A Resident's Story
Carolyn
Carolyn is a survivor. She has survived an abusive marriage, homelessness, divorce, depression, financial hardship, and fear the battle against fear, of course, ongoing.
Carolyn is originally from Alabama. Carolyn had never been on public assistance, but when her divorce was finalized in June 1995, she had no income and was unable to work because she was attempting to hide from her abusive ex-husband, who was stalking her. Her job as a day care worker had ended when the child care center closed. She had a small amount of money saved, but had no idea what to do. Her work history was limited and she was without a completed Bachelors degree.
A long time friend encouraged her to move to New York to find work or finish her degree and, in July 1997, she moved to Syracuse under an Order of Protection against her ex-husband, with the assistance of the Penelope House for Abused Women in Alabama.
But from the beginning nothing went right. Her friend's own situation soon forced her to move out to find her own residence earlier than anticipated. She was unprepared and had now exhausted all her savings. Through word of mouth, she heard about Wilson Commencement Park.
Carolyn came to Wilson Commencement Park in November 1997. Her individual progress plan called for her to work with a mentor, attend school, get help with parenting skills, and begin counseling to improve her own self-esteem. She has achieved all these goals through attending classes at Wilson Commencement Park, with the exception of attending formal school classes. However, her employment at the Industrial Management Council (a temporary position which has become full-time) offers her the opportunity to attend internal training sessions.
