Jenna's Story

The Mobile Case Manager from Cedar Valley Friends of the Family, a program funded in part by your gifts to Cedar Valley United Way, met with Jenny, a woman who had been a victim of domestic violence for over 20 years. She had four children with her abuser and endured verbal and physical abuse the entire duration of their relationship. She had left a time or two before, but this time she decided enough was enough. She had been staying with family and friends for over a month by the time she got in touch with Cedar Valley Friends of the Family. The Mobile Case Manager met with her to go over her financial situation and discuss her resources and barriers.

After getting to know her more, and going over a budget, her case manager recommended her to receive short-term crisis housing assistance, known as rapid rehousing. The client searched for a place to live, and once found, the case manager conducted a brief health and safety inspection. The case manager helped the client communicate with her landlord and understand the rental agreement she was about to enter into.

Once she was housed, the client began working with the Department of Human Services on starting her own daycare in her home for employment. Had it not been for this United Way funded program, this dream would not have become a reality for her. After three months of our assistance, her daycare was up and running, and she was able to pay her rent and pay all other bills on time, independently. She had even managed to save enough for a down payment on her own vehicle for the first time in over 20 years.

After being a victim for so long, she decided she was now a survivor and was looking forward to the future. She reports feeling overwhelmed with the joy of having meaning in her life again after so long of feeling unloved and useless.