Success Story  I grew up in a normal Christian household, completely ignorant of the dangers of the outside world. I met my ex-husband at 21 - he was funny and showered me with the attention. I noticed that he drank a lot and as time went on I found out he was using methamphetamine (meth). He never could keep a job.

I struggled with depression and feelings of worthlessness, and ultimately turned to meth to numb the pain of being beat all the time. I didn’t want to feel anymore, and with meth I didn’t. This is really where the roller coaster started. I put my daughter to the side and tried to hold onto my job to take care of our habit. I would stay up for days at a time wondering what I was doing to myself and my little girl.

Early one morning my brother knocked at my door. He said, “Let me in, I’m here to get my niece.” As I let him take my daughter he said to me “Get yourself together or I will be forced to call the Department of Human Services (DHS) and have her removed from your care.” He said “I love you. You are my sister and I am doing this for you both. If I can do anything to help you, call me.”

I didn’t want to feel the loss so I got my fix and went to work. I arrived at work and my boss called me into her office. She said “I am sending you for a drug test. If it is negative, you can come back to work. If it is positive I am going to have to terminate your employment.” I left and I knew I had just lost my job. All in one morning, I lost my daughter and my job. I thought the world was closing in on me.

I thought, “I lost my job, so I am going to lose my house, my car and everything I have. I have nothing left to live for.” I called my husband and told him we were done, that I was done with drugs, and I was not going to be around anymore and hung up. I was telling him I was going to kill myself.

I got vodka and all the pills I could find and proceeded to drink them down. Just as I was going to pass out I saw my daughter’s face and she was crying. She was crying because she didn’t have a mom or dad anymore. I picked up the phone and dialed 911. Three days later I woke up in intensive care at the hospital. I spent the next seven days in the psychiatric unit trying to figure out where I would go from here. Where was I going to live? What was next for my daughter? How was I going to fight these cravings? While in the hospital I was told I was pregnant. Now I thought “how am I going to take care of a baby - I can’t take care of me.”
 
During this  time I was also a student in college. I was getting my BS degree and I had some money in the bank. I rented an apartment in town. It didn’t take my ex-husband long to find me and he beat me for the last time. The police were called and they referred me to Cedar Valley Friends of the Family (CVFF).

This is where my life turned around. I told CVFF I had an eviction notice and that I was homeless. The counselor told me about a program - they would help me pay my rent as long as I volunteered every month, found a job, did a budget every week and worked with a counselor weekly.

During my time with CVFF, I have gotten a credit card paid off and another large bill taken care of. I have been in mental health counseling which has helped me to be free, and has taught me to speak up for what I want. The biggest achievement of all, I will be moving into a Habitat for Humanity home this summer. I thank CVFF for being the family I didn’t have. I know I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have without them. I have finished my BS degree, I have a career and my Habitat home.

The success story of a former CVFF Client.

We really make a difference

Transitional Housing Cedar Valley Friends of the Family has expanded the services for homeless families and individuals affected by domestic violence. The project represents an important link in the continuum of care for homeless households from rural Northeast Iowa. During a crisis, the homeless persons need emergency safe shelter. However, the shelter is only a short-term response. Homeless persons need longer lasting support as they struggle to restore their lives.

There are two primary goals associated with transitional housing:

1. Assist the participants in securing permanent housing.
   
2. Assist the participants in achieving self-sufficiency.

Expectations   What we require

Application Steps
How to get help

A participant may be referred by a human service agency or self-referred. The first step in the application process is to phone (319) 352-1108 or 1-800-410-7233. The Turning Point Project Administration team will determine participation eligibility based upon intake information and documentation. An eligible applicant may be required to have one's name placed on a waiting list pending the availability of a transitional housing rental assistance opening. For additional information contact: Cedar Valley Friends of the Family P.O. Box 784, 118 E. Bremer, Suite A,Waverly, IA. 50677 319-352-1108 or 1-800-410-SAFE (7233)

Eligibility
Are you eligible?

Benefits  

What we provide