By Ann McCreedy | Grants Manager
Paula B. first walked in Bethany Women’s Center out of the summer heat. Her back ached, both her legs hurt, and she had tears in her eyes. She still remembers the time – 3:31 – because another client told her the day center was about to close. At that moment a staff member approached her, offered her a glass a water, and invited her to sit down. She was told to take the evening shuttle to N Street Village’s emergency shelter and come again the next morning for a welcome session. “I’ve never been so terrified in my life,” Ms. Paula says, “but I got on that shuttle with the other women.” When she arrived at the shelter that night, there were five beds available and she was the fifth person in line.
Ms. Paula has become an active participant in Bethany Women’s Center and much appreciated member of our community. In Bethany’s support groups she met other women who listened to her story and told her she was not alone. In classes like yoga and tai chi she continues her journey to physical health, inspired by other women doing the same. She has learned how to ask for help, but at the same time advocate for herself.
Ms. Paula now volunteers as the day services receptionist handing out supplies to clients and taking phone messages. In everything she does, Ms. Paula greets people with a loving smile and a calm and respectful demeanor. She has moved to one of N Street Village’s transitional housing programs. She is looking for a job and her own apartment. Keeping herself positive and driven throughout this process is not easy: “being homeless is a heartbreaking situation that can lead you into despair. It takes everything in me to get up and start the day, make appointments, apply for housing, and deal with the high level of rejection that comes with it.” However, she continues, “if you can come into a place where you know there’s going to be breakfast, lunch, and a lot of laughter … that helps.”
Thank you to the 126 donors who have raised $6,154. You all have provided nearly 5,000 meals to Ms. Paula and the other women who come to Bethany Women’s Center for a meal and a laugh.
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