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.

More Than Just Shelter

We recently recieved a phone call from a client, Michelle,* that we had served almost 5 years ago. Michelle came into the Social Service Center to speak with a case manager about a situation involving her son that she had been dealing with for the past year. Michelle’s oldest child, a 15 year old boy, had been in and out of juvenile and was becoming abusive. He had run away from home twice in the past two months and was not attending school. Her case manager at the SSC referred her to several programs in the community and also to parenting classes and domestic violence support group here at the shelter.

Michelle recently finished her Associate’s Degree at Ivy Tech College and has been employed with a medical office for the past six months. Her three other children are all well, attending school and participating in outside activities. She is receiving stead child support from the children’s father and states that she is doing okay.

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

Lasting Effects

Barb* received shelter services several years ago after being fired from her job.  With a long history of alcohol abuse, Barb went into treatment for several months and completed the program.  After getting back on her feet Barb was able to find employment, housing, and she enrolled in classes at a local community college. 

Barb has stayed in contact with her case manager for the past several years.  She has no family in the area and her son has been incarcerated.  This year Barb graduated from college with an associate degree in medical services and is now employed with a local physician’s office.

Barb has been in stable housing for two years and continues contact with her case manager at the Social Service Center usually twice a month.  Her goal is to go back to school within the next year. 

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

A Full Month of Volunteers

June has been a wonderful month for us at The Social Service Center when it comes to volunteers. 

In the beginning of the month we were lucky enough to have three volunteers from Broad Ripple Martial Arts come in to teach our clients some easy ways to defend themselves.  In the hour and a half self defense seminar we not only learned how and where to hit someone, but more importantly we learned ways to avoid getting into violent situations in the first place (not being alone at night, posture, etc).  What a great activity to be able to offer to our ladies!

Our residents also got to enjoy a beautiful evening out on the playground during Response Church’s Ice Cream Social.  We enjoyed ice cream cones and sundaes, played a few friendly games of volleyball, and had some good conversations. 

Last Saturday, Response helped us get our hands dirty by cleaning out the old Lilly House for us.  The Lilly House was the first shelter built in Indianapolis and is no longer in use.  There were still many pieces of furniture in the House and case files that needed to come out and be stored in the main shelter.  Response knocked it out all in one day!  A big thanks to everyone who volunteered - we couldn’t have done it without them!

We are always looking to enhance our programs with volunteers.  If you are interested contact Julia Sipes at 317-224-1067 or julia_sipes@usc.salvationarmy.org. 

 

Why We Are Here

N was two months pregnant when she came into shelter with her three children.  She had experienced health problems which had caused her to lose her job and home.  She had no family support but she wanted to stay in the Indianapolis area.  After meeting with her case manager and setting up child care for her children, N began attending job training courses with Career Corner and Horizon House.  After two months N found employment and housing.  Her health had also begun to improve.

N moved into an apartment and had a healthy baby girl.  She is now a manager at a bagel shop and has health benefits for herself and her children.  She continues to either meet or talk over the phone with her case manager weekly to update us on herself and her children.  The children are enrolled in school and the youngest in day care.  One of her children is currently receiving speech therapy at Riley and may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance.

Have Used Cell Phones Lying Around??

Instead of throwing away your used cell phones donate them to us!  The Salvation Army Social Service Center sends donated phones to Shelter Alliance, a program which recycles used cell phones and then donates the money to us!

We can earn as much as $30 per phone.  Don’t worry if your phone is outdated or damaged, we still benefit from every phone that we recycle.

You can drop phones off here at 540 N. Alabama.  Questions?  Contact Julia Sipes at (317) 224-1067 or julia_sipes@usc.salvationarmy.org.

Jewish Women International to Provide Flowers for Mothers this Mother’s Day

Sunday brunch and armfuls of tulips are traditional ways to honor women on Mother’s Day.  But what if mom is one of more than 25,000 women nationwide who will spend the holiday in a battered women’s shelter?  Jewish Women International’s Mother’s Day Flower Project raises awareness and funds for victims of domestic violence by sending bouquets to 150 battered women’s shelters across the United States, including The Salvation Army Social Service Center.

“For so many of us Mother’s Day means corsages and lovely meals with family.  But for women who are victims of domestic violence, the holiday may pass without any appreciation or celebration,” says JWI Executive Director Lori Weinstein.  “The Mother’s Day Flower Project is an opportunity to show women whose lives have been marred by violence that we care and that we won’t rest until we bring the entire country’s attention to this problem.”  What a wonderful blessing for our ladies!

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!”