Need By Need

The following is a poem written by one of the women who has participated in The Women’s Shelter’s program.

The Corner of Life

By C.J.

It’s a two story – Big house

            Standing on the corner of life.

Its large screened porch gives you a sense

            of safety and home.

As a cloud of uncertainty hangs in the air,

            As I stand at the door – then step inside-

The wide open spaces catch my eye.

            A large dining room table, lined with glasses

And placemats – A warm reminder of a life

            gone by…

            Across the room – the caretakers await.

Just to guide me through this new life.

            One strong and stately – filled with drive,

            commitment and love

            The other comforting and wise.  She’s filled-

            with a vision of hope.

            Yet another awaits to catch you—

            should you make it through.

Overwhelming emotions always threaten to

            Take control – Should I run, Should

                        I stay?  The question lives in

            the back of my mind.

                        As I stand in the big house,

                        On the corner of life.

To learn more about The Women’s Shelter and to make a donation towards fulfilling their need, please click here or on the donation button below.

Update 4/13/09: We have reached our goal of $300 needed to buy The Women’s Shelter two new vacuums! Thank you so much for your generosity! Be sure to check back later to read the thank you letter from The Women’s Shelter.

The following is the personal story of one of the former residents of The Women’s Shelter.

The Rewards of my New Life
written by: former resident

My name is Joanne and I am a resident of The Women’s Shelter Transitional Program. I was born in Allendale, SC and at an early age I felt resentment because I was abandoned by my mother as an infant and my father’s family constantly reminded me of this in hurtful ways. I didn’t feel wanted or a part of the family. I escaped these feelings by associating with people on “the wrong side of the tracks.” We partied, used drugs and alcohol and this helped to fill the emptiness within me. However, this led to a life of chaos: prostitution, living on the streets, abusive relationships, the loss of relationships and trust with friends and family members, selling drugs and four incarcerations.

It was during my last incarceration that I was forced to find a new way of living. When I first came to the shelter I only planned to stay 10 months—just until I was off parole. However, my plans changed as I began to change during my time at the shelter. I was shown unconditional love by the staff and other residents, I was attending lots of meetings and classes and participating in new “clean” events. I began to feel that I was creating a “normal” life for myself. This program has been an inspiration to me. I have been here for 23 months and I am even working part time at the shelter. Most recently, I earned something I never thought was possible, a savings account.

Ms. Kathy took me to the bank and I was petrified that my old life would come back to haunt me. During the normal procedures of taking my social security number and name, I was scared the teller was calling the police on me or that some old warrant I didn’t know about was going to surface. Instead, my new way of living led me to a healthy savings account with none of the old trouble. When I left the bank the police were not waiting on me—instead it was just Ms. Kathy still there supporting me all the way.

If anyone can identify with anything in my past, the Women’s Shelter is where you need to be. There is a life out there. As bad as my life was I now have my own apartment, a great job, peace of mind, sobriety, a wonderful support network, and… a savings account. Thank you to everyone that supports The Women’s Shelter, the place I now call home.

To learn more about The Women’s Shelter and to make a donation towards fulfilling their need, please click here or on the donation button below.

Update 4/13/09: We have reached our goal of $300 needed to buy The Women’s Shelter two new vacuums! Thank you so much for your generosity! Be sure to check back later to read the thank you letter from The Women’s Shelter.