Success Story - Kim
Kim* is 33 years old. She has been on her own since the age of 12 and
is a survivor of childhood abuse. Kim is now in the process of writing
another chapter of her story, one that includes independence, growth and
success.
In having to support herself Kim learned
how to “dance”; she danced at parties and in clubs. She was living from day to day, maintaining, trying
to survive, paying bills and always wishing for something better. Eventually
she found a clerical job to assist in making ends meet.
Last year Kim lost her job, lost her
apartment and could not afford school. She currently has an associate’s degree
and only needs 33 additional credits to obtain her bachelor’s degree. She went back to dancing for a short period
and was arrested during a police sting. She was mandated to complete two social
service sessions with a case manager as part of our alternative to
prostitution program. Her court mandate is now complete and we are
working on her goals, one at a time.
Kim has been trying to find a job but has
not come up with any leads. Her case manager passed along a few job referrals
and she quickly connected with one of the programs. Kim attended the HOPE Program's initial testing session and she will begin a 4-month
vocational training on January 21st. Additionally, Kim will attend a second employment training at another organization that is
a partner of Bronx Community Solutions, Employment Works. She
continues to work on becoming financially independent and securing a place to
live. Once she secures employment, Kim intends to
pursue her bachelor’s degree.
As part of her growth and healthy choices, during
our sessions Kim recognized several domestic violence dynamics in her
current relationship. We discussed the topics of power and control
in depth. We examined domestic violence materials
that identify the cycle and tactics within an
abusive relationship. At one point Kim exclaimed, “I
recognize everything on this power and control wheel, this is exactly my
relationship.” In achieving this awareness, Kim. made an
important break-through. She decided this was not a healthy relationship,
and that she deserves better.
Kim is on the road to empowerment; she
continues to get stronger with every step.
- Melissa Novock
Bronx Community Solutions STARS Case Manager
*name has been changed
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