Brenda came to Partnership’s shelter in mid-March after living with an abuser. He was emotionally abusive, controlled finances, and was jealous. Brenda explained she had started working a good job at Volkswagen. After she became pregnant, her abuser began to change.
First, he asked her not to work; he told her he would take care of her and make her car payment. Sadly, he couldn’t afford her car note, and Brenda lost her only means of transportation.
According to Brenda, she had no money and no income, and he increased the abuse. He finally told her he did not want to be with her and kicked her out of the house, keeping all her possessions.
The Call That Made All The Difference
Brenda tried to reach her family, but when she could not, she stayed in a hotel until her money ran out. During this time, she called Partnership’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline. She connected with a Case Manager who made the way for Brenda to come into the Domestic Violence Shelter.
During this time, Brenda began working at Jimmy John’s and Sese Industrial Service, a Volkswagen supplier. She continued working until she was 35 weeks pregnant.
Brenda received financial assistance through the HOME American Rescue Plan that assists individuals who are homeless, at-risk of homelessness, or otherwise vulnerable. Working alongside Housing Navigator, Tia, she finally secured an apartment. When she moved out, Partnership assisted with her much needed baby items and financial assistance.
Now settled in her new home, Brenda’s parents will watch her baby, and she will return to her job at Volkswagen.
A Safe Place to Heal and Rebuild
Brenda tells us Partnership’s Shelter is a great place “if individuals are determined and serious about getting away from their abusers.” She added that Partnership offered great resources, even though it was hard being in the Shelter sometimes.
“It became lonely and frustrating, but it allowed me to focus more on myself and my son,” she told her counselor, adding that the isolation gave her more motivation to get her affairs in order.
“The women were great and being around them built up my spirits,” she says, “I would look at my situation and realize it was not the end of the world. I saw there were people and other places that would help you get on your feet. I listened to others’ stories, and we would build each other up by sharing our stories.” According to Brenda, this helped her a lot to get through a very dark time.
Brenda says her case manager, Connie, was funny, patient, and encouraging. “She didn’t judge,” adds Brenda. “I felt secure, and she gave me the space to do what I needed to do – but with the sternness to keep me focused.”
Brenda adds, “I feel she was determined to guide me or get me what I needed, and I never had anyone advocate for me like that before. It helped me build my confidence, and it opened my eyes to real-life situations that women and men have endured, no matter their race or situation.”
