Clients share their stories

Richard S. was brought to us by an outreach worker from another program. He had been living in a make-shift tent in the woods and had numerous unaddressed medical issues. Once he became eligible for State insurance he received medical attention, surgery, and aftercare. He applied and became eligible for disability insurance. We were able to demonstrate his eligibility for the past several years and with this he was able to afford an apartment.

Zena J. was referred to us by the Alternative Incarceration Program. She completed a local treatment program, attended support meetings several times a week and remained drug free. She learned healthier coping skills and made friends with a new circle of people. She secured gainful employment, worked on a budget and saved her money. After hearing about a new housing development in Hartford, she applied and qualified. She is now living in her own apartment and for the first time in her life she is independent.

Jesse W.  Since a family breakup he had been going from shelter to shelter until he came to us. After regaining his personal records he applied for S.A.G.A. and food stamps. He beat the pavement looking for work and found employment. After saving some money he qualified for rental assistance and subsequently moved into his own apartment. Being with us provided him with the stabilization he needed to reassess his life and to move on.

Beth F. transferred to us from a shelter in another part of the State. She came to us with a history of substance abuse, mental illness, job losses and transiency. During her stay she remained drug free, attended N/A meetings, and, in her third week secured full-time employment with a cleaning company. She established a budget and began saving money. She also ended all the relationships she had with those from her former way of life. A local home owner called us and mentioned that they had an unoccupied bedroom that they would like to rent out. She met with Beth and they have been together ever since.

Latanya W. was an expecting mother who had been living in a complex that was closed due to deteriorating conditions. There was no heat and the owner would not turn it on when the weather got too cold for her and her 2 year old son. A local quilting guild was contacted and they delivered previously made items for her and the new born. Her child support was reinstated and the arrears was paid. She was reunified with her other child, found housing, applied and qualified for rental assistance and moved into her own apartment where she continues to live.

Russell B. came to us with a history of substance abuse. He also had chronic mental illness and chronic physical impairment causing chronic disability. His pattern of securing employment, achieving independence and then losing it all due to substance abuse had eroded his self-esteem. While with us he remained drug free, attended meetings, and graduated from a treatment program. He was referred to a Residential Treatment Program and, after satisfying their three month requirements, he qualified for their Supportive Living Program from which he hopes to enter into their Transitional Living Program for two more years of stabilization.

Robert G. had been staying with different friends for many years. He exhausted all of them and self-referred to us. Upon intake we discovered that he was a veteran and referred him to the Veterans Administration for support services. While staying with us he was able to get all of his records together and also to get medically treated through the V. A.. He qualified for their transitional housing program and, after being with us for 2 months, now resides there.

Gina D. had a history of substance abuse, domestic disturbance, and run ins with the legal system. She was referred to us by an alternative incarceration program. Having lost her D.S.S. benefits, she got these reinstated and, as a result, was able to get the medical treatment, including an operation, she needed. While she recovered medically she also remained drug free, attended support meetings, counseling sessions, and worked hard on her issues. She applied and qualified for the residential treatment program at Stonington and after successfully completing this, she is now in their Supportive Living Program. She plans to be a drug and alcohol counselor one day.

Joe H. relocated to our area from another part of the State. He was unemployed and in recovery from substance abuse. He was referred to a couple of local service providers and attended support meetings. Because of his many marketable skills, he quickly found full-time employment and stared saving money right away. Having expressed interest in settling in a different area, he applied and qualified for a residential treatment program in this community. He also found work there and, after completing this six month program he moved into their Transitional Living Program.

Olantha E. Her homelessness started when she left a relationship in the mid-80's in which there was physical abuse. She applied for Supplemental Security Income and also saved money from part-time employment. The basic needs assessment showed that she was eligible for a housing program in Hartford. She called, scheduled an intake, meet all of their criteria and moved into her first, subsidized apartment.

Roger S. found himself homeless due to de-institutionalization. Along with his physical health issues, he was also in recovery and was learning how to live life with a mental illness. He had previously completed several recovery programs and was referred to local counseling services. He became eligible to receive S.A.G.A. benefits and food stamps. During his stay with us he qualified for Shelter Plus Care and through this program obtained permanent housing.

Ken S. was referred to us from a discharging detox program in Hartford. His health concerns were addressed locally and his med's were readjusted. His substance abuse and mental health conditions were treated by a local provider. While attending their 6-week program he applied for a long term residential program in Torrington, where members of his family live. After getting his Certificate of Completion, this is where he moved.

A unemployed male resident came to us having substance abuse issues, suicidal ideation, and struggling with depression. At the time of intake he was not receiving any services addressing these challenges. He was immediately referred to an appropriate provider and participated in one of their programs with great success. Well into this program he was able to secure employment, save money and two months later, he transitioned into a long-term sober house. Joe recently came by to visit us again and is enjoying his longest period of sobriety.

Lisa came to us being nine months pregnant and within 3 weeks of her stay had her baby. A local quilt guild was contacted and they provided mother-to-be and the infant with blankets, booties, and a bedspread. This, along with the staff coordinated baby shower, provided her with everything she and baby needed.  One month after the baby was born, Lisa transitioned to her aunts house were she and the baby are well taken care of. Lisa and her daughter came to visit us six weeks later.

James came to us struggling with depression, diabetes, and high blood pressure.  He had lost his parents years earlier and had a long employment history. For medical reasons he had to stop working, causing him to lose his home. With staff advocacy and help, he was able to obtain SSI/SSDI income and qualify for Section 8 housing. He is now living independently once again and has regained his self-esteem. He is a periodic visitor and takes pleasure in telling us about his new home.

Matt was going through a divorce, battling depression, and was having medical issues that prevented his from working temporarily. He had no forms of support when he came to us. While a resident, he became eligible for benefits through the Dept. Of Social Services and obtained SAGA medical benefits, through which he was able to get medical treatment. Through treatment for his depression with a local provider he became stable. Since then he has been reunited with his children and they now lives independently out.