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Grace came to Together We Cope looking for assistance with her first month’s rent and security deposit for her new apartment. During the intake process, Grace disclosed that she was four months pregnant with her first child. She was experiencing difficulties with the pregnancy and had to take time off from work per her doctor’s orders. Tears fell down her cheeks as she spoke. Tina, Together We Cope’s client service advocate, handed grace a tissue. Tina sensed that there was a lot more to Grace’s story then she was telling. At that moment, Grace began to sob uncontrollably. Her speech was incoherent as she tried to tell Tina her story. Tina held her hand while she cried. Grace repeated the same phrase over and over, “he will not stop! He will not stop!” Finally, the words came out clearly. “he will not stop kicking me in the stomach!” “Who?” “my boyfriend”, choked Grace. “He comes home at night after he has been drinking and he wakes me up by kicking me in the stomach. I am trying to leave him, however, he keeps taking my money. If I do not give him my money, he will keep hurting me.” Tina reassured Grace that she would do everything that she could to help her. “The main concern at this point is the safety of you and the baby”. Tina sat with Grace as she dialed the number for the domestic violence shelter. Grace trembled as she told the advocate on the phone her story. They had an opening for her that evening. Grace had nothing with her but the clothes on her back. Tina gave her a voucher to the Together We Cope Sensible Shoppe so that she was able to get some clothing. The food pantry packed an emergency personal bag filled with toiletries. Grace came back to Together We Cope three weeks later looking healthier and well rested. Through a combination of funding sources Together We Cope was able to help Grace with the security deposit for her new apartment. Several months later Tina received a phone call from Grace; she had a healthy baby girl. She said, “I couldn’t have done it without your help. I am safe and happy. This is just one story. Each day, families experiencing a crisis come to Together We Cope for help. Please consider becoming a ‘Monthly Giving Donor’ by calling the office. Your regular scheduled contribution will provide Together We Cope with the steady, reliable support needed to assist all of those in need. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
