29 August 2009
We’ve compiled some success stories that you’ve made possible in the past year thanks to your gift. These are just a few samplings of the real-life ways you’ve made substantial “before-and-after” transformations this year.
From Homeless to Hopeful
Formerly homeless, Frank came to the Wings Enrichment Center from a local transition house. He was in need of skills to gain employment and to function in a work environment.
Frank began attending the Job Club at Wings. Here he learned how to use woodworking equipment, such as saws and sanders. With these new skills and a real boost of self esteem, he was able to obtain gainful employment. His next goal is to save enough money to move into his own home, something he’s never had.
Wings helps clients dealing with mental illnesses to avoid self-isolation and depression. It helps increase their confidence, providing a sense of community, keeping them stable, helping to avoid hospitalization. Wings also is one of the best ways to combat the stigma that often comes with mental illness.
Before coming to Wings “Kathy” isolated herself, rarely coming out of her home. She had no friends, no social life and no form of support. Uncomfortable speaking to others, she lacked confidence. Through the advice of a counselor, Kathy began coming to Wings. Today, Kathy is an active member, volunteering her time five days a week, attending support groups and social functions. She’s made many friends and has expressed her gratitude for the support and confidence that Wings has given her. She has said, “Had it not been for Wings, I would still be alone.”
Samantha and Beth have been friends for more than eight years after being matched Brothers Big Sisters program when Samantha was eight years old. Over 165 local residents are in the program.
Mentors guide teens through turbulent times
“Sally” was matched with a mentor named “Margaret” in 2003 in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Sally grew up living with her dad because she could not get along with her mother. Her father led a dysfunctional life with drug and alcohol use. Sally was often home without parental supervision most of the time and raised herself. She would either skip school or not complete assignments.
In the beginning of the mentoring relationship, Sally had some major trust issues which made it difficult for Margaret to connect with her. Margaret did not give up and encouraged her about the importance of her education.
Over time, they became close friends. Margaret was always there for Sally. She was the one consistent person in Sally’s life. This June, Sally graduated from high school.
“Margaret is so amazing and has the biggest heart ever,” Sally wrote in a letter. “Margaret and her husband went above and beyond for me. It has been six years and no money or thank you could ever make up for everything she has done for me. I was seriously blessed when she walked into my life.”
More than just a Gathering Place
The Richwood Civic Center boasts more than 500 members who take part in dozens of social activities each week. But the free Senior Advocate Program started three years ago helps senior citizens with all sorts of personal issues.
Some elderly can’t go online for themselves or understand voice mail systems. One big challenge for seniors can be reading confusing mail and avoiding scams.
This year, “Greta,” an 87-year old Community Apartment resident with diabetes and advanced muscular degeneration came into the office on a regular basis because she couldn’t read her mail. Writing checks, paying bills, or even sending a birthday card was a challenge, and Greta needed help. The Civic Center’s Senior Advocate, Connie Carter, worked with her to keep her affairs in order and her checkbook balanced.
With no family close by, her son suggested that she come live in an assisted living facility near him. Connie applied for long lost spousal support benefits from the VA, took care of her insurance and drug plans, and assisted her son to help arrange everything Greta needed for a safe move.
LEFT: A team of volunteers from Scotts Miracle-Gro helped build and plant a raised-bed garden for Union County Senior Services on United Way’s Community Care Day in May. RIGHT: Betty Norviel, of Union County Senior Services, shows how the garden has blossomed through the summer. Seniors are welcome to pick from the garden, exercising their green thumbs without bending over or worrying about fully maintaining their own garden. Tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, basil, and oregano are currently available. Extra food is donated to area food pantries.
Turning Point teaches skills that reach generations
“Tammy” is a teacher. She recognizes problems stemming from home issues in the kids that she teaches daily. By most standards, she has it all; a lovely home, a job she enjoys, two beautiful children. But Tammy also has an abusive husband.
When her son started bullying other children, she realized he had learned the behavior from his father. Tammy believed that the abuse at home was her fault, and her problem. She claimed her children’s father would never hurt them. But he was teaching them that to get your way you should degrade, demoralize, and you must stay in control.
While at the Turning Point domestic violence shelter, it became evident that her children were also controlling her. Tammy didn’t know how to take control back. Through Turning Point she was linked to needed resources, including trauma intervention, counseling, and parenting classes. Tammy admits she had to be re-taught her parenting skills.
In a shelter for only a short time, she is now living on her own with her children in a violence-free home. Tammy credits Turning Point for opening her eyes and allowing her to become a better mother and more self empowered.