Jada is a 36-year-old single mother of two that enrolled in the Heartland House Program after leaving an abusive relationship and then staying in an emergency shelter for 30 days. Her two children, ages 13 and 11 witnessed much of their mother's abuse over 6 months, until their father started to abuse them too. Jada knew at that moment that she had to leave the only home she had known for the past 18 years.
She and the children left for emergency shelter on a Monday morning after a rather tumultuous weekend. She gathered up all of the clothing and other belongings she could fit into three small suitcases and several grocery bags. After they were settled in at the shelter, the staff gave her the information for the Heartland House. She contacted Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership and applied for the program.
Jada stated, "I was in such a dark place in my life. I had felt like a failure to myself, my marriage and to my children. I loved my husband. I still love him. But, something changed in him and I couldn't stay anymore. He started to hurt my babies and I just couldn't stay anymore."
Jada enrolled into the Heartland House Program and moved into an apartment with her children. Jada stated, "I can't even imagine where I would be right now without the help of this program. They helped me find furniture and other stuff that I needed for the apartment. They helped me feel whole and important. I don't think I have ever felt like that. More importantly, my kids are healthy and in a good spot right now. They are going to school every day, have friends and are happy. I even know how to manage my money! I am saving up to buy my oldest child a car when he gets a driver's license. He is so excited."
Through the turmoil of leaving an abusive relationship, to finding stability for her family through the rapid re-housing of Heartland House, Jada has gotten on her feet. She is currently going to school to become a phlebotomist and has moved into a larger apartment closer to her job.
Your support of Sioux Empire United Way helps people in crisis through Heartland House. Last year, the program served 119 families and 67% entered permanent stable housing after completing program.
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