I came from Boston MA and found my self in a predicament with a family I trusted in Greenbay where…read moreI was sexually assaulted by the very friend that I trusted. Not knowing anyone in Wisconsin, I ended up in the Golden House who put me up for 3 days, even though they didn't have any room.
I told them if I could get to Milwaukee, it being a city, and me being a Boston City woman, I could make it some how. But when my advocate called around, every domestic violence facility was full.
They put me on a bus to Milwaukee, and paid my way.
Once in Milwaukee, I called a few numbers such as the Cathedral Center but the line kept ringing busy. By this time, I was sitting outsite the bus terminal where the Greyhound left me off. I was sitting on 5 duffle bags, everything that I owned in the world at that time.
I was so scared, crying and not knowing what to do. I WAS AGE 60 AT THE TIME.
I prayed and said, God if you can just get me to a storage facility such as Public storage, I can live with my items, (I had a lot of business outfits), until I can find a job.
When the last bus left the station, I couldn't believe it. What was across the street from me was LIFE STORAGE! But there were problems. 1. I had 5 duffle bags and I couldn't lift them all to go across the street. And 2. I had a storage unit in Lynn, MA were I came from and I knew THEY HAD CAMERAS! So most likely, living in the unit was probably not an option.
I began to panic! The I heard THE MOST HIGH GOD SAY, "CALL SOJOURNER!"
I said, "GOD, my advocate from Greenbay just called them yesterday and they said they have no room!" I heard the voice again and HE SAID, "CALL THEM!" Though I was reluctant, I did!
The beautiful voice name Dianna answered the phone and I told her my story, and she said, "WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! I AM SENDING A CAB TO COME GET YOU! I swear, her voice sounded like an angel, and it was almost like she was singing with a heavenly orchastra as she spoke.
That was in Sept. of 2018. I was only suppose to stay there for 30 days, but they allowed me to stay for 9 months until I was able to land a senior citizen apartment in Milwaukee.
I WOULD BE FOREVER GRATEFUL! I still tear up, when I think of the generosity of Ms. Dolly, Ms. Adele, Ms. Julianna, MY FAVORITE, her compassion especially for the children was so sincere.
And Ms. Serita who save my life when my blood pressure spike and she said, "Ms. TERESA, could it those greens that you cooked down might have too much salt? Yep, that was what it was. And then there were volunteers like Kate, who brought in her own dishes and cups etc. to keep us stocked when "things would disappear".
When I first got there there was this beautiful African Staff member. They let me behind the desk the first time because that is where I store my water. But she politely told me, "No, you cant come back here becauseof confidentiality. Then I saw all the computers and said, I AM SO SORRY. The point is, she talked to me with such respect. And she use to tell me to stand up straight...LOL! I wish I could remember her name. I just remember how beautiful she was. Short afro, beautiful dark skin.
And the director Ms. Carmen, came out of a meeting just to help me when I was distraught about a moving situation.
THE RESPECT FOR THE RESIDENTS IS REAL!
And I remember Ms. Rianne. I always got the pronunciation of her name mixed up with my nieces who's name was Ryanne. But she always answered me anyways. LOL!
Although, there was a few issues... I am old and I left a "FEW NOTES AROUND" for other residents when I felt they didn't respect or took for granted Sojourner and may be they should have kicked me out... LOL... BUT THEY DIDN'T. I believe the staff was wise enough to know that I did what I did because I left notes out of appreciation for all that they did for me.
And I may not have left under the best circumstances because of miscommunication... There is their version and then there is mine... (I'll leave it at that), If I ever win the Mega Millions or Power Ball, I told Ms. Adele, that the first check I would write would be for 1 Million dollars to the Sojourner truth house so they can build on top of the top floor a computer center just for us so we wouldn't have to compete for time with the Sojourner Peace Center.
Since then, it is now 2021, I have my 2nd place in a senior citizens blg. in Brown Deer. I am retired, and I have made Wisconsin my home. I am safe, I have a beautiful apartment and live close to the lake where all I hear are ducks quacking, geese flying over head and turkeys walking about.
I COULDN'T HAVE MADE IT WITHOUT THEM!
Everyone who has the means, should donate to the Sojourner, where the homeless have access to computers to search for apartments and jobs, help in finding a job, book clubs, furniture assistance, ACCUPUNCTURE, MASSAGES and an array of programs to help a person of domestic violence get back up on there feet.
Teresa