org.

Positive Determination

Nina* came into shelter after leaving her abusive family.  She brought her two young sons with her and was six months pregnant.  Upon arrival at the Social Service Center, Nina was determined to find a job and a safe house for her family.  She found a job at a nursing home as a CNA and works third shift, enabling her to spend time with her kids.  She has since moved out of shelter and into a house with her family.  She plans on working for as long as possible before having her new baby girl.  Nina is part of our Continuing Support Program and keeps regular contact with her case manager.

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

One Step Away From Success

Pam* came to the Salvation Army Social Service Center after living in a few other shelters and on the street. She struggled to find work and a place to live due to her poor credit. After a few months, Pam finally found a great job at the airport and a place to stay. Her new place will be great for her and her teenage daughter, who’s been through a few surgeries in the past month. Pam has stayed strong throughout the surgeries and continues to work full time.

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

Finding Financial Stability

Donna* came into shelter after leaving her abusive husband of 15 years. Financially, Donna had nothing. She had been working with an organization that downsized due to the economy. She came to the Social Service Center with nothing but a suitcase and a coat. After a couple of days she was hired to do retail full time. Donna budgeted her money well and within two months had an apartment of her own.

Donna continues to participate in the Continuing Support Program and meets with her case manager weekly.

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

Project Linus Donates Homemade Blankets to the SSC

Project Linus is a 100% volunteer nonprofit which makes homemade blankets to donate to local hospitals, homeless shelters, foster homes, and camps for medically challenged children in the Indianapolis area.  This week the Salvation Army Social Service Center was lucky enough to receive some of these homemade blankets for our clients!

The mission of Project Linus is two fold.  First, it is to provide love, 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, lovingly created by volunteer “Blanketeers.”  Second, is to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children. 

Thank you to everyone at Project Linus who worked on blankets for our clients here at the Social Service Center!

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