I ran in to a former shelter client recently. Our program policy is to not acknowledge clients in public (confidentiality concerns) unless they choose to acknowledge us. In this case, she readily approached me. She was beaming. She spoke with me about her success and how hopeful she is for the future. Her past had been scarred by abuse, both as a child and into adulthood, so moving forward has been challenging. The lack of a support system left her feeling alone and full of anxiety while her self-worth was also pummeled by an abusive partner. She spoke about her stay at the WCA and how transformative the experience had been for her; a new belief in herself had emerged and the freedom to now control her future was in her grasp.
The importance of individuals having access to safe shelter and a comprehensive program focusing on the inflicted trauma is critical. Support from our community and grant funding sources make that possible. In this month of July wherein freedom is so prominent in all of our thoughts, mine are with all of those individuals who reach out to the WCA and allow us the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families – and to make freedom a reality.
