Transitioning Out
St. Vincent de Paul operates a transitional shelter for elderly and disabled adults, called Ozanam Manor. It’s nice to hear stories of how the residents of the shelter can achieve a new level of success in their lives, from their own hard work as well as that of our caring staff and volunteers. Laura’s story is just one of many.
Laura was referred by an Outreach Specialist at the VA Medical Center in January 2010. She is a veteran, was in the Army, and was honorably discharged. She had become homeless due to lacking financial resources and mental and physical disabilities. Laura came from an abusive background which led to her addictions to drugs and alcohol. However, through extensive counseling and working her programs, she has maintained sobriety for over two years and eventually overcome her trauma.
As a result of her commitment to her programs and successfully achieving her goals, all previous criminal convictions have been expunged from her record. After many months working with her therapist and medical doctors, Laura is now stable on her medication and was recently awarded Social Security Disability income.
During her tenure at Ozanam Manor, Laura met weekly with her case manager and the VA Outreach Specialist, and was active in daily peer group meetings and recreational therapy at the VA. She will soon have new teeth from the VA and CASS dental clinic. Laura successfully moved out of Ozanam Manor and into Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH). She also found a kitten wandering the grounds of the shelter and adopted her when she moved out.
Click the image to see a video of Laura
Finally, Laura participated in the Ozanam Manor/VFW Post 3513 Veteran Oral History Project. When asked how Ozanam Manor has affected her situation and life today, she stated, “Ozanam Manor has helped me in my recovery. I’ve got two years clean of all drugs and alcohol, and they are instrumental in me growing more in my recovery. I know I’m on the right path so Ozanam Manor has really helped me grow up more, and I love it there.”
Laura was recently featured in a video about a group of volunteers who create special parties at Ozanam Manor. She’s the resident quoted at the end of this two minute video.
