I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. My parents abandoned me as a baby, and I was taken in by my extended family who provided a supportive childhood. I studied marketing in college and worked in tech for a few years, and then as a police officer. One day I got into a terrible accident which left me disabled and put me out of work. I left Puerto Rico in 2012 fleeing economic turmoil and seeking better opportunities in the states.
I settled in the Virgina, where I found myself in an extremely abusive relationship. I suffered constant beatings, which left me with permanent injuries. I was forced to move into a domestic violence shelter, where I stayed for several months. I lived in constant fear of my abuser, and knew I needed to leave Virginia so I could have a fresh start and begin to heal. I moved to Chicago and into the shelter at Cornerstone Community Outreach. My medical condition became more severe; I was battling PTSD, anxiety, back pain, nerve damage, and swelling throughout my body. While I was staying at Cornerstone, I visited the Daytime Support Center and learned about the services offered at Sarah’s Circle. After navigating service applications for months, my case manager informed me that I qualified for Permanent Supportive Housing with Sarah’s Circle.
I received the keys to my apartment on December 31st, 2013. When Sarah’s Circle gave me the keys to my own place, it was a dream. I was assigned a case manager, and we worked together to get me settled in my new home, secure a CTA pass, navigate legal systems, apply for disability benefits, and receive psychiatric and medical help. At Sarah’s Circle, I was also able to find a sense of community. I have my family here: my floor neighbors, my best friend, and the staff. People look out for each other here.
I still live in this same apartment and use Sarah’s Circle’s services every day. I regularly attend programming and workshops and even help other women with their Spanish.
Sarah’s Circle changed my life. They gave me support and encouragement to become more secure. Now I know my way. They gave me the tools to keep walking in the right direction.
