The following is a recent success story about a STARS client at Bronx Community Solutions.Kim* is 33 years old. She has been on her own since the age of 12 andis a survivor of childhood abuse. Kim is now in the process of writinganother chapter of her story, one that includes independence, growth andsuccess.
In having to support herself Kim learnedhow to “dance”; she danced at parties and in clubs. She was living from day to day, maintaining, tryingto survive, paying bills and always wishing for something better. Eventuallyshe found a clerical job to assist in making ends meet.
Last year Kim lost her job, lost herapartment and could not afford school. She currently has an associate’s degreeand only needs 33 additional credits to obtain her bachelor’s degree. She went back to dancing for a short periodand was arrested during a police sting. She was mandated to complete two socialservice sessions with a case manager as part of our alternative toprostitution program. Her court mandate is now complete and we areworking on her goals, one at a time.
Kim has been trying to find a job but hasnot come up with any leads. Her case manager passed along a few job referralsand she quickly connected with one of the programs. Kim attended the HOPE Program's initial testing session and she will begin a 4-monthvocational training on January 21st. Additionally, Kim will attend a second employment training at another organization that isa partner of Bronx Community Solutions, Employment Works. Shecontinues to work on becoming financially independent and securing a place tolive. Once she secures employment, Kim intends topursue her bachelor’s degree.
As part of her growth and healthy choices, duringour sessions Kim recognized several domestic violence dynamics in hercurrent relationship. We discussed the topics of power and controlin depth. We examined domestic violence materialsthat identify the cycle and tactics within anabusive relationship. At one point Kim exclaimed, “Irecognize everything on this power and control wheel, this is exactly myrelationship.” In achieving this awareness, Kim. made animportant break-through. She decided this was not a healthy relationship,and that she deserves better.
Kim is on the road to empowerment; shecontinues to get stronger with every step.- Melissa Novock Bronx Community Solutions STARS Case Manager
*name has been changed
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