By Ann McCreedy | Grants Manager
Ms. Diane first came to the Village in spring 2016. She remembers coming to her first welcome session in Bethany Women’s Center. She began participating in Bethany’s activities and regularly attended the peer support group ‘Day By Day,’ the trivia class ‘Mystery Solvers,’ and the Weight Watchers group ’50,50,50.’ Ms. Diane was a dynamic presence in these groups who often brought thoughtful and funny commentary. More than just filling her time, she says that these activities, “gave me the opportunity to be around other people and kept my mind off other things so I wouldn’t go into a depression.” Soon after becoming a participant in day programming, Ms. Diane moved from living at the DC General Shelter to N Street’s new low-barrier shelter in Chinatown, Patricia Handy Place for Women.
Ms. Diane recently celebrated moving into her own apartment and having her disability benefits approved. Having a place of her own again means, “peace, quiet, being able to set my own schedule and choose what I want to do. I’m not fully back to my own lifestyle but I’m halfway there.” She is still in the process of setting up her apartment and turning it into a home. At the top of her list is a fully-stocked kitchen where she can exercise her love of cooking and invite her grandkids over for meals. Reflecting on her journey as a member of N Street Village, Ms. Diane emphasizes the importance of being together with other women, figuring out what your goals are, and “getting out there to do the footwork.”
So far this year, we have served over 20,000 meals in Bethany Women’s Center. We never turn away someone in need. We are grateful to the seventy-three donors who have purchased over 3,300 of those meals.
Every dollar helps! As the weather turns colder, we will begin serving more women through the winter. We are open every day regardless of weather closures to serve every woman who walks through the door.
By Ann McCreedy | Grants Manager
By Ann McCreedy | Grants Manager
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