Finding a Home
Every Tuesday, Milan and her two children visit The Salvation Army Eagle Creek Corps Community Center for THRIVE night a weekly program where her children can play sports with their friends while the adults participate in social time and prayer groups. It was at Milan’s first THRIVE night just over a year ago that she realized this might be the community she was searching for since coming to Indianapolis. Milan’s introduction to The Salvation Army was through a friend. She had been exploring various churches, hoping to find one that felt like home for herself and her children, but none seemed quite right. That changed when she met the officers and staff at Eagle Creek.
“Everyone was so welcoming when I first got there,” said Milan. “It was also very important that my children had a safe and fun place to come. They really enjoy it here and I love that for them.” Originally from Ghana, Milan moved to The United States as a young child and lived in several states before eventually settling in Indianapolis as an adult. Life has not always been easy. After a difficult marriage, she became a single mother raising children with unique needs.
“The early years were tough,” she shared. “I was doing it all on my own trying to make ends meet. I didn’t know there was another way out and now I’m seeing these opportunities since I’ve been at The Salvation Army.”
Milan had known a little about The Salvation Army but hadn’t realized the resources that were available until she started attending the corps. She had a job but it wasn’t enough to pay all the bills, so she needed help providing for her family. Milan was balancing part-time work and parenting two children who needed special care each day.
“It has been tough on our family and The Salvation Army has helped us so much, in ways I never knew they could help me and my family,” recalled Milan. “It was almost as if God led me to The Salvation Army.” In addition to regularly attending THRIVE nights with her children, Milan is now a participant in the Pathway of Hope program, which aims to break the cycle of poverty by helping families overcome barriers. Participants in the program map out their success to develop a personalized plan. Part of Milan’s plan includes going back to school. “I’m so excited to get back into school. Captain Rachel and I have met about where I should enroll and see what job would best suit me and to help me better provide for my children,” she shared. “I really want to be in the medical field.”
Milan and Captain Rachel Johnson meet every two weeks to review her progress and ensure she stays on track. These regular meetings have been a source of motivation and encouragement for Milan, who feels she is getting closer to achieving stability and independence.
She envisions a brighter future, one where she is self-sufficient, providing for her family, and continuing to enjoy the fellowship and support of her church community at The Salvation Army.