“The program has helped me achieve the goals that I have set, and my Family Life Coach has walked along with me to help me maintain a positive outlook for the future.“
Susan has experienced more than her fair share of challenges and barriers throughout her life, from a medical condition at birth to bullying in school and diagnosed mental and emotional disorders. She was raped, fled a domestic violence situation, and turned to drugs and alcohol to cope.
Due to her medical conditions, Susan has had medical bills that she could not pay or have strained her income. The domestic violence relationship caused her to have evictions on her record, leading to wage garnishment, chronic homelessness, strained family relationships, lack of emotional support, and lack of trust in people and agencies. This has impacted her children in a variety of ways.
One of her children, a student at Mitchell High School, was referred by school staff to the Student and Family Support program, a program that identifies students who are homeless or on the verge to help the entire family out of crisis. Studies show that when children are homeless, stress, trauma, and academic disruption lead to problems in school. The program uses coordinated case management and a continuum of services. The 2Gen model (working with adults and children simultaneously) addresses immediate concerns facing the entire family to promote student success.
School staff was concerned for Susan’s high schooler’s living situation since the family was experiencing homelessness. Additionally, Susan’s medical issues require ongoing treatment, resulting in missed work and lower pay. The impact on her children has been significant. Her older child was expelled from school while her younger one struggled to cope with everything.
Since enrolling in the program, the family’s situation has improved. Susan says, “The program has helped me achieve the goals that I have set, and my Family Life Coach has walked along with me to help me maintain a positive outlook for the future. A future that I never thought I could have. This program has helped me see things in such a different way. It has helped me see who I can become. My hopes are to increase savings, move out of my apartment and buy my own home, and get a better-paying job.”
At Catholic Charities, we respect everyone who comes to us for help. Many are working toward a fresh start in life. So, while their stories are true, client names and images may have changed to protect their privacy.
