All shelter guest names are changed to protect their identity.

Carla came to Lawrence Community Shelter from a substance abuse treatment facility. She was trying to stay off drugs and to start a new life. She had lost her children and her apartment and was very depressed. We got her into Bert Nash and she began therapy. She began taking antidepressants and in a short time was feeling better.

Carla found a job very quickly. She never missed a day of work and found that she liked what she was doing. She began looking for apartments. She found a room which was much cheaper than an apartment would be. She felt that way she could save for a car. She moved into the room very recently.

Carla was very focused on her goals and she was able to see the big picture day by day. She was willing to be patient with her therapy and her job and to take the time to do what she needed to do to get out of the shelter. She has been able to stay off drugs. Carla was not typical, but she was gratifying to work with because she followed my suggestions and was able to follow through. I hope she will be successful in the future.