Tamara's Story
Tamara hit a very low point in her life when her health deteriorated due to an infection after surgery. She became very ill and couldn’t work for an extended period of time. At the same time, her husband was sinking deeper and deeper into alcoholism and drugs. He had experienced a horrific event and to cope he was self-medicating. While he was under the influence, he became violent and put the family in danger. Eventually he was arrested and went to prison.
Tamara was alone with her three boys. She was traumatized. The rent was behind, the utilities were shut off, and she was desperate. That is when she met The Salvation Army. She remembers being completely overwhelmed as she told the caseworker her story. Tamara was met with love. The caseworker promised to work through the situation with her one step at a time. Together, they would get through it all.
The Salvation Army was able to help with utility assistance and restore power to her home. They gave her groceries, helped her find Day Care so she could go back to work. At first she could only find a part time job, but it was a job! She and her case worker celebrated. Together they set goals and Tamara realized she was feeling stable again. She learned
budgeting skills and time management. The Salvation Army was there step by step, encouraging and supporting Tamara.
At Christmas time all three boys received gifts and the family had Christmas dinner. Tamara took a training program and was able to get full time employment with benefits. She kept her part time job as well. Today, the family is independent, happy, and stable.
Tamara shared, “My caseworker saved my life. I don’t have anybody else. But, today I feel confident.”