A Success Story to Highlight. . .

Alice called our hotline on looking for shelter.  Her boyfriend had come to her place of employment and began physically abusing her.  The police were called, but he continued to drive by her home threatening her. Alice is 22, single, no children and no family support. This boyfriend was the only stability she had ever known, but she knew deep in her heart that it was an abusive situation that would only get worse.  She had to take a leap of faith and call for help.  She had seen our number in many places, but until that day, never had the courage to call because she felt ashamed. Alice was on her last leg and didn’t know if she could hang on any longer. She picked up the phone and called us.  We immediately brought her in for shelter.  Alice had no clothing or anything to her name.  We were able to provide her with food and the basic necessities of life.  Alice had many barriers to starting over and living independently.  She was on probation, had no income and no job.  Our court advocate was able to help Alice navigate some issues in the legal system.  This was not an easy task.  Our case manager found resources for her immediate health needs and all staff worked together to find Alice adequate housing and employment within the two weeks that the probation officer allowed for her to be in a shelter.  Our first concern was safety and the abuser was arrested and in jail. Despite the odds against her and the threat of going to jail for other legal issues, Alice found full time employment and housing and a year later she is still employed at the same place and has satisfied the terms of her probation.  Alice has come back to the shelter for supporting services throughout the year.  We were her family and through the education and counseling she received at the Safe House for Women, Inc. Alice has a new life free of violence. She said she finally felt someone thought she was worth helping and that people cared about her life. This made the whole year a success and it had only just begun!