In the Right Direction
When Mia stepped through the door of The Salvation Army Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center, she had nothing except her 2-year-old son and a sense of relief. The shelter was the only place she had left to turn after fleeing domestic violence in an effort to save her family.
The Women and Children’s Center connected Mia with a care coordinator to assist her through the process of rebuilding her life. Thanks to great agency partnerships throughout central Indiana, the facility was able to provide Mia with a translator, breaking down the communication barriers that once stood in her way.
As Mia and the care coordinator created a plan for success, they identified three goals: childcare, employment, and housing. With the help of the center’s staff, Mia was determined to get back on her feet. She was an attentive and nurturing mother. Though her own success was important, it was clear that her son was always her number one priority. The legal separation from the child’s father was difficult, but she never wavered.
“She was enduring a bitter custody battle with her ex-husband with no family support,” explained Pam Fleck, Director of the Women and Children’s Center. “Throughout her residency here, we made it possible for her to comply with all court-ordered visitations between her son and his father.” Just a month after arriving at the center, Mia was approved for childcare at a local facility. Shortly after enrolling her son at the daycare, she secured a steady job, reaching the first two goals on her list. The lack of personal transportation would have been a barrier for many, but Mia persisted.
“Every single day, she depended on public transportation to get her son to and from daycare and to get herself to and from work,” added Pam. “She remained full of determination!” Though the shelter provided everything she needed, Mia was eager to start providing for her own family. She applied for SNAP benefits, which would allow her to save up while still being able to buy her own groceries. Once Mia was enrolled, she had one last goal to accomplish. After just under two months at the shelter, Mia was approved for housing assistance through the Homeless Initiative Program. She was excited to have a place to call her own once again. She quickly secured a nearby apartment and was able to move from the Women and Children’s Center with humility and happiness.
“We’re so proud of Mia for taking control of her life,” added Pam. “She was an exemplary resident who followed every step of her plan. However, just because she has moved from the center does not mean our work is done.” Today, Mia continues to work with her care coordinator twice a month. Together, they will ensure that she continues to move in the right direction, providing a life that she and her son both deserve. When you make a gift to The Salvation Army, it allows women like Mia to not only find refuge but to create a beautiful life for her family. Thank you for making these important programs possible.