Our Services Through the Eyes of Service Users: Sheila's Experience
"I called.
It rang.
Someone answered.
I began to cry as I was trying to answer the questions quickly.
It was quick enough!
I got away!"
“I was placed in a hotel and I was free. I was able to breathe and my granddaughter was able to play without me being yelled at. Shortly after that, I was able to move into the shelter. I was excited and nervous at the same time. Change can be scary.
When I got to the shelter, I was overwhelmed. My granddaughter screamed and cried a bit, but when we finally moved into our room, I was overjoyed! I thought that was the ultimate prize. We were safe in a place that FELT like home. Everyone on the staff was so accommodating and careful to make sure we had everything we needed. I didn’t know where I was going to go from there or what I was going to do, but I knew I had six months to stay there and my case manager helped me every step of the way.
Six months sounds like a long time, but it’s not… not when you are unsure of where you are going to go afterward. Three months went by and I was diligently working with my case manager to establish long-term housing. Surprisingly, I got approved for housing, and my granddaughter and I were able to move into an apartment and Steps also helped us with furniture. That was the REAL PRIZE! Being able to be in our own place after hitting rock bottom.
A couple of months have gone by.
I’m STILL safe.
I can sleep soundly.
I cry tears of joy when I think about my journey…
My eventful journey from rock bottom.
Even in my attempt to express my appreciation, words cannot begin to convey how grateful I am for Steps. This organization truly embodies [it's name] because they were 'steps' in my ladder climbing back up from the bottom."