Tawana

Mainstay taught me how to make better decisions

Following an extended 5 year abusive relationship, Tawana became homeless. Realizing the degree to which she had lost her independence, she decided she wanted to get her life together free from abuse. She had little self-esteem and awareness that she existed as an individual.

She said that while she was in the abusive relationship she made bad choices and it took her a while to see that bad decisions will pull you from your family and "it is a life nobody wants to live". She states that she felt like a bad mother exposing her kids to the abuse and felt that she was alone in dealing with it. She lost contact with her children due to the abuse.

Tawana wanted to make better choices and get her life together, free from violence. She was accepted into the Mainstay shelter program. In addition to shelter, Mainstay provided case management, counseling and support group for Tawana. She set goals and is following through with them with the encouragement of the staff and mentioned she has learned to take the responsibility for her tasks and meetings instead of just letting things go without following through. She has finally got her self-esteem back and is working on her self-consciousness. Tawana feels she is better at handling situations than before coming to Mainstay.

She has become more self-sufficient and focuses on the positive things. She is more honest and accepts responsibility. Tawana feels like she is a leader or mentor to the other women in shelter. She is utilizing her talents and interests by starting an arts and crafts session in the shelter with the children and she often cooks for the women in the shelter.

She is working on obtaining her GED and will be working with a GED tutor who volunteers her services to Mainstay clients. Tawana was able to access the medications she needs for her health and has reconnected with her children. Her daughter now lets her spend time with her grandson who is 16 months old.