Discovering a New Life, With the Help of Waypoint

Deborah had always been an independent, strong, self-motivated woman. But when her marriage became an unhealthy relationship riddled with control and ultimately leading to divorce, Deborah had to seek help for her and her two children. “I went from a lucrative career in the Army to being at the Waypoint Madge Phillips Center Shelter.” Deborah shared how she is surprised at how her life has unfolded and how Waypoint is “helping me help myself.”

“I joined the Army in 1992.” As an Army Military Police Officer for ten years, Deborah is proud of how she served her country. “I toured all over including Kuwait, Mogadishu, Germany, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Korea…” It was in the army that Deborah met her husband. When they were both released from duty in 2002, they came to his hometown in Iowa to marry and start a family.

Deborah and her husband had a daughter and a son but as time passed the relationship became “…hurtful, painful, and frustrating. He isolated us and we were totally dependent on him. No money, no car, no job, no friends or family. Just him.” In March of 2009, the police were called into their home and her husband was arrested due to a domestic dispute. “It was then that I realized the unhealthy relationship was affecting my kids.” Deborah’s husband moved out and the divorce was filed.

Deborah was left to care for the children and take care of their home with no job, no money, and no car. Determined to do what’s best for her children, Deborah quickly obtained a job and was able to secure a car. It was no sooner that she was beginning to feel she had control that things began to spin out. In June 2009, her 15 month old son was hospitalized for a surgery due to chronic ear infections. One month later, her six year old daughter had surgery for a hernia. In August, Deborah was laid off from her job and her car broke down shortly thereafter. With nowhere else to turn, Deborah and her children came Madge Phillips Center Shelter.

“When so many issues come at you at one time, you need someone to help you chart the long term plan. Waypoint staff helped me see the issues, prioritize them, and take care of them by showing me the resources available to me.” While residing at the shelter, Deborah was grateful for a safe, warm place to stay but also for the supportive staff. “They helped me find myself and discover there are things out there for me. It is an atmosphere that enabled me to breathe and empowered me do what I need to get done. It is not a band-aid.” During her stay at the Madge Phillips Center Shelter, Deborah re-enrolled into a college nursing program, secured an apartment for her family, and began accessing VA Services and other community resources to help her obtain a stable, self-sufficient life.

Today, Deborah is continuing to utilize the services at Waypoint. She continues to meet with the Waypoint Post-Shelter Outreach Specialist; she accesses food and toiletries from the Waypoint Daytime Resource Program; and she and her children attend the weekly support groups. “Gaining self-sufficiency and independence doesn’t happen overnight. It’s so important that victims get the help and support they need. I’m just starting to get my self-worth and dignity back. The services at Waypoint are very important to our community.”