By Kim Spangler
If you've been driving our rural roads at all these past few weeks you will have noticed turtles on the tarmac...assorted shapes and shells. Or more appropriately, what remains of the assorted critters. You all have responded in times past that my mind veers off onto trails of unknown origin. Here is yet another trail tale. Lotsa road kill because our green little friends are too slow moving...not equipped to sense the danger. Hmmm...our clients are kinda like that.
Most of our new intakes are not only multi-issue, but they are recovering from very extremely poor life choices...they didn't see the danger coming when they chose to say "yes" or to do that or to move there. Our starting point with them is almost like after-action triage in the military-stop the "bleeding" and encourage them into the next step. So many of these are so emotionally wounded that the first steps include empathic listening, hugs and instilling hope.
Here are a few stats from this past month of 28 clients: 16 (WOW) have no transportation, 23 have learning, developmental or psych issues, 15 have recent abuse issues, 20 have a history of addiction. Get the picture? They are currently facing "roadkill" status unless we intervene to make a difference. AND...we will make a difference! Our 13-yr speaks to our successes.
This is an excellent example of the critical need for "Women on the Move" again! Please share this info with others as you read our press releases or hear us on the radio. We have a Community Challenge out there (you all rec'vd copy of release)...dollar for dollar matching to get this van transportation program back up and running! Spread the word...and the need!
And slow down for the turtles you encounter!
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