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.