Ramona's Story

Ramona

In October, supporters received a letter in the mail that told the story of Ramona, a guest at LPCS.  Romona had been homeless for four years, bouncing between drug treatment programs, family members, and overnight emergency shelters. Like many guests, Romona had seen her descent into homelessness as a wake-up call about her drug addiction. In her time on the streets she had worked hard to get - and remain - sober; no easy task when one's living arrangements are so unstable. When she came to LPCS, Romona was sober, but stuck - and ready to make a change.  Her story was one of perseverance and hope. During her seven months at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter, Romona was able to face her fears and insecurities, and gain the confidence and skills she needed to be successful. Just before the letter mailed, Romona moved into her own apartment.

But our work with Romona did not stop once she was no longer homeless. Since moving out, Romona has stayed in touch with her case manager and continued working toward her long-term goals with the support of the LPCS community. The housing program in which she lives offers fully subsidized rent, but she has been determined to take over the lease on her own. Since leaving LPCS, she enrolled in GED classes, was able to have her minor criminal record sealed, and continued attending extra classes and groups offered by her job training program.

Romona’s hard work has paid off! We’re proud to report that Romona is now working in housekeeping at a local nursing home near where she lives. We were honored to be one of her first calls with the good news, and will continue to support her as she works toward other life goals. Romona will forever be a part of the LPCS “family.”

Over the years, LPCS has worked hard to earn its reputation as a program where people who are at the end of their ropes – materially and emotionally – come to regain control of their lives. This is not simply a place to stay, but a place to change. Our approach is designed to empower and elevate guests during a time of crisis and desperation, when even they may not be capable of seeing their own potential.

Our programs rely on the generous financial and volunteer support of friends like you. We are constantly awed by the deep commitment of this community to our work and our guests. Thanks to a generous donor, any new or increased donations will be matched, up to $10,000!  Thank you for making a gift to the Lincoln Park Community Shelter today.

Many thanks,

Erin Ryan 

Executive Director

A little bit of inspiration...

Every day while working at the LPCS, I am reminded of the reasons I’m here. Beyond the desire to assist people as they improve their lives and end their homeless situation, the guests I work with constantly inspire me with they way they are making progress.

Like many guests, Dee has overcome some odds to improve herself.  She recognizes the need to take the steps to get to where she wants to be, even though a leap or jump is preferable.  We referred Dee to the CARA Program for job readiness and job training, where she has excelled in the classroom and in self discovery.  At the CARA program, the class participates in daily inspiration, where someone will share about themselves with the group.  One of these inspiring assignments was to write a letter to yourself.  Here is what Dee wrote:

“Dear Dee,

Guess what girl, I just love you.  You have really made me proud.  You have [come] a long way. You have really shown me that if you put your mind on something that Dee wants to do, that she can accomplish it.  When you said that you [were] going to quit using drugs, you succeeded, regardless of how you did it. No only that, you also stopped smoking cigarettes. Dee, where things went wrong and you thought there wasn’t hope, you stuck in there and you never gave up, even when you had to move from staying with your significant other because he left you after you had been in a 25 year relationship. I thought you were not going to make it, just coming out of recovery.  After the death of mother and grandmother, you’re still keeping your feet on the right path. After staying with daughter did not work out, Dee, you know that you are a strong lady.  Girl, you just don’t know how strong and determined you are....

Dee, I love you just for who you are. I even love you for making a change in your life. Staying at a shelter is a big step, but you have to start somewhere to get somewhere.  All you have to do is to get out of your own way and do the right thing....

Dee, I am proud of you.  Now you are at this program called CARA, and you have been staying motivated. You have been transformed all over again.  Girl, you make me want to cry everyday because I see you doing something positive with your life.”

Dee's story serves as inspiration not only to herself, but to those around her.  Keep up the good work, Dee.  It will all pay off in the end!

--Brianne Spresser, Case Manager

What does LPCS mean to me?

LPCS means a wonderful opportunity to those in need of re-establishing their lives for the better. Through the support and guidance of the staff at LPCS, individuals are able to better their goals, seek outside professional help, greater their self-esteem, make their future more promising, and build a cohort of peers along the way.

--Emily Klauder, Case Management Intern