Susan had been living out of state with her husband and three children. She had been a domestic violence victim since the beginning of her marriage. As her children grew older and began asking questions, Susan knew it was time to make a change. She packed what she could in her car, and she and the kids moved to Iowa.

Susan’s plan was to find a job, get the kids in school, and find a small affordable apartment. She was not able to find a job right away but did enroll the kids in school. The family rented a motel room with money Susan had saved.

Through the homeless liaison at her kids’ school, Susan heard about a local shelter. She made the call to shelter services and checked into Willis Dady.

Within her first week at Willis Dady, shelter staff helped Susan find a full-time, first-shift job. This was ideal, as she was able to pick her kids up from school every day.

The Willis Dady case manager also referred Susan to a housing program. Within a few weeks, she received news that her apartment was ready for move in. The apartment also happened to come fully furnished!

Susan and her children are doing well. Susan told the Willis Dady staff that she is looking forward to what lies ahead for her and her family.