Finding Their Way Home

Dawn and Ernest have not had an
easy life. As a child, Dawn endured
severe physical and verbal abuse. She
was able to escape her nightmare
through marriage, but lacked the
skills necessary to be able to nurture
that relationship. Facing divorce, she
was unable to support herself and her
small children, which led to her
children being removed from her
care.
Ernest's childhood was much like
Dawn's. He left home at a young age
and began working odd jobs to
support himself. He is definitely no
stranger to hard work. Ernest held
several seasonal jobs, but nothing
permanent that was able to provide
him with a significant source of
income.
Dawn and Ernest found each other
while staying at the Inclement
Weather Center in 2011. Discovering
their similar backgrounds and
common future goals, they learned
to support each other through their
journey of recovery.
They came to Transitions in 2013 and
committed themselves to completing
the program. It was hard. They were
challenged by the day to day
expectations of a shelter environment
which conflicted with the freedoms they
preferred; however, they were able to
overcome. They persevered and saved
money-they were determined to live a
life of normalcy.
Ernest and Dawn have since graduated
from Transitions and moved into an
apartment of their own. Ernest is
working full-time and recently reported
that he has been made a Supervisor at
his job. Dawn has been able to see her
children more often and is pursuing
part-time custody of them.
We are proud of all Dawn and Ernest
have accomplished, and we wish them
the best of luck with their future!