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Edith
Edith came into the Scattered Site program due to domestic violence. When she came into the program she had a full-time job and was attending classes at Bellevue University in their Accelerated Bachelor's Degree program. She was also taking classes through the Omaha 100 program to work toward purchasing her own home. She later got back into the relationship with her abuser, and was abused again severely. The abuser was moved out and a crisis plan was put in place. She was going to get a protection order, but never did, and as time passed, she began thinking about giving him time to get himself together and she would consider their relationship again. She then began having symptoms of a mental illness and wound up in the hospital, a partial program, and being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and depression. She also had some medical problems and struggled to function on a daily basis. She withdrew from school because she just could not handle it. She then was laid off from her job, and had to apply for full assistance from the State to survive. She decided that there was no way that she was going to be able to buy a house, so stopped going to the classes through the Omaha 100 program. She then had her van stolen and now she was without her own transportation. She was lucky enough during this time to have a lot of family support and support from this case manager, her psychiatrists, her therapist, and her friends.
Edith is not an individual that gives up easily, and her first priority is always her children. When she became more stable on her medications and money became very tight, she decided that she would have to get a job quickly. She went out and found a temporary job that worked into a full-time job with benefits, in an environment that she thoroughly enjoys. She can take time off when needed, she works Monday - Friday 8:30 to 4:30 and although she still has contact with her abuser (the children's father), she gets stronger and stronger every day, knowing that they will never be back together. She has her children in swimming, boy scouts, church, baseball, and makes sure that all of their needs are met. She gets a ride back and forth to work every day from a friend that she made at her temporary job. Her co-workers' gave her a gift certificate to Red Lobster because they appreciate what a hard worker she is, and some acquaintances gave her a washer and dryer because of how giving Edith has been to them. She is working on getting back into College, and is taking classes through her son's school to help her learn more about being a part in her children's academic success.
Edith donates things back to the Salvation Army on a regular basis. She has given her clothes and her children's clothes that they have outgrown, kid's shoes and boots, dishes and other kitchen goods. She feels that people have helped her out, so she can return that favor and help out others that need it. She appreciates all the support and assistance that she has been given, and she one day will most likely get her Bachelor's Degree in a helping profession. She is an inspiration and has been asked to do some motivational speaking to groups that could gain insight from someone that has experienced domestic violence along with many other hardships.
Brooke
Brooke was referred to the THRU Program after successfully completing the 37th Street Readiness Program. When Brooke was admitted into the THRU Program she was dealing with several obstacles in her life. Brooke had recently given birth to a little girl; and did not have a support system, she worked less than 15 hours per week, she was on federal probation, and had a 9th grade education. Brooke grew up in a single parent home however mom was in and out of jail and struggled with substance abuse issues. Brooke's father had been incarcerated for most of her life.
While in the THRU Program Brooke utilized resources provided through case management and obtained some life skills taught during the mandatory floor group meetings. Brooke was able to accomplish the following during her stay in the program: she enrolled in GED classes, obtained a CNA and Medical Assistance license, obtained additional employment, obtained a NE drivers license, completed classes and paid off her restitution. After several years on federal probation, Brooke completed all requirements of her probation and her case will be closing within the next month. Brooke completed the THRU Program and recently transitioned to a subsidized 2 bedroom apartment.