Pacific Lifeline

Lucy's Story:

     I graduated from Pacific Lifeline in July of 2003. Since then I have been living on my own. I have been able to pay my rent, pay my bills, raise two children, go to school full time, and work. I am in a good place right now and I thank Pacific Lifeline for helping me along the way.

            I came to the shelter in January of 2003 because I was homeless. I don’t have any family here in the United States. I immigrated to USA in 1999 as a refugee from Bosnia. I was married when I first came to America. My marriage lasted for three years. In 2002 I separated from my husband and was on my own. I was able to afford my own apartment, had a good paying job, and was taking care of my children, but I had problems with my husband who wouldn’t let go. My safety and safety of my children was compromised. I had to leave everything I had and go to a safe place. This is why I came to Pacific Lifeline.

            It was hard in the beginning. I didn’t know what was going to happen to me and my children. At that time I couldn’t even dream about having my own place again. I already had a plan to go to a hotel if the shelter didn’t work out. It was terrifying not to be able to plan for the future, or not to be able to see any hope that things would get better. I was afraid of failure, but most of all I was afraid to have to go back with my ex. I knew I needed help, and I wasn’t sure that the shelter would give me the help I needed.

            During my first interview with the shelter staff, there was something about them that made me feel hopeful again. After I was accepted to the shelter I saw the staff therapist regularly every week for one hour. She helped me to deal with issues that I was afraid to deal with on my own. She guided me in my parenting and helped the connection between me and my children grow stronger. She encouraged me in my goals for the future. She motivated me not to give up when things didn’t go smooth. She was very happy when I chose nursing as my career, and she was at my graduation in June 2008. She was my daughter's grandmother when during “Grandmothers Day” at school because my daughter asked her to do it for her. There are no words to express how thankful I am for everything she did for us.

            Carmen, the Executive Director is the kindest person I’ve ever met. She makes you feel welcomed with her warm smile and a sincere hug. I admire her for everything she does for not only me, but many women and children who are currently in the shelter and for those who graduated. As a program director she takes on many responsibilities, and yet she is always ready to cheer somebody up. I just want her to know that her work is greatly appreciated.

           I would also like to mention the case worker at the shelter. She taught me how to set up a budget, and how to spend my money wisely. I learned how to believe in myself, and how to work towards my goals.

            It is not a coincidence that I came to Pacific Lifeline. I believe God wanted me to be there and to be surrounded by people who are able to guide me through the toughest time of my life. Pacific Lifeline is a homeless shelter. For some is only a building and nothing more. To me Pacific Lifeline is all the people who work hard to see me and people like me succeed. They encourage, motivate, guide, teach, and help you become a stronger person.

            Since I graduated from the shelter, I continue to keep in touch with families I met while I lived at Pacific Lifeline.  We understand each other because we know where we came from.  We lift up each other when we fall, and we celebrate when we succeed.  

        Now I am an ICU nurse at a local hospital.  I have continued to live on my own since leaving Pacific Lifeline; they helped me leave homelessness behind. My children are growing up with a new reality and a brighter future.

        Pacific Lifeline helped me when no one else was there for me. I am forever thankful for everything they have given me and my children. One day I hope to be able to be one of the volunteers and give back as much as I can.