Shameka’s Story
Moving to Conway, South Carolina, to live with my adopted parents felt like my only option after everything fell apart. Before I relocated, I lost my father-in-law to COVID. Then, in just three months, I lost my fiancée, also to Covid, which was devastating. After that, everything went downhill. I lost our house, our cars, everything we had built together. It felt like my life was unraveling.
When I finally moved down to Conway, my son’s health problems became worse. He had sickle cell disease, and we ended up spending a lot of time in the hospital. It became too much for my adopted parents, and so they told me we would have to go to a shelter. This was during another stay at the hospital, and I was desperate, so I reached out to the social worker at the hospital who told me about New Directions family shelter. They were the ones who connected me to the shelter. It was a moment of both relief and heartbreak. I was determined to keep my family together, and this was my reality now.
We stayed at two different hotels for about two weeks before finally getting into the family shelter. I remember the date vividly – November 6, 2023. My case manager was a beacon of hope. She assured me that there was a room for us. Despite my initial nerves and feeling overwhelmed, the staff, Ms. Danielle and Ms. Juanita encouraged me, constantly reminding me that everything would be okay. Their support made a huge difference.
Living in the shelter was challenging, but it taught me patience and provided a sense of camaraderie. We were all in the same boat, striving for stability. It was comforting to find support among other families. We shared the same goals and struggles, which forged strong bonds and friendships.
In just under 8 months in the shelter, I moved into my own apartment. It was a monumental achievement, a symbol of a fresh start. I couldn't contain my excitement when they told me. My new place had two bedrooms, and it was incredibly quiet and safe. There were security cameras and keypads, adding to the sense of security. Plus, it was conveniently located near stores and schools, which was perfect for my kids.
Looking forward, I felt optimistic. I was set to start school next month, studying early childhood education. I have always loved working with kids, and I believe we need more dedicated teachers in this world. This new chapter was about more than just a career; it was about building a stable future for my family.
Throughout all these changes, I was especially grateful for the unwavering support from the shelter's staff. They helped me navigate through health challenges with my oldest son, who has sickle cell disease. His condition often scared me, but I learned to read the signs and act swiftly. The nearby firehouse and ambulance services provided an added layer of safety and peace of mind.
Reflecting on my journey, I realized how far I had come. The family shelter, with its dedicated workers and case managers, played a crucial role in my recovery. Their guidance and support were invaluable. I promised myself to keep moving forward, stay patient, and never lose hope. This experience taught me the importance of community and resilience, and I was ready to face the future with renewed strength. Thank You New Directions!