Strengthening Individuals and Families – to care for themselves and their children

Mary first came into contact with People Against Domestic Abuse (PADA) after her husband Mark’s violence escalated to such a degree that Mary suffered multiple broken bones caused by a punch to the face. At the hospital, Mary was interviewed by a deputy from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. The deputy gave Mary’s contact information to PADA and an advocate contacted her immediately. The following was written by Mary herself:

“My advocate was there for me through every step of the way. She went with me to my apartment to help me get supplies so I and my children could hide out while the police were looking for my husband. They helped me file all the paperwork for my divorce and restraining order. There was an advocate with me for every trial and hearing. They made sure I had diapers from my baby and called regularly to see how we were doing. My advocate was at the hospital before I went into (reconstructive) surgery (to repair the damage done to my face). I would have never made it through the first 3 months without PADA because like so many other abused women my family had walked away from me…PADA has also been there for me in the aftermath. I have attended their support groups and yearly vigils ever since that fateful day. My advocate was there for me when my ex-husband (Mark) was finally released from jail and the PADA staff have helped me with the many dilemmas that have arisen through the years with having to deal with my abuser due to a mutual child.”

Recently, PADA staff helped Mary obtain a second, four year restraining order against Mark as the previous restraining order had expired and Mark had begun to harass and threaten Mary again. The Attorney/Advocate also assisted Mary in drafting and filing paperwork to change legal custody and placement of Mary and Mark’s child exclusively to Mary. Mary is now working full-time, providing full financial and emotional support for her children and herself, and living in a safe environment free from abuse.

Encouraging Knowledge and Independence

In 1997, Bill sustained a traumatic brain injury and was hospitalized for several months of rehabilitation. As a result of the injury, Bill lost all of his skills and abilities and needed to re-learn how to walk, talk, eat and groom himself as well as other activities of daily living.

In addition to Bill’s physical disabilities, he was additionally challenged in that he was oriented to neither time nor place. Upon discharge from the hospital in 1998, Bill was referred to the High Needs Program at Opportunities, Inc. for continued training and rehabilitation.

Over the course of the past five years, Bill has shown improvements and is now able to walk, talk, and eat. Although Bill is not yet oriented to time or place, his trek towards independence continues, and in 2003 Bill began music therapy, as he enjoys singing and moving to the music.

Providing Basic Community Needs – during time of uncertainty

“I loved my job as an auto mechanic, until I became very ill” said Dan from Whitewater. “I was diagnosed with a severe reaction from breathing in exhaust fumes everyday and I’ve been struggling with health problems ever since including a heart attack.”

Dan never finished high school and didn’t have any insurance while experiencing these problems. Dan’s a single parent to a young son and not long after his heart attack, he lost his apartment. “I didn’t want to loose him too, I was desperate” said Dan. During a medical appointment Dan expressed his concerns and current situation to his doctor who in turn told Dan about the Bethel House.

Dan contacted Bethel House, which provides transitional housing and case management, and was admitted into the Bethel House program. Dan worked closely with the agency’s program coordinator. According to Dan, “She encouraged me when I wasn’t sure I could make it. I’ve started a new job now. I have a new apartment and I didn’t loose my son. I never knew this kind of kindness existed. We are very thankful for Bethel House and all the wonderful people who helped us when we had nowhere else to turn.”