Guest Feature: Patience through a Complicated Stabilization Process
Molly* is a long-term guest of Women’s Lunch Place, who we first began working with when she was discharged from the hospital to our care. She had been experiencing severe physical and emotional abuse from her partner, and she still struggles with mental and physical disabilities that stem from this violence.
We first welcomed Molly into our non- judgmental environment, and as with all our new guests, we took the time to understand who she was and what her needs were. WLP Advocates began their relationship with Molly by intentionally focusing on her safety––securing a restraining order and referring her to an Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) support group. The Advocates guided her through basic tasks, like settling an outstanding phone bill, getting a primary care physician, and changing the locks on her apartment.
Within a year, WLP supported Molly through a successful housing search––her Section 8 voucher quickened the process––and began what was then an informal stabilization procedure. An Advocate sourced furniture, linens, and food for the new apartment, which Molly would be sharing with three of her friends.
Her current Advocate, Imani Jones, describes Molly as “thoughtful and generous,” but notes that she has had a history of being manipulated by people close to her. For example, shortly after moving into her new apartment, Molly’s roommates began to demand regular payments and would physically assault her when she resisted. There were other disruptions, and her Section 8 housing voucher was in jeopardy as a result. Eventually, through a months-long negotiation with her landlord and Metro Housing Boston, WLP was able to assist Molly, and her roommates were removed from the lease.
Violence, loneliness, isolation, and neglect have been lifelong challenges for Molly, and she makes decisions that are unsafe as a result. We recognize that she is at high risk for repeat victimization. For example, at one point she began a relationship with a man who initially provided protection from her former abuser. Eventually, Molly’s new partner began to steal and spend her food stamps, leaving her with nothing at the end of the month.
Through a thoughtful approach, WLP has been able to provide a variety of creative solutions to address Molly’s unique risk factors. Her Advocate, Imani, counsels her on managing personal relationships, advising her to direct friends in need to organizations like WLP.
Currently, her barriers continue to keep gainful employment out of Molly’s reach, and her sole source of income is her monthly Social Security Disability Insurance. To support Molly’s independence, Imani taught her how to create a budget, order groceries online, and, to fulfill a lifelong goal for Molly, access a computer to begin writing her life story. To address her physical limitations and loneliness, Imani guided Molly through successful applications for a personal care assistant and emotional support pet.
Molly now enjoys her clean, organized home, and the friendly cat that keeps her company. She felt empowered to leave her boyfriend, and since then, according to Imani, she has become happier and more stable, and still comes to WLP for our welcoming community, safety, and the opportunity to meet new friends.
Molly has gone from having no support systems to a variety of options within and outside of WLP. With the guidance and training she has received, she knows that she is now able to navigate complex problems, and this has decreased her chances of being victimized. Her recovery and emotional healing are statements of strength and a reclaimed identity. “She has managed to keep her sense of generosity while learning to say no,” says Imani.
Throughout her journey, our team has empowered Molly, rather than completing tasks for her. We have focused on building a trusting relationship and collecting small successes to boost her confidence, hope, and optimism for the future. The goal of this work has been to prevent repeat victimization and reduce vulnerability––and with each obstacle she has overcome, Molly has taken one step closer to greater independence.
[This story appears in our latest Annual Report.]
*Molly’s name has been changed for privacy.